The Little Writer's Group

Writing is Art

If I were to ask you what art is, how would you answer?

Art is everywhere and is such a broad subject it's almost impossible to find a fitting definition. When we narrow it down to the talents such painting, sketching, and writing as I am doing in this chapter, it is much easier to define. Art - to me - is the way to make the world a better place to live in. It is the words forming a story on a boring white piece of paper.

When I'm not writing I enjoy sketching and painting although I'm not exceptionally amazing at either. Lot's of what I've learnt while indulging myself in these artistic hobbies also apply strongly to writing. Most of the tips I'll be sharing are a little obvious, but are often looked over as not important. Feel free to share your comments on each tip so we can enhance our knowledge and widen our views on the most wonderful topic of all.

#1 It is impossible to immediately translate the perfect image inside your head onto paper. 

*You need the scribbly outlines, the brief messy images, and the embarrassing mistakes in order to reach your imagined masterpiece.

*Sometimes the end product turns out completely different than what you had planned. Moreover, it turns out better than planned.

*The finished piece always seems to turn out better if you accept making mistakes rather than if you start off worrying about being absolutely perfect the first try.

*I love the concept of messy rough drafts because it reflects the messy mind of artists and writers and shows that they can be transformed into something beautiful and appealing.

#2  Art rarely looks good to it's creator.

*We dislike our work because we compare it to others and inside we know "we could have done better." 

Story time: I have my paintings displayed in the living room and I'm always criticizing them for the same reasons stated above. Surprisingly, when my family came to visit they all liked the paintings although I couldn't see how and one of my aunts actually bought a couple of them! That was pretty exciting and it really helped reveal to me that my creations aren't as bad as I think. People like your work! Have some faith in yourself for goodness sake! Don't hide your talent from the world because you're ashamed of it.

*Having standards for yourself is good because it keeps you pushing for the better.

*Despising your current creations because of your standards is not good; it is unacceptable. No one ever becomes a master on their first try so stop degrading your work and progress. Someday after all the struggles we writers push ourselves through we will achieve our dreams and goals.

#3 Writing is art! 

*Try out various methods and styles. Someone day your very own writing style will jump out at you.

*It's OKAY to copy other authors once in a while.

*Write for yourself. Seriously! Make this a reminder on your phone if you have to. Ignore every thought saying "what if no one will ever like this?" If you like it, I guarantee others will like it too.

*Expressing yourself makes art so unique and books so intriguing. If people were limited to creativity, art would be so bland and I would not be reading or writing.

*There is no wrong way to write a book. Publishers are the only ones who ever say otherwise and in the end the author always wins.

I hope this chapter was fun and helped show to you that there's no reason to give up. Whenever you're in a dark, gloomy writer sickness, come back to this chapter for inspiration. Once again don't forget to comment and share. Thanks so much for all your support and sticking with me while I write these chapters like a sloth.❤️

Question of the week! What are your favourite artistic talents besides writing?