A Writer's Life - Part One
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* Writers are constantly learning
* Aggregate content into files, images, sentences, phrases
* Paying attention is so important. We are oblivious to the world around us.
* We’ve become increasingly oblivious to life around us.
* A good writer has to be in touch with everything around them all the time.
* You must read
* What is the kiss of death for a writer?
* Opening your computer is the kiss of death for a writer.
* The Writing Life – Annie Dillard
* Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
* Read classics
* Ian scolds Andy for using the wrong word
* Content vs. Art
* Voice vs. Brand
* Platform vs. Audience
* Is it a burden? Yeah. It’s work.
* Did you always think you were going to be a writer?
* When did you become a writer? “It didn’t happen until I started writing.”
* “Has anyone ever told you that you were a writer”
* Do you ever doubt yourself?
* How do you defeat the voices? Don’t argue with them. I turn to them and welcome them back. I’m going to keep writing. Maybe I’ll take some advice but I’ll keep writing.
* Does Ian ever go back and look at his art differently?
* How do you decide on what you write about? – “It’s when I get a lump in my throat.” Beuchner
We’d love your thoughts and questions – (615) 669-4330
Ian, I really enjoyed this podcast. Thanks for letting me inside. As a writer, it is always interesting to see how you approach the art. Thank you very much for sharing.
Hi Jim, Thanks for the encouraging words!
Thanks Ian,
Great podcast. I have heard that wether preacher or poet that we all have a type of genre of writing that our personality type is more drawn to read. I had a preaching professor who challenged me to read outside of my first choice. I have found I am a better preacher for reading poetry and fiction. Would you say you have a “preferred” genre of books and you have to force yourself to read a certain type of book?
Hi Dean, I love great novels, non-fiction works on Christian spirituality, the arts, theology. I also enjoy creative non-fiction such as essays and memoirs.
I think your preaching professor’s advice is spot on. I love poetry but I have to discipline myself to read it. Maybe your comment will inspire me to be more intentional about doing so!
[...] might enjoy these two interviews with Ian Morgan Cron on the life of a writer. See part 1 here and part 2 here. Be sure to see the notes on each page. Cron is the author of Jesus, My [...]
Rich Mullins said that writing music was, for him, like fishing. All these great songs are out there it’s just a matter of who’s going to catch one first! Interesting to hear you talk about writing in a similar way.
I was recently introduced to your work by a friend who aspires to write and who attended a break out session at a writers conference where you spoke. I was encouraged by Chasing Francis and am starting to read it now for the second time. While my evangelical roots are causing me to struggle with some of the more mystical elements of the story there is much I have found there to cling to during a stormy time of my own.
I will be looking forward to reading more from your pen . . .
Thanks for the encouragement,
Bud Tidman
Hi Bud,
Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad CF is an encouragement to you right now. I hope the stormy season accomplishes its work in you, sooner than later.
Cheers,
Ian