Everything I learned, I learned in kindergarten. That's a popular saying, but I beg to differ. I think the last couple of things I've learned (lately) I learned from my dog.
* Don't be afraid of being big-headed sometimes... at least inwardly.
Okay, I'm not saying anyone should walk around full of arrogance. However, writing is hard. Being a writer is even harder. Deep down inside, you have to have a core of confidence in order to keep slogging forward.
Bruce Springsteen said it best this past weekend on CBS Sunday Morning. Unfortunately, I didn't write it down, but it boils down to this: artists make it because someone said they'd never make it and someone else thought they were the second coming.
Keep it a secret (most of the time), but know your strengths. Are you capable of crafting a decent phrase? Can you make people laugh? Can you make readers cry? Get puffed up when you write something that sings across the page... but keep the puffiness to yourself.
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| Radar looks like he has an abnormally large head, which is weird, because there's no need for much room for the gray matter... Actually, he's quite intelligent but does some crazy-stupid things sometimes.
* Be ready to take a break when you need to.
Don't feel bad about taking a break from writing to read a good book. Or going on a walk with the dog. (Radar would really like that.) Writing taxes the brain. Doing something else will help reboot the brain and ultimately, our writing will be better.
In the picture below, if you can't tell what that chewed-up "plate" is at Radar's feet, it's one of his beloved Frisbees.
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Howboutchou? What have you learned lately from your dog, your cat, your horse or your kid?
From Puppy Jack, I learned not to hug with my mouth open, because an extra-long tongue likes to clean my teeth.
ReplyDeleteDon't know how that applies to my writing, though. Any clues?
Maybe don't hang out with writer friends who love your style? They might try to nudge/prod/shove you into writing a book...
DeleteGreat post, Sioux. I haven't felt very writerly in WAY too long, but I've begun a little bit again, in bits and pieces. What have I learned from my dog(s)? Since losing Vern, and then recently adopting Charlie, I can only feel "schmaltzy" when answering that question. All four of my furry family members have taught me about unconditional love, and joy, and redemption. BTW, Radar is adorable!
ReplyDeleteBecky--I agree. Dogs are bundles of unconditional love. And they have a way to help us heal.
DeleteRadar says, "Thanks." (Unfortunately for us, he already knows how cute he is.)
Yesterday from my cats I learned that bringing in a rat trumps bringing in a worm but a screaming frog beats them both! I learn from my dog (Gus) every day, mostly that while it's endearing to smile when you see people you love, it's probably better to lift both sides of you mouth when you do it rather than one because that just makes you look a bit weird. All of which I find totally translates into my writing.
ReplyDeleteSarah--Chicken Soup for the Soul is looking for dog stories AND cat stories. Your cat bringing you "gifts" made me laugh. Perhaps you have some stories you could send Chicken Soup's way?
DeleteExcellent points--well done, Radar (and Sioux)! I learned from Libs that if you give a dog a treat enough times after going potty, she'll go potty when you need her to go. So I'm thinking if I were to get a treat every time I got something written, I'd get a lot more written, right?
ReplyDeleteCathy--I think if you wrote enough and got enough treats, you would end up being plagued by permanent butt-in-chair syndrome... because something would be too wide to extract from the chair. But by all means, try it, although from the sounds of it, you're getting plenty of writing done.
DeleteTake a break so the writing doesn't break you is the best advice. I know writers who swear you must write daily to be called a good writer. I disagree. I write better when I am refreshed, even if that means backing away for a day or two. Your radar is fun one.
ReplyDeleteLinda--I'm with you. If I push it too much, I get burned out and the writing I DO get done is boring. And yes, Radar is a fun pup.
DeleteMy dogs have taught me that perseverance pays. When they're in the mood for treats, there's no stopping them, even if they've been told no. They hang around, tails wagging, and usually end up getting something because they're just so damn cute. The cat has taught me all about the self image I wish I had. lol
ReplyDeleteLisa--It's been a while since we've had a cat, but I remember their inflate opinion of themselves, and my daughter has three cats.
DeleteMaybe it's the Egyptians' fault...
And dogs don't give up. Radar is the same. He's ever hopeful. (Wouldn't we be happier if we always were full of hope?)
I've learned not to take them for granted. Our dog Nana is part of the family, as is our weird cat, who makes us laugh and wonder what the heck she thinks is chasing her when she dashes from room to room at the speed of sound.
ReplyDeleteMary--We used to have cats and they ARE a puzzle. It seems especially at night they went crazy with their antics.
DeleteWith my cat lately, I've learned I can get really angry... something I don't like. Then of course, I feel bad for yelling at the silly thing, but boy, he is a brat! I've realized why I'm so exhausted - I'm not getting sleep because of him. When he gets me out of bed, after knocking everything off--counters, night stands, etc, and once I'm out of bed, he turns around and goes to sleep. But I got him today, I kept waking him up! Ha.
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