How We Write
I’ve spent the last hour reading this enthralling collection of anecdotes about ‘how we work’, from artists, writers, politicians, and everyone else (via kottke). The writers especially interest me. All are obsessed with where and how: Phillip Pullman has his shed, ballpoint, and A4 narrow lined paper, Virginia Woolf stands up, and Walter Benjamin suggests that “a pedantic adherence to certain papers, pens, inks is beneficial.” Also from Benjamin, this little jewel: “Do not write the conclusion of a work in your familiar study. You would not find the necessary courage there.”
Theologians and philosophers would do well to think of themselves as writers. Would do well, I mean, to become captivated by the act of writing itself, by paragraphs and sentences and the rhythms of single words.
9 January 2008 |
tags: Method
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That’s why all theologians and philosophersand just anyone who is thoughtful and should be English majors! [or whatever your language of communication is].
I think the act of communication takes a sense of enthusiasm and just plain fun with words.
I often wish that I had studied literature in undergrad for just that reason! But Augustine recommended collecting ‘a canon of Christian eloquence,’ to instruct us in writing beautifully about what is truly beautiful, which seems an apt remedy for our problem.