That is some of the best writing advice I've ever received, Brooke. Messy! Endless! And truthfully, that's what I like about it. SO much writing instruction I encounter is all way too formulaic for me to connect with. There is something organic and unexpected about writing that keeps me addicted to it, and keeps me resisting the sort of advice that would wring that messiness out of me. So glad you are ... working ... in such a lovely place. Hope you find some time to be bratty and off the clock!
Dear dear Brooke. This is such a gift. I can’t thank you enough for your exquisite summary of Rushdie’s advice. As I wrestle with this book that’s haunted me for decades I experience this daily. Such words of wisdom (and your dedication to all of us) inspire me to keep going. Keep wrestling. Keep holding onto faith in the darkness. I love you.
I love all of this, particularly #1, although all of it speaks right to the core of writing. And it felt kind of good to know that Salman Rushdie shares one of the things I often tell my students--which is you don't always know where your beginning will show up--it could be near the end! But all of it is inspiring and beautiful. Thank you for sharing it Brooke--and how I hope to make it to this conference one of these days!
I’m writing this morning, and it’s a mess. I was wavering with a story that I must tell, and the universal timing and theme here is perfect. I’m thankful and grateful 🙏.
Fantastic writing advice! I know my story has been inside me for years, waiting to get on the page. The obstacles are just that—they are not allowed to stop me from writing what I need to write. I needed to hear this. Perfect timing.
I love this, and thanks for sharing his wisdom and yours. It IS a mess, and I love those magical moments in writing where we see a new path to take, or get an insight or a poetic little nugget to include. Writing changes my brain, helping me become more creative and open. I’m sure there’s dopamine involved too. :)
It's a mess and it doesn't get easier...Okay, I can live with that. It's even strangely reassuring. But I like to think I can improve. Takeaway--improvement doesn't mean it will be easier or less messy. So look for improvement to show up (if it DOES show up) in the quality of my writing.
Thanks for sharing.Salman Rushdie's wisdom and your own too – a great comfort as I plough through the mess of my second memoir. Enjoy Kauai and the conference. Mahalo!
Thank you, thank you. I've been in a middle of a mess for about a month with my book, and, even entertaining some version of "something's wrong" while giving myself space at the same time. This was a beautiful article. What freedom, the inclusion of the mess!
I loved the part about letting go of all the many hours of writing, and starting newly, when the truth reveals itself that that is what there is to do. It's like following the North Star of the Muse.
I had the great fortune to hear Salman Rushdie yesterday at the KWC and attend your memoir class with Amy Ferris. I left with a gift bag filled with gold nuggets of inspiration and permission to keep writing, no matter how difficult or messy, to be patient, to embrace shame, to write what I love and love what I write, and to trust that my story needs to be told if only for my redemption. By sharing our stories, we allow each other to embrace all our messy, beautiful imperfections. I have a magnet next to my sink that reminds me every day about embracing it all.
“Embrace the imperfections, the chaos, the holy mess of your beautiful life.”
We are all holy; we are all a mess.
We must bravely show up inside our beautifully messy, often complicated lives:
To tell our stories, to speak our truth, and to honor our voice.”
Wow! Cool about Kauai having a writers conference! I attended the Maui Writers Conference for years-- till it gave up the ghost. Alooooohaa!! Also, what a list of heavy hitters!
That is some of the best writing advice I've ever received, Brooke. Messy! Endless! And truthfully, that's what I like about it. SO much writing instruction I encounter is all way too formulaic for me to connect with. There is something organic and unexpected about writing that keeps me addicted to it, and keeps me resisting the sort of advice that would wring that messiness out of me. So glad you are ... working ... in such a lovely place. Hope you find some time to be bratty and off the clock!
Dear dear Brooke. This is such a gift. I can’t thank you enough for your exquisite summary of Rushdie’s advice. As I wrestle with this book that’s haunted me for decades I experience this daily. Such words of wisdom (and your dedication to all of us) inspire me to keep going. Keep wrestling. Keep holding onto faith in the darkness. I love you.
Love you! Miss you being here.
Thank you, Kathy. I am getting out into the world, and into the ocean. ❤️
I love all of this, particularly #1, although all of it speaks right to the core of writing. And it felt kind of good to know that Salman Rushdie shares one of the things I often tell my students--which is you don't always know where your beginning will show up--it could be near the end! But all of it is inspiring and beautiful. Thank you for sharing it Brooke--and how I hope to make it to this conference one of these days!
Thanks Brooke for sharing Rushdie’s wisdom and your own~ glad to have found my way to you in the midst of my writing mess. Enjoy your time!
I’m writing this morning, and it’s a mess. I was wavering with a story that I must tell, and the universal timing and theme here is perfect. I’m thankful and grateful 🙏.
On to less murky!
Fantastic writing advice! I know my story has been inside me for years, waiting to get on the page. The obstacles are just that—they are not allowed to stop me from writing what I need to write. I needed to hear this. Perfect timing.
I love this, and thanks for sharing his wisdom and yours. It IS a mess, and I love those magical moments in writing where we see a new path to take, or get an insight or a poetic little nugget to include. Writing changes my brain, helping me become more creative and open. I’m sure there’s dopamine involved too. :)
Sounds like you’re having a great time!
Great recap, I really appreciated these points too. Thanks for this post!
It's a mess and it doesn't get easier...Okay, I can live with that. It's even strangely reassuring. But I like to think I can improve. Takeaway--improvement doesn't mean it will be easier or less messy. So look for improvement to show up (if it DOES show up) in the quality of my writing.
Undoubtedly we improve with each book, even if it doesn't get easier. : )
Thanks for sharing.Salman Rushdie's wisdom and your own too – a great comfort as I plough through the mess of my second memoir. Enjoy Kauai and the conference. Mahalo!
Sounds like a really fun conference. Happy to hear you are having a good time.
Many thanks, as always, for the clarity you bring into the world of writing. I value your perspective and the way you inspire me to ponder further...
I enjoyed our time together. I look forward to the many lessons ahead of us.
So wonderful to meet you IRL, Denise!
Thank you, thank you. I've been in a middle of a mess for about a month with my book, and, even entertaining some version of "something's wrong" while giving myself space at the same time. This was a beautiful article. What freedom, the inclusion of the mess!
I loved the part about letting go of all the many hours of writing, and starting newly, when the truth reveals itself that that is what there is to do. It's like following the North Star of the Muse.
I had the great fortune to hear Salman Rushdie yesterday at the KWC and attend your memoir class with Amy Ferris. I left with a gift bag filled with gold nuggets of inspiration and permission to keep writing, no matter how difficult or messy, to be patient, to embrace shame, to write what I love and love what I write, and to trust that my story needs to be told if only for my redemption. By sharing our stories, we allow each other to embrace all our messy, beautiful imperfections. I have a magnet next to my sink that reminds me every day about embracing it all.
“Embrace the imperfections, the chaos, the holy mess of your beautiful life.”
We are all holy; we are all a mess.
We must bravely show up inside our beautifully messy, often complicated lives:
To tell our stories, to speak our truth, and to honor our voice.”
Kelly Rae Roberts
Thank you, Annee. Happy for these parallel experiences we're having.
Thank you for sharing. This is so inspiring for all writers.
Thank you for sharing Rushdie with us. Comments so helpful!
Wow! Cool about Kauai having a writers conference! I attended the Maui Writers Conference for years-- till it gave up the ghost. Alooooohaa!! Also, what a list of heavy hitters!