Writers Anonymous
   
  Developmental Stages of a Writer in Three Acts
   
  Act 3: "I am a writer".         
Developmental Stages of a Writer in Three Acts
Act 1
Act 2
Act 3
 
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Research into topics choosing to write about.
Understanding of their own needs as a writer and how to get them fulfilled; understanding of their own limitations and weaknesses and where they want to grow; pursuing training, accordingly heavy reliance on resources and tools of trade.
Explore many styles of writing, constantly experiment. Free-flowing writing and crafting simultaneously reading stuff aloud while writing and crafting extensive revisions (Raymond Carver 20).
In it for the long haul (Lucille Clifton 20 years writing before being published, Mark Doty 10). Supportive of other people's work, come to writer's group meetings even if they don't have anything that month, just to hear others.
Attend public readings and other forums about writing. Commitment to learning from the masters of the trade.
Sharing poems and stories with others, ways of giving gifts, networking, supporting people in their writing, etc..
Having a sense of the history of writing and where their own style fits in to the context of the wider culture.
Less control over writing, comfortable hearing critique, able to sit quietly and listen.
Fully embrace the concept of "We are not the poem" (see N. Goldberg essay); greater focus on current stuff as opposed to old poems or stories that seem finished or done; will to take chances and show "bad stuff" just to hear responses, grow, etc.
Do community organizing and development around writing, take leadership roles in groups, serve on committees, etc..
Constantly think about ways to promote writing and to recruit new writers.

Humbleness about their own stuff; do not assume anyone anytime wants to hear them; appreciative of audience; use audience reactions to help shape poem; attuned to the audience during reading, watching reactions, body language, etc..

 

 
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