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In this week’s three-and-a-half minute podcast, you’ll hear about the conditions and circumstances under which E. B. White wrote—and those under which Glynn Young and Ann Kroeker continue to write.
I allude to a passage from Stephen King’s memoir On Writing that I read years ago. It awoke in me a jealous and obsessive craving for an office door:
The [writing] space can be humble (probably should be, as I think I have already suggested), and it really needs only one thing: a door which you are willing to shut. The closed door is your way of telling the world and yourself that you mean business; you have made a serious commitment to write and intend to walk the walk as well as talk the talk. (King 151, Pocket Books – a div. of Simon & Schuster, NY, copyright 2000, personal copy)
I longed for a door. A door, I thought, would help me become a productive, efficient writer. I had a writing space. I just needed a door. Yes, a door … to shut.
If only I had a door, I could write.
Websites and resources mentioned in the podcast:
- “The Daily Routines of Famous Writers” (Maria Popova, Brain Pickings) with E. B. White’s reflections on imperfect conditions.
- “On Being a Writer: Writing” (Glynn Young, Faith, Fiction, Friends)
- On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (Stephen King)
Note: Amazon link does not match personal copy from which I quote, so pagination may be different
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Diane says
Ann, I am SO excited for you and your new adventure! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on writing even when life is buzzing with activity all around! Bless you!
Ann Kroeker says
Thank you, Diane! Always a pleasure to interact with you (and I appreciate the encouragement)!
Laura Brown says
This makes me think about people who write (as I sometimes do, and I think you might too) in very populated places. Newsrooms, coffee shops, libraries, airports, airplanes … I have written in all of these places, and there’s this phenomenon where we can focus on our work so well that we can somehow toggle off our hearing and not notice the stuff around us. For some folks, or at some times, I suspect that surround-sound actually helps to create the productive little self-bubble. Maybe there’s an element of that in rooms without doors. Because, depending on the available distractions, it’s possible to sit behind that closed door for hours and not get much writing done.
What about a mashup? Writing away where there’s traffic, in the midst of the carnival, in plain and indifferent view of diners and travelers and strangers and family, is your way of telling the world and yourself that you mean business; you have made a serious commitment to write and intend to walk the walk as well as talk the talk.
Laura Brown says
Or in plain view of, and indifferent to …
Ann Kroeker says
Such an interesting point–how can people complain about distraction and yet get so much done in a coffee shop? We must have a switch.
Although, I’ve had this conversation with people and several have said they could not possibly write in those situations (not even the coffee shop). They say they must have silence. For me, that would be a luxury I rarely have, so I’m grateful I have whatever the switch is, that can tune out. I remember Madeleine L’Engle saying she had that kind of switch (even though she also had a writing space away from the family).
Laura Brown says
We have that switch as kids, when we tune out a parent telling us to do something. Selective hearing?
Ann Kroeker says
“But Mom, I didn’t hear you say ‘take out the trash’!”
Diana Trautwein says
I had a switch for years. Not so much anymore and I miss it! I am making some changes in my life and patterns during these opening days of 2015 – starting with unsubscribing from most of the M A N Y blogs I have followed for the last four years. I’m adding in more structured time for writing (already storing away posts for a Lenten devotional each day of Lent) and will also add in one or two opportunities to get back to choral singing, which was a love in my life for a very long time. I hope to pull together all my notes and thoughts about this project we have worked on and get back to you next week with more information. Thanks for your patience. And I LOVE these podcasts.
Ann Kroeker says
Oh, those bloggers are going to miss your voice in the comments section, but I think that kind of decluttering is wise, Diane. I hope I’m not one that you’ll be dropping, yet I understand if you do! No hard feelings–promise!
Looking forward to hearing your ideas!
Megan Willome says
E.B. White rules.
Ann Kroeker says
Elements of Style. Essays. Charlotte’s Web. Such variety!
Marilyn Yocum says
Popping in here.
This reminds me of something a voice teacher said: “You will be in perfect voice maybe 3 days in your life and the probability you’ll be asked to sing on any of those days is pretty low.” Same with waiting for perfect writing conditions.
Love your audio, Ann! I’m on my second read-through of the book at the moment.
Ann Kroeker says
That’s a great reminder–sing, whether it’s your perfect day or not. Write, whether your desk is clean or not.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the book!
Kristin says
Getting the work done. Sigh. . . I’m queen of waiting for ideal circumstances! I love E.B. White’s quote and jotted it down to tape on my computer. I love these podcasts Ann. Thank you!
Ann Kroeker says
Kristin, if you pop over to the Brain Pickings post, they have a nice “pingram” kind of art with a photo of E. B. White and that last bit of the quote in writing on top of it.
Ann Kroeker says
(I mean, you could print that and it would be purty to tape next to your desk)