Continue to Grow

I love the craft of writing. Apart from the rush of brainstorming or getting in the flow, there are endless techniques to learn that are built on simple principles. You practice and master the principles, using as a guiding light, but apply and layer the notions, tools, and ideas from centuries of writers to add complexity, appeal, and connection.

I’m always seeking these tips and perspectives on how to approach my writing from a variety of sources. One of my go-to publications is the newsletter Inneresting from John August and Cris Cossant. It’s a weekly look at an idea around screenwriting— the business, the craft, the perspective of the medium.

A recent post was one of my favorites. It talked about the concentric circles of our attention— Concern, Influence, and Control. The biggest circle the area of concern is what you character cares about in their world. A small circle of influence is where you character may be able to affect change. The smallest circle is what they can directly control. It’s a fascinating and informative way to look at how to understand your characters motivations and actions within a story.

It’s these types of nuggets that are insightful, inspiring, and invigorating. These perspectives help synthesize general ideas about storytelling, making you feel like they are the golden key to unlocking your writing.

They, of course, are not, but each one of them helps build a new layer into your writing. Adding tools to the toolbox, so to speak. And that’s what gets me giddy about writing. Seeing the process expanded my understanding and ability of the craft. Like an athlete practicing new techniques. Or a scientist making a small discovery.

Now I don’t always take everything to heart that I read. Sometimes instant deleting these newsletter issues or not finishing a trite article. Many entries end up being generic, boilerplate information that most seasoned writers know about. But on a good occasion, a nugget of information is new to me that I bank and apply to my process and stories.

I have a sense of joy and motivation when I find them. I start thinking about how it applies to what I am currently writing and ideas I’m contriving. These new perspectives help unlock me when I'm stuck or elevate what I have already written. It’s not always obvious, but that work to understand more pays off in small ways that can add up to something bigger. As a bonus, it makes the solitary job of writing feel more social and a little less lonely.

Always search for ways to keep learning. Constantly look for the small bits of knowledge to keep an edge to your writing. We are never done growing and becoming more skilled. Hopefully, this publication is one of those places you can get some insight.