Learning more

[erazmus]

http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/?p=879
DWS latest collum.

Do you guys ever get stuck in this? I'll admit few of us are at the point where we can be complacent at our level of achievement. But I think this sort of attitude probably doesn't wait for a writer to have some sort of reasonable excuse to adopt it.

I've seen writers stall on the same level, stop trying to get better or do different things, even when they are not doing all that great. I've skirted around this myself, and when I did I found myself doing all sorts of things to bolster this attitude, like going for the easy sale instead of the top markets. As long as I was placing stories I was doing the right things and didn't have to change, right?

B-S. As soon as I stopped trying to write better, every time, I started writing worse. I don't think its possible to stay good unless you're trying to get better.

Thoughts?

Mike

[nathan]

This one was a good, tight read that slapped each point like a coked-up pimp.

Some of the points are provokative not only to older writers but to new blood as well, which makes it more fun to read.

Mike, once your feeling flush from a book sale or two you've got to come out to Oregon and take a workshop. You'll love it. Then you can come by the house and I'll grill.

[Rob K]

This is a good article that I fully agree with. I think a writer who striving constantly to absorb knowledge has an advantage over writers who keep the learning process to a minimum and just go with the flow.

[PaulMc]

I am a firm believer in constantly learning. Whether it be writing skills, self-marketing techniques, or anything in my day job, my hobbies, etc.

I think it's one secret to staying mentally young.

[jensfort]

Learn more about writing stories. I think you should read some stories of great author it will give you good idea. William Shakespeare stories are best

[ScrewMoonshine]

Outstanding article. I've never fallen into the belief that I've learned all I can about writing, but I admit to having sunk into a feeling of satisfaction with my work, that it's as good as it needs to be. Methinks it's time to get back into my high-gear learn-about-writing mode. If there's anything as gratifying as finishing a new story, it's writing a story that's better than any you've written before.

Robert Orme

[erazmus]

Ah, but have you ever avoided writing certain things because you felt you don't do them well? That is another kind of learning stoppage.

Mike