Question for writers

Hi everyone,

I’m new to this pod, and I wanted to start off by asking my fellow writers a question:

In Page after Page, the author states that the input that goes into writing is public, and what comes out, what you actually write, should remain private. That is, you should read and talk to other writers and discuss books and writing and all you love about it, but when you actually sit down to write, that should be your own personal affair and shouldn’t be discussed until after the fact. Writers have to be very secretive, she says, and the same time very communal.

I would like to know how writers around me feel about this. Is this an accurate description of your writing practice?

Re: Question for writers

It's interesting because to me, I find that when I get together to talk about writing with fellow writers, discussion of the craft is seldom involved.  These days I am more involved in writing screenplays, so I will talk with other writers about the films they have seen and enjoyed, but again, actual discussion of the craft seldom happens.

I have found that more often than not, I will often talk to other writers about life, philosophy and whatever it is that serves as inspiration or the fodder of writing. 

I guess when it comes to the process, then yes, for me it tends to be pretty private, though I do enjoy writing in public places.  Often times being surrounded by the energy of other people who are familiar but not necessarily friends, provides a source of energy and inspiration.

When it comes to editing my scripts, I will come to a circle of my most trusted friends to help provide feedback for the process, but I will once again return to a solitary mode for my actual editing.

Hope that gives you some insight.  Thanks for the question!

–D.