The Writer's Lens

Narrative Wars 04: When We Disagree With Big Narratives

We don't always agree with the stories we're told. Some we brush off as insignificant while some require further inspection on our behalf. But sometimes we might feel compelled enough to go out and counter what we've heard. In essence, something has stirred us to action.

That being said, what are some things we do when we don't like what we are hearing? And how might that response tie into the way we write and tell story? 

The Writer's Lens - E52: A Writer's Lust Is Not A Labor Of Love

This is number five of seven on the road to completing the "seven deadly sins" series here on The Writer's Lens. And as such, I'm almost certain this week's topic will entice people's interest for probably the wrong reasons. Because this week's sin is the sin of Lust; a state of being which incites thoughts of physical euphoria - not about the hindrance of writing pursuits. 

However, I think I found a way to tie this one in. And though this won't be an exercise in writing erotica or anything like that, it will be an exploration into what we can become infatuated by. Namely, our ideas, our processes, and our identity as writers.  

Narrative Wars 03: Who Is Responsible For The 'Big Narratives'?

Ever wonder who is responsible for making the big narratives? Is it a person? Is it people? Is it merely an idea that gives a narrative legs and makes it run?

This episode of The Writer's Lens explores these questions in Episode 3 of the #NarrativeWars. 

The Writer's Lens - E51: Wrath And Writing

Two things that naturally seem to go together - anger and written expression. Many artists find their inspiration in the bowels of deep-rooted anger. And for good reason: anger can be a powerful tool in the hands of a writer. It can make us feel like we have direction; like, we have a grander purpose moving us forward.

Wrath, as it were, takes that angry feeling one step further - it gives justification to the anger we feel. A crime has been committed and is in need of being rectified. This episode is an exploration into how wrath integrates itself into our writing pursuits. And how that can be a detriment in the long run. 

Narrative Wars 02: Your Life Is Part Of A Bigger Story

Do you feel that is true? Do you feel like it's not true? 

Whether we choose to admit it or not, our lives are entangled in bigger stories. In this episode, we'll explore the concept of a Macro-Narrative - the 'big picture'; and the Micro-Narrative - the individual's actual experience. 

 

 

 

The Writer's Lens - E50: Me? A Greedy Writer? Come On Now....

This episode is all about Greed - another of the Seven Deadly Sins most commonly associated with a love of money. 

So, keeping that in mind, how might we avoid the pitfalls of becoming too "Greedy" with our creative works? Let's discuss and find out. 

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Narrative Wars 01: What Is Your Life's Story?

Welcome to the #NarrativeWars. 

There are stories happening all around us. And they are all competing for our attention. Some are explored in book or film format. Others are occurring in real time. And some walk the line between fiction and fact. 

In these shorter episodes, I'll be exploring some big (and small) narrative ideas; starting with the narrative of our own lives. What does that look like? Is my personal story true of whom I want to be? Or am I trying to be something else, driven by someone else's words?

These agreements can shape our identities. The story we are living can be out of a true self, or a false one. So with this episode, I start exploring this concept and why we latch onto certain narratives. 

The Writer's Lens - E49: Can We Be 'Gluttons' For Our Writing?

Gluttony is yet another member of the seven deadly sins. A sin most commonly associated with eating excessively, but Gluttony can also be associated with chasing after status or symbols of status and power. So, keeping that in mind, how might 'gluttonous' actions cause our creative and / or writing ventures to get derailed? 

That's the focus of this episode, as well as being part of my continued exploration into how each of the seven deadly sins can hinder our writing and creative expression. 

And in case you missed it, I tackled Gluttony's close cousin, Envy, in a previous episode. 

The Writer's Lens - Interview 15: Austin Gohn, "Discovering Rest In A Restless Age"

Austin Gohn is the author of the (now available) book "A Restless Age: How St. Augustine Helps You Make Sense Of Your Twenties".

My interview with Austin focuses on his path to publishing as well as his individual story - what inspired him to write a book for young adults and why the words of St. Augustine find relevance even in the 21st century.

For more on Austin, you can visit www.austingohn.com or go to his Twitter account @austingohn

The Writer's Lens - E48: How Can Envy Kill Our Creative Pursuits?

You may have heard of the seven deadly sins. There's Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Pride, Wrath, Sloth, and...Envy. Of those seven, I find Envy to be the least talked about. Or rather, it's the least recognized of the seven. In this solo episode, I talk about why I think Envy can be a major hindrance on our writing pursuits. 

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