Write About What Disturbs You
November 8, 2011 by Mick Silva
Filed under Blog, Encouragement, Writing
If you haven’t read The Help by Kathryn Stockett yet, let me encourage you to do so. Stockett writes of an editor giving the main character this advice: “Don’t waste your time on the obvious things. Write about what disturbs you, particularly if it bothers no one else.”
This is good advice. What disturbs you? I tend to write about writing–a lot. So when I think about what problem I see in the world, I immediately think of the books not being written. And considering that this probably doesn’t seem like much of a problem to most people, I may have found my answer to Stockett’s challenge.
I believe this problem we are currently facing is absolutely untenable. The extreme waste of time, talent, insight, passion, gifting, preparation, education, money, technology, potential, and etc. etc. ad nauseum completely infuriates me. The devil is winning. And every day he’s rubbing it in my face, showing me just how ineffectual and pointless my fight for higher writing truly is.
What can I do? How can I motivate us? What magic words could I possibly utter to light a fire under you to get that message out and never, ever give up?
Do you realize what an incalculably rare opportunity you have here, right now? Do you really? And do you see what the world would never know if it wasn’t for you and you alone?
No. You don’t see it. So my job right now is to paint that picture. Think of George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. Think of his realization at the end of the movie when he sees that the investments he made changed the lives of countless people and saved his town from corruption and evil. Now think of how far a book goes and realize that the idea you will spread will have the same impact, only more so. What you won’t see is what George saw–what the world was like without him, without his hope and dedication. The world relies on you believing in that alternate world you can’t see and preventing it.
Are you seeing it, author? Do you care? Are you ready? Will you write?
I will not rest. I will not stop fighting. I will not give up. I will write!
Do it. Today. Go. Never look back.
[...] Are you looking for that idea that fits you like a glove? The one you can be passionate about for many months as you write your book? Mick Silva says to “Write About What Disturbs You.” [...]
[...] Are you looking for that idea that fits you like a glove? The one you can be passionate about for many months as you write your book? Mick Silva says to “Write About What Disturbs You.” [...]
Great post! I've read tons of books, blogs and articles on writing what you know, what you love, etc. But writing about what disturbs me? This is very insightful, and what the greats do. Thanks for lighting a fire under me today!
Mick, you are the BOSS!! Thank you for telling it like it is. If more people expressed their opinion on what disturbs them whether by writing it or speaking, this world might not be in the state it is. I never hesitate to speak/write my mind. It's why I blog and I why I comment on blogs. Thank you and I shall help spread the word. : )
I love this way to look at what to write about. There are many issues that disturb me and I hope some of that comes out in what I write but I like the thought of a whole book done in a way like The Help.