My imagination has been captured of late by the concept of ‘courage’ – that crystalline intangible that defines some authors and causes their words to reach us at the core.
What is it that characterizes some artists as ‘brave’, in a world where so many miss the mark?
Is it the refusal to shirk the truth? For I believe ‘truth’ is at the heart of all great works, even – no, especially – those of fiction.
Is it the author’s willingness to embrace ideas that are not yet popular, whose time is yet to come? Maybe it’s a brutal exploration of the past, either personal or societal, that lifts some books to that higher level.
If I, as a writer, aspire to write with ‘courage’, then I must first understand what exactly it is that marks a work as ‘brave’, ‘honest’, ‘cutting’.
Maybe it’s the shutting of one’s eyes as one writes – the feeling of one’s inner self surging forth onto the page…the screen…the world.
Perhaps it is nothing more or less than the writer’s willingness to fail or to succeed on his or her own terms.
To those great writers who have already earned this badge, I salute you with my heart.
Donna Carrick, December 6, 2009
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Comments (12)
Lovely post! I whole-heartedly agree. Courage often comes from standing by the truth and honour, and refusing to compromise your ethics. Writers, like all other folks, MUST do this!
Posted by Jemi Fraser | December 6, 2009 2:15 PM
Posted on December 6, 2009 14:15
Donna,
Love this topic. Loved your points and insightful comments. It does take courage to put your work out into the world for all to see.
Thanks for being such an encouragement and opening our minds to such vital topics.
Dawn Herring
JournalWriter Freelance
Be Refreshed!
Posted by Dawn Herring | December 6, 2009 5:55 PM
Posted on December 6, 2009 17:55
I've always thought that "brave" authors are the ones who write, as you say, with willingness to fail/succeed on own terms.
I read once that courage does not mean no fear, but rather acting despite it.
I guess writers should have the courage to put the words down despite the fear.
Thanks for this post!
Posted by Marisa Birns | December 6, 2009 9:22 PM
Posted on December 6, 2009 21:22
Thanks for the comments, guys, it's always good to share thoughts with other writers. Sometimes we have to give our words permission to be honest, despite consequences. We can often be surprised to learn that others share our feelings. Best to all, Donna
Posted by Donna Carrick | December 7, 2009 8:42 AM
Posted on December 7, 2009 08:42
Can I just insert the word 'emotional' in front of where you'd written 'Truth is at the heart of all great works'? I think it's about emotional truth and emotional intelligence - all the stories (all 7 of them) have been written already; what makes them fresh is the author's voice and the emotional responses of their characters to the same basic scenarios.
But I also agree with you about the courage to delve into big ideas - The British are very reticent to go there, whereas the french have no problem in tackling big philosophical themes.
Thanks for great post
Posted by marc nash | December 7, 2009 9:23 AM
Posted on December 7, 2009 09:23
Yes, Marc, I agree, many writers feel awkward in exploring big ideas. We sometimes feel it's all been done before, or we're staging 'grandiose'. But even small stories involve big ideas, if the writer brings courage to them and can connect with an emotional response between himself and the reader.
Posted by Donna Carrick | December 7, 2009 9:27 AM
Posted on December 7, 2009 09:27
Thanks Donna, but there are so many 'new' big ideas (not really new, just not approached in literature all that much). All the scientific discoveries are little more than metaphors anyway (particles that don't exist but ought to/ string theory, theory of mind etc) - these open up a rich new subject matter. Green Issues, Dumbibg down with Celebrity Culture etc etc.
All meat for me to feast on as a writer....
Posted by marc nash | December 7, 2009 9:44 AM
Posted on December 7, 2009 09:44
Donna,
What a lovely post! We must write with courage, confidence and honesty, or, our writings have no meaning. It is that 'crystalline intangible' (your beautiful words) that will set your work apart from others.
I am on my way to writing without fear, thanks to all of your insightful and encouraging words.
Warmest Regards,
Cynthia
Posted by Cynthia Schuerr | December 7, 2009 10:01 AM
Posted on December 7, 2009 10:01
Your post was beautiful, thought provoking and inspiring. Thanks for taking that courageous step to share.
Posted by Cat Woods | December 7, 2009 11:35 AM
Posted on December 7, 2009 11:35
Hi, Cynthia, Hi, Cat, thanks for dropping in.
I'm determined as I chip away at my current work to keep this thought in mind. Best in writing, Donna
Posted by Donna Carrick | December 7, 2009 4:16 PM
Posted on December 7, 2009 16:16
There are many forms of courage, but at the heart of all is the willingness to speak a truth that needs telling without regard to how it will affect you as a writer. I admire authors who can do that. They deserve all the accolades they get.
~jon
Posted by J. M. Strother | December 12, 2009 8:56 PM
Posted on December 12, 2009 20:56
I agree, Jon. Sometimes this is a large dramatic truth, sometimes a small kernel, part of daily living. When we encounter that truth in fiction, it deserves our admiration.
Posted by Donna Carrick | December 13, 2009 9:49 PM
Posted on December 13, 2009 21:49