Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Why Writing is Like Sculpting


This week I'm madly sculpting away, trying to get a few more of these funky art dolls ready for a show next week. Of course, if I'd just hunkered down and made one every day or two I wouldn't have this problem. But we all know that instead of sticking to a schedule, I wasted time lounging in the sun reading and flopping around the internet. So now the deadline is almost upon me and I don't have much to show for it.

So, how is sculpting even remotely similar to writing, you ask? Well, if you read my post from a few days ago you'd know that it all comes down to starting. I don't think it matters how many sculptures I sculpt, paintings I paint, or books I write, it's always a little intimidating to start. Looking at a chunk of clay can be thrilling, but it can also be daunting. It seems like so much work. (You mean I have to get my hands dirty?) But once I get the armature built and start flinging the clay around I'm always excited about what starts to emerge.

The same goes for writing. It's too easy to sit on your hands, afraid that writing your story is just too much work, but once you start flinging those words around it's sure exciting to see something start to emerge.

4 comments:

  1. Exactly what I said on your prior post. It's the STARTING that is most difficult because that is the beginning of dedication to the exclusion of everything else. Once we've STARTED, dedication follows automatically.

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  2. Dana, I don't know why it won't let me reply to your comment. I just wanted to say that you're last comment really got me thinking about starting. Isn't it too bad that we can't just do it once and call it good.

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  3. I love your dolls, what show are you going too?
    you have such a great style and fun personality.
    take care

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