Intention is what we wish to accomplish with our writing. Call it the writer’s soul. We can write to affirm and to celebrate, or we can write to debunk and to destroy; the choice is ours… Nobody can make us write what we don’t want to write. We get to keep intention.
William Zinsser, On Writing Well
A contribution to the theme of writing with freedom
This is a very spirited and motivational quote, Joanna.
When I think about it, the times I am at my most creative is when I am exploring a topic that takes my fancy- rather than one that has been foisted on me.
That said, obviously, it’s important to write about what your readers want to read, but therein lies the opporunity to surprise and delight with your twist on a topic
Joanna, what a lovely quote and one that truly inspires. As writers we do have the freedom to establish and hold on fiercely to our intention. One of the things that is often missing in modern writing is that rebel creative spirit. Intention is dulled so that you “fit”in a nice, neat little market that a publisher can assure will make money. I think some of the best writing focused solely on the writer’s intention without regard to popularity.
My journalism training taught to write within rules and regulations, although my intention to write with integrity always came through. Journalism was a valid exercise for a time, but now, I like exploring more than adhering; I like flourishing more than being a well-trimmed Bonsai.
Ultimately, WE each hold the pen to the stories we write…
English is not my first language, and I never paid any attention to grammar in school! However, my blog has grown during the last few months and I do my best to read and brush up on my writing. On writing well, is a good book.
Shamelle
Scott, you’re right, that’s the balance we need to get – in fact it’s an issue that Zinsser explores very powerfully. You need to edit, polish, develop your writing for your reader – but if it doesn’t come from some part of you that’s genuinely you and match some part of your own intention – what’s the point?
Karen, I guess it depends what you’re trying to do with your writing, and there are times when being popular – or feeding demand – is what’s needed… but if you’re just churning it out without it meeting some other purpose, some creative intent, the words will lose their power and impact.
I like the idea that at the end of the day we can always make that choice regarding intention – and that no-one can take it away from us.
SpageAgeSage – what a lovely metaphor for your writing development! Writing with integrity is a very powerful intention though. The world would be a different place if we all held that up as a touchstone.
Ribeezie – absolutely. And isn’t that a wonderful freedom to enjoy?
Shamelle – thanks for your comment. I think ‘On Writing Well’ is a good book too. I like the way he models his own writing tips in the book – it’s so well written!
Joanna
Hey Joanna – Just trolling back in time a bit and came upon this. Freedom is the most cherished word I can place next to writing. Freedom keeps my soul’s writing boundary free.
I once pulled my hat out of the ring for a senior editor position for my industry’s leading trade journal. Too much quicksand and mire and muck and politics!
This might sound kind of neurotic and messed up, but should I ever have the opportunity to write for pay, I’m not sure I could.
daves last blog post..Wake Up Your Mind
Dave, good to see you here. I understand completely – it doesn’t sound at all messed up. Writing plays an important role in creating, expressing, communicating – breathing out and breathing free. I treasure that freedom too.
I discovered your site while searching for quotes regarding writing, and found Bill Zinsser. It was Bill Zinsser who rekindled my desire to write after reading On Writing Well, his classic sourcebook on that subject. Meeting him enabled me to discover that his writing personifies his personhood. His life experiences fuse well, with his desire to share them with like-minded writers, struggling to find their voice. And Bill Zinsser’s shares as one sharing communal bread.
I’m about to begin my third semester teachng memoir writing at Neumann College in Pennsylvania. Publication of my own memoirs of childhood will take place this fall. Much of the impetus came from discovering On Writing Well, a book that all writers searching to find their own voice would do well to place within reach on their reference shelves.
Dave Komarnicki
David, hello, welcome and thanks very much for sharing your story about learning from Zinsser – in writing and in the flesh. I’m not surprised to hear that he’s the same ‘in person’ as he is in his written work – I feel that his personality, character and humanity shine through in his writing (in fact, that’s one of the key messages I took from his work). But I am very jealous of you getting the chance to meet him!
It’s great to hear how you’ve gone on to develop your own writing and teaching as a consequence. Good luck with the publication of your book later this year.
Joanna
@Joanna: hi Joanna, your name is significant to me because my father’s name was Joe and my mother’s name was Anna. They merged, and through that existential union ten children were born. I among them learned the joy of writing, in around, and through all the convolutions of life. My writing is an appendage to my attitude, which has been formed by Psalm 8 and Psalm 119. Keep up the good work Joanna, what you have to share is needed.
@David komarnicki: Thanks very much for that feedback David, and sharing the story of your parents’ names. Names are such an important part of our identity aren’t they? My name is from my great-grandmother Johanna, who was from the Isle of Lewis.