From Dichotomy Wiki.:
A dichotomy is any splitting of a whole into exactly two non-overlapping parts. In other words, it is a partition of a whole (or a set) into two parts (subsets) that are:
- mutually exclusive: nothing can belong simultaneously to both parts; and,
- jointly exhaustive: everything must belong to one part or the other.
There are two false dichotomies that are presented with dependable regularity (apologies to Metamucil):
Pantsers v. Planners and Intuition v. Intellect. Sometimes the two debates are considered interchangeable.
The discussion usually involves coming down in favor of one concept or the other. However, it is much more constructive to think of these things as harmonious, existing along a spectrum, or, even more likely, this. In reality, most writers utilize all of these things in varying degrees. Intuition informs intellect and vice versa. These are not mutually exclusive categories, nor would we want them to be.
Does it make me a pantser if I write an entire manuscript without an outline, but go on to create a detailed outline or chapter-by-chapter notes during the revision process? Or am I Sybil? Or does it even matter?
As a writer, I read as much about the craft as I can. I currently subscribe to 33 blogs related to writing on my Google Reader. I’m sure it has something to do with hoping to find a magic bullet that will lay to rest all of those nagging thoughts that I’m not doing it right. Or, that there is a better way. Or, that everything will click and the writing will come easier. And even though I know none of these things is true, I read on.
We worry too much about which categories we, our writing, and our methods belong. Maybe that’s natural, considering our writing gets categorized into genres and sub-genres, each with their own stigma. All of this worrying gets in the way of doing what we love: writing.
Like most writers, I’m happiest when I’m writing and less so when I forsake writing to chase after my questing beast of identity. It’s easy to get caught up in searching for identity in the existing framework of the writing world, for reassurance, while we toil away, but it’s infinitely more fun to let our writing define us.
“it’s infinitely more fun to let our writing define us.” I def agree with without hesitation, yet I think this definition has to remain fluid. For me I think rather than categorizing it is about learning.
You mention the quest for a better way, and I have to say that this is one of the things I love best about writing – the fact that for me there is always a better way, because my writing can eternally grow.
You say, it is much more constructive to think of these things as harmonious – and you are right. For me at times when my learning is moving, I find everything falls out of place before becoming harmonious again 🙂
Thanks for stopping by! It’s funny that thing we enjoy is also the thing that confounds us at times. Whenever I make up my mind to just write, I never regret it. Sometimes the idea that the learning never ends is thrilling. Other times, as a beginning writer, it seems insurmountable.
Oh, and by the way worry is the largest block I think there is!
So true. It was Dale Carnegie who wrote How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. I read that about 5 years ago and what he said rang as true as when he wrote the book in 1948. I probably should read it once a year now that I’m writing!
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Excellent approach to identity in writing- something that by default cannot remain constant throughout. Coffee, pen, paper, the unworriness of the process, all shall lead to wonderful outcomes.
All the best, my friend- I, myself, am adopting the very same mantra.
I suppose the trick is maintaining that attitude, but I’m happy to try. Thanks for stopping by!
Interesting post that makes me think of the whole ‘personal brand’ thing — how questions of identity have also become questions of branding (or vice versa).
‘Infinitely more fun to let our writing define us’ — as if our writing wasn’t destined to do that anyway. We might as well surrender to the process.
Some days I’m overwhelmed with the idea that I’m not doing enough to build my platform or figure out what I’m all about. I’ll feel like I have more of a platform once I have something published. For now, I’m just trying to keep my ahead above water. By the time I figure out what I’m all about, I’ll just be loose energy in the ether. Or something. I have to remind myself constantly to just write and do it the best I can and let the chips fall where they may. Thanks for stopping by!