Many papers published about learning to write seems to have one line of thoughts in common. They address individuals feeling inadequate and wanting to improve their performance in one way or another. They often give a recipe: ”do this follow by that and then you will reach your goal”.
I find these papers disrespectful. There are no free lunches. Do you live by a method or technique and want to be someone special then you are barking along an alley of no success. You have to live in the unique life being your life. If you intend to write a novel you have to make it your way. Authenticity always shows itself and does pay off.
No one is immune to this problem. Not even bright individuals. They use their special advantages in avoiding obstacles on the social arena. They develop a technique of living instead of living in their life. For a long time I have followed that route.
The other day, I followed my grandson to a minor cup in playing football. At the wall in the cafeteria I saw a sign posted by the local team of trainers. This sign gave a few elementary rules they wanted trainers to follow. They did also address anyone watching the games; parents and spectators. I read the following:
- Never control the ball carrier. The player must be given the opportunity to find creative solutions for all situations. If you control the ball holder you give one option and remove many. – Better with 11 smart players than one smart coach.
These simple sentences hit me. I would prefer any fellow human being interesting in helping others to live and play to adopt the attitude behind the above mentioned sentences.
Göran Stille 
So, Goren, are you saying that the struggle to overcome the barriers to writing Is a necessary part of learning to write successfully? If so, I think you are right, but I also think that one can benefit from the support of a community of writers who have been there. Even with support and pointers, struggle doesn’t magically disappear and authenticity doesn’t magically appear. I am writing me. I always have. Now, I believe I tell a better story. Still, I haven’t lost the “me-ness” I just express it better. Dr. Bob
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Love that ball analogy… funny, I’ve just been watching a MasterClass on “Creativity and Leadership” taught by Anna Wintour, the famous editor of Vogue, and she has the same or similar philosophy: no micromanagement. She believes that empowered team members filled with passion for their work, given free reign within their given domain, is what gets phenomenal results.
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