Depends on what you mean by worth it. I'm learning the "show, don't tell," too, but what I've learned from other arts is that you have to keep the long-term vision in mind. What you have now will be imperfect, sometimes clumsy, often frustrating to you. In 10 years, what you have will still be that, but it will be 10 years of practice better than it was. If the goal is to be thought an expert writer right now, the process isn't worth it because that won't happen. If the goal is to put your words into the world, touching the heart and mind a little bit more effectively with each piece, then the process is worth it. Do you have a timeline for arriving at your goal which could make the process not worth it if the desired results don't happen by that time, or are you willing to enter the process for the rest of your time writing? A skill will get easier and easier as you practice thoughtfully, but that doesn't mean you'll ever be able to stop practicing.
I think my struggle is even broader than my own lack of skills. I know the "Show, Don't Tell" advice strengthens a narrative, but I wonder how it works in narrative or creative non-fiction. Most non-fiction writers I follow are far more "telly" than "showy." I think I am struggling to find a combination that works in non-fiction. Robert MacFarlane's "Is a River Alive" has a combination of both and it really deepens the impact of the "tells" to have them combined with "shows." What are your favorite narrative non-fiction books that might help me see this balance in action?
Depends on what you mean by worth it. I'm learning the "show, don't tell," too, but what I've learned from other arts is that you have to keep the long-term vision in mind. What you have now will be imperfect, sometimes clumsy, often frustrating to you. In 10 years, what you have will still be that, but it will be 10 years of practice better than it was. If the goal is to be thought an expert writer right now, the process isn't worth it because that won't happen. If the goal is to put your words into the world, touching the heart and mind a little bit more effectively with each piece, then the process is worth it. Do you have a timeline for arriving at your goal which could make the process not worth it if the desired results don't happen by that time, or are you willing to enter the process for the rest of your time writing? A skill will get easier and easier as you practice thoughtfully, but that doesn't mean you'll ever be able to stop practicing.
I think my struggle is even broader than my own lack of skills. I know the "Show, Don't Tell" advice strengthens a narrative, but I wonder how it works in narrative or creative non-fiction. Most non-fiction writers I follow are far more "telly" than "showy." I think I am struggling to find a combination that works in non-fiction. Robert MacFarlane's "Is a River Alive" has a combination of both and it really deepens the impact of the "tells" to have them combined with "shows." What are your favorite narrative non-fiction books that might help me see this balance in action?
I can't think of any non-fiction. I think I would read novels written in first person and apply from there.
Those darn wise children we have! How could that have happened? 😉. Glad you’re keeping on with writing. I look forward to reading your offerings.
I am looking forward to the Wild Church gathering this evening. Thank you for creating this offering.
Me too! Thanks for joining me!! See you at 3pm EDT.