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Jack Morris's avatar

My own experience (v much a personality thing) is that I needed the scaffolding of technique whilst I found my voice, but I’ve learnt (and unlearnt) enough craft now to trust my own judgement - and also to trust the answer (to why something isn’t working) will turn up eventually.

I do enjoy a lot of the craft chat - especially on technique - it’s more like an adjacent hobby to the writing, however.

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Meg Pokrass's avatar

Yes. I agree that learning craft and 'craft talk' is terrific! I also believe that at some point it's good to remember to FORGET about it entirely, and write from a non-intellectual, deeply curious place. I have noticed that some of my best writing came from a time before I knew so much and was simply excited.. deeply excited about finding my voice.

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Andrei Atanasov's avatar

So I’m not the only one who has this problem! But then how does one improve, if the very process of learning is counterproductive? This is exactly what I’m struggling with right now. I try to read tons of flash fiction stories published in magazines and books, analyze them for craft, and when it comes time to apply that knowledge, all it does is flood me with expectations. And then I’m stuck, and can only get unstuck by starting work on something else.

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Meg Pokrass's avatar

Hi. Thank you so much for this. I need to clarify. For me there is nothing wrong with writing workshops and learning craft. It's good stuff, and I'm sorry if my wording was misleading. I lead flash workshops and hope that my students improve, not through how I "teach them" per se, but through getting them writing and then offering editorial feedback. We learn by reading good stuff, writing a lot and having a smart pair of editorial eyes (or many pairs of eyes!) on our stories. For me, there are 2 distinct parts of the writing process. 1. writing freely, unselfconsciously and FORGETTING EVERYTHING I KNOW. 2. Knowing how to shape/edit/improve the raw material. Studying craft is useful, particularly when it comes to revision, I feel. And yet if I indulge in too much 'craft talk' I can easily become self conscious and lazy about the writing part. There is some kind of balance and it's a very personal one, I feel.

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Kelli Short Borges's avatar

YES, to this!!

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Federico's avatar

And you're such a master of the short form, Meg! I love how, with all those exemplars, models, and prompt words swirling around in your mind, you still enjoy the freedom to sit down and let the words flow. How wonderful that you can tune out the noise and write from the heart. :)

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Meg Pokrass's avatar

That’s very kind! Thank you. It’s the only way I can write..

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Louella Lester's avatar

Exactly! 😊

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Meg Pokrass's avatar

🥰

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Liz Gauffreau's avatar

You'll get no argument from me about that approach. It works!

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