Frame of Mind
There are so many great blogs out there — many have great tips, others serve up ideas for posts. I found a comment over at Write to Done by Mazzycat, and I really wanted to respond. But since the topic of the original post is about using reading to become a better writer (a great idea, by the way), I thought I’d espouse in my own little corner of the blogosphere on:
Frame of Mind
In the post, author Leo talks about ways to use great books to improve one’s writing. In one comment, reader Mazzycat lamented over the fact that after reading a great book, he (or she) would feel discouraged, often thinking, “I could never write anything as good as that…so what’s the point [of even trying]?” He (or she) often saw a great book as discouragement, as a obstacle that could not be overcome. However, another way of looking at it, as the original post suggests, is as a source of inspiration. Both ideas are true, from a certain point of view.
Frame of Mind determines Motivation
Recently, I explained that motivation is the underlying reason to do what we do. However, now I also realize that how a person determines that motivation is almost just as important, probably more so, since a motivation not determined means inaction.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
So, as a creator, when we see great works or art, see a great movie or play, or read a great book, we can either choose to aspire to produce our own great work and use those great examples as inspiration to determine our positive motivation for desirable outcomes. Or, we can see those same great examples and look at our own faults, our own perceived disadvantages, and put ourselves down, saying, “We’d never be able to do that.”
The same applies to other non “creative” vocations: the great athletes, singers, orators, “leaders” — all can serve as inspiration. If we choose to see them that way.
Optimist versus Pessimist
So yes, it’s really another case of optimism versus pessimism. I strongly believe either one affect one’s productivity and well-being, one for the better, and one for the worse.
How’s your frame of mind?
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Comments
6 Comments on Frame of Mind
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Barbara on
Mon, 4th Feb 2008 3:41 pm
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Catherine L on
Tue, 5th Feb 2008 3:36 am
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Nez on
Tue, 5th Feb 2008 10:45 pm
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A Simple Truth about Wealth | NezSez on
Wed, 6th Feb 2008 5:36 am
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Catherine L on
Wed, 6th Feb 2008 11:06 am
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Nez on
Wed, 6th Feb 2008 9:22 pm
Hi Nez,
Call me an optimist. When I see others do something better than me, it encourages me improve and/or learn more about the subject of interest.
If we look close enough, we will always find someone who “does it” better, but if we look even closer, we can find those that we can teach. Too often, we don’t take that second glance.
Hi Nez - the writing of others definitely inspires me. Although, I have to admit - when I read the work of a brilliant novelist, I do sometimes wonder if it would ever be possible for me to write as well as that.
In the past I’ve read author interviews and many of the authors seem to complete a book in 12-18 months.
But recently I discovered that some of the most wonderful novels just didn’t happen that quickly. Some take years.
And that gave me encouragement, because it shows that the harder you work on something the better it will get.
@Barbara: I’m assuming you mean those people (who “does it” better) who can teach us, correct? I totally agree, and your comment just jogged an old idea I have. Thanks! 
@Catherine: I’ve been trying to impress the idea upon my ten-year-old — that a lot of the worthwhile things in life take time and hard work.
So, are you working on a novel now?
[...] Barbara’s comment on my Frame of Mind post reminded me of one of my philosophies of life [...]
Hi Nez - yes I am. I’ve had a few attempts. The first ones were v bad. I think I was trying to write the type of things I thought people would want to read, instead of what I actually wanted to write.
My last attempt was probably my best one, but part way through my second draft, I took over my husband’s business and didn’t have time to work on it. Then when he moved out he wiped the only copy I had and I lost the whole lot!
I’m doing a lot more groundwork this time and concentrating on the character more before I develop the plot. And I’m also taking an Arvon novel writing course part way through - so hopefully that will get me on the right track!
Oh, no, Catherine! Sorry to hear you lost the last novel — all the more reason to back-up your work.
What are you using to write the novel, Word?
I somehow stumbled onto this:
(Mac) software geared toward bookwriting — including things like table of contents, index, etc. I thought it was neat — never knew something like that existed outside of the standard word processor.
I’ll probably try it, should I ever decide to write a novel.
Do keep us posted — maybe a series of blog posts?
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