Putting Yourself on the Line (Ch. 8)

"To get it right, we'll have to lose some sleep over it." --Philip Gerard, page 140 of Creative Nonfiction

One of my only definite goals in life is to write something that I truly consider a great work of art; I don't think I have done that yet. I strive to make my writing art, more than just an essay or article, but I don't know if I've reached greatness yet. I think I'm on my way, though, especially according to this chapter by Gerard. One of the most important steps a writer has to take to achieve greatness, even if it's just in their own eyes, is to write about the hard stuff. Every writing professor I've ever respected, or writer for that matter, has reiterated that point. Go for the jugular! Write down the bones! Delve deep. However it's worded, the sentiment is the same. We have to go for the harder subjects in life to get anywhere with our writing, and in my opinion, to get anywhere in our own existences. Gerard also touches on the problem of cliches, especially in beginner writer's work, and how our culture just seems to breed these "preexisting formula[s]." Writers are rebels; we have to stand strong and work towards originality whenever we can during this age of globalization and homogenization. Society wants to sugarcoat life, to make problems easily solved by buying something. We bear the burden of seeing the pain in life and try to make that digestible to the reader. I haven't lost much sleep over what I've written, but I have been disturbed and shocked by what I've discovered through writing. And I hope I keep on doing that.