My current writing obsessions are symbolism and
intertextuality. That is, the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities in
art (especially in literature) and the ongoing interaction between multiple works
of art (especially literature).
When I say “current writing obsessions,” I mean those things
that I’ve been itching to write, the things that drive me increasingly toward
insanity as I struggle to get them onto the page the way they work in my head. They’re
those things that I’ve been devoting my time to studying because I need to be
able to execute them the way they’re executed in the works I admire. I’m sure
you all know the feeling.
Your current writing obsession is something that you notice
everywhere from books to television to other forms of art. Whether you’re
looking for it or not, you start to see it more and more in the things you
watch, read, and listen to. Ultimately, regardless of what it is, it’s
something you’re obsessed about as a writer.
I’ve been reading about the use of symbolism and
intertextuality in literature, and that’s opened up this door for me. I really like
the idea of storytelling going deeper than the surface, whether it’s through
the use of symbols or through the dialogue between new stories and an
established ones.
Creating strong symbolism and intertextuality in your
writing will keep readers coming back. And each time they do, they may learn
something more about your book, themselves, or the world. They’ll be able to
work their way inward, with each layer becoming bigger and better than the one
before it. Developing these layers in your work could be the difference between
writing a nice story that people read and smile about and creating a lasting
piece of art that readers will hold on to and cherish for years to come.
I want my writing to be intellectually and emotionally
engaging; I want to create stories that keep readers coming back for more the
way I’ve gone back to books I’ve connected with. I enjoy engaging with authors,
through their work, to discover meanings that lie beneath the surface, and I
want my readers to be able to engage with me in a similar experience.
I’m studying and experimenting with symbolism and
intertextuality because I think that learning and perfecting their use will
greatly improve the quality of the writing I produce. Learning from the greats
about the tricks of the trade that they use will, at the very least, expand my
knowledge of the literary world and allow me to better enjoy my reading. At
best, they’ll exponentially amplify elements of my original stories so that
they can be better enjoyed by my readers.
I plan to use the knowledge I gain to create content that
readers will be able to analyze and enjoy. I want to connect with my audience
in a deep and meaningful way. I want to touch them and teach them like I’ve been
touched and taught by other authors.
So, what are your current writing obsessions? What have you
become passionate about, and how are you incorporating it into your writing?
Leave a comment below or link me to your own blog or vlog post!
