Anybody out there watch American Idol? Okay, so yeah, I’m an Idol geek, but honestly, I really have been thinking a lot about what they mean by “artist” as opposed to “singer.” Or in my case, am I a “writer” who’s just crafting a credible story shape or an “artist?” Let’s be honest here, all romance has a general kind of structure and shape. Category even more so because it’s shorter. Blazes are just over half the length of my historicals. So, just on the basis of word count, there is less room to wander from the beaten romance path.
But there is still a lot of room for innovation, right? Of course so! Just as there is a lot of room for individual interpretation of one song or another. So…does that mean I’m an artist because I’m working to be innovative and special in my Blazes? Er…sort of.
“Artist” translates in my mind to the word “inspire”. I’m inspired to write the story on some level, and hopefully my reader is inspired when reading it. Every book has a message. Often, I’m not even aware of the message—in what I read or what I write—but it’s there, overtly or subtly. In romance, yes, it’s that love can fix anything (or makes even the crap feel less crappy). But every romance is equally about the search for love, how do you define true love (is it really just hot sex?), and why does this particular story deserve my attention? What does it have to say to me the reader (or what do I the writer have to say to the reader) to justify their money and their time? In short…how will the story inspire?
This is really hard! Inspiration is a lot more difficult to come by than perspiration. I can craft a credible story. I’ve been doing that for years. But something that inspires both me and the reader? Ack…that’s hard. And lately, it’s freezing me up. But without it, my writing feels flat.
Okay, yeah, so I’ve got a June 1 deadline and I’m whining. Really, I need to quit being so fracking cerebral and just finish the book. I can think about inspiration and artistry late at night with a glass of wine (whine). And maybe surrender to the muse and allow her to flow through me without so much of my brain interfering. (“Surrender” has been another key word for me lately.) See, that’s the hard part about the muse and me. She’s there, waiting to help. She is for all of you, too. But my brain gets in the way. I think about inspiration and artistry without opening up to the feeling of it. I would rather sweat rather than emote.
Okay, your turn. What does “artistry” mean to you?
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I’ve never been sure about this “muse” flowing through me, she always seems to be out at Starbucks when I need her. But I think we all strive for “artistry” wanting to have our stories be compelling. Short page length, long page length, it really boils down to the story and the fact that you CARE abut the characters. Come on, we’ve all read literary pieces that we said we loved, as we hold our pinky up from the teacup, because we were told we should, if we love literature. Everyone should read books that make them happy… it will bring world peace
I don’t know how I think about artistry — I think that’s putting too much pressure on it all, honestly. I just think about it as writing, as craft, as something I do and enjoy, most of the time.
Nothing worse than the frozen feeling, that really awful tight, clutching stress that freezes us up now and then. I find time away from writing helps — talking with friends, sewing, gardening, reading… refilling the well. But also trying to remember what makes writing joyful and fun. I think the muse likes to play far more than she likes to work.
Other times, you just have to crack down and get it done, even if it feels like suck. Ironically, a few of the books that I had the hardest time writing were the best received, including Untouched, which finaled in the Ritas, so I don’t think you can trust the “feeling” about writing… How many times do we feel like we’re “inspired” but we’re writing crap? LOL So, the best we can do is just keep writing, and remember, editors are there on the other side to help us fix whatever doesn’t work the first time through! We’re never alone in this.
Sam
I don’t know how I think about artistry — I think that’s putting too much pressure on it all, honestly. I just think about it as writing, as craft, as storytelling, as something I do and enjoy, most of the time.
Nothing worse than the frozen feeling, that really awful tight, clutching stress that freezes us up now and then. I find time away from writing helps — talking with friends, sewing, gardening, reading… refilling the well. But also trying to remember what makes writing joyful and fun. I think the muse likes to play far more than she likes to work.
Other times, you just have to crack down and get it done, even if it feels like suck. Ironically, a few of the books that I had the hardest time writing were the best received, including Untouched, which finaled in the Ritas, so I don’t think you can trust the “feeling” about writing… How many times do we feel like we’re “inspired” but we’re writing crap? LOL So, the best we can do is just keep writing, and remember, editors are there on the other side to help us fix whatever doesn’t work the first time through! We’re never alone in this.
Sam
Sorry for the double post — if TPTB want to delete the first one, please do — I tried to stop it to add one word, and it apparently thought I was posting twice. Apologies.
Sam
I don’t think much about artistry, unless you mean being in the zone of creativity where craft exists but inspiration rules. (wow….was that pithy?)
Another time I feel that surge is during brainstorming sessions where that moment comes where everything clicks. Had that happen this weekend where I saw the path appear and didn’t even need notes. My brain was simply imprinted with a new direction and off I’ll go, with the deep knowledge of how RIGHT this new path is. (I) (K)
And off I go to get started!
Bonnie
Oooohhh Bonnie…That was pithy. And really well put. That’s exactly what I’m looking for…that place where craft exists but inspiration rules. You are brilliant! Now…um…where is it? I tried Google Maps, but couldn’t find it…
Jade, when you find it, leave bread crumbs.
and send up flares *g*
Hey Jade–I just want to say that I love your books. You tell a great story with characters I root for. Isn’t that the most important thing? (Y)
Thank you Cathryn! And maybe…yeah, that’s the most important thing.