i've been meaning to read her

The writer who led the fiction workshop I took through the Writer's Workshop in Bethesda, said my writing reminded him of ZZ Packer. That was over a year ago, and I still haven't managed to read her. (Most of the links on her site seem to be busted, but I like the photo.) Mike said he really enjoyed Drinking Coffee Elsewhere, and I should consider my instructor's comment a big compliment. Of course, I do, but it feels strange to be told that my writing is reminiscent of anything, because that would mean it has a quality of its own, and that would just be weird to think about. Do I have a certain style? I'm still so unclear about this. Some days I think I'm really talented and I should be writing more. Other days I think it's a nice distraction but nothing to get hung up on. I don't think I have enough drive or something. Or maybe too much directed at the wrong pursuits. No, focus, that's my problem.

Comments

[mj]

Of course your writing has "a quality of its own." Doesn't everyone's?

Whether you're talented or not, you should write more. Talent is beside the point -- especially if you just like to write. Because if you like it, you should do it.

I'm sure you have your hands full at the moment. It probably comes down to deciding that no matter what you will write X hours a week. Or that you will at least set aside X hours a week during which you will sit at a table with pen and paper or whatever and you will either write or just sit. If you don't do at least that, you won't write. This is why I don't write. Also why I didn't get much done in the way of looking for jobs this past week. Bad me!