As writers is it thrust upon us to distance ourselves from the rest of society?

Question

I do not mean neglect family duties or issues of love, but as writers a parge part of our work is to observe others (perhaps sometimes unconsciously), therefore by definition surely we are setting ourselves apart from the masses?

Surely you cannot observe the whole whilst being a part of it?

Thanks

PS, take a look at my 360 blog if you want- I am after feedback on 'The Last Stand', so please email me what you think! It'd be good to meet new friends too.

Answer 1

Well I never thought I'd write this about Answers but the question and the answers (unlike 99.9% otherwise) are actually thought provoking, incisive, grammatical and spelt correctly! I have recently had a novel published. My characters were all drawn from personal contacts; their experiences were my experiences, their joys and sorrows were my joys and sorrows. I certainly do not isolate myself from the masses. You should observe and mix otherwise you will likely miss the rich tapestry of life that comes through listening to the conversations of others, noting their body language and all the other factors that help create interesting characters.

But then we all have different techniques so do your own thing but, whatever, continue writing.

Answer 2

As an author myself I have a slightly different view on it.

Writing can isolate one because personally I find I write my best work when I am alone and in tune with the creative flow of the universe, without distraction from others or noises of the day, needless to say my best creatives including writing comes late at night or in the early hours.

Involving oneself with people in the flesh or even on this site can give one a great insight and understanding of human nature and can be helpful in ones writings.

To appreciate characters and personalities (a requirement in some writings) one does not have to observe always, participation in conversations could reveal much more and perhaps enhance your writing ability with emotion.

I have yet to take a look at your 360 blog - will visit shortly.

Good Luck and Happy Writing

Answer 3

No I don't think writers have to distance themselves, I think this makes for boring writing.
I think you are a little preoccupied with the cudos of being a writer.
I am not a writer but live with an artist and poet, and a large number of our friends are published Authors. They write alone yes, but they get in there and live life, in order to write about it.
You say you observe life in order to write, I don't think you either observed or lived any of what you have written so far.
The prison thing is correctly written, but not sure where life observation comes in.
You have skill, unbend a little, take yourself a Little less seriously and you could be a really good writer
You did ask

Answer 4

As a poet and short story writer I find my inspiration comes when I am alone and isolated. Maybe the mind finds its words when not involved in the world of others. Distraction? Observation? Time stands still when creativity strikes that is what I find to be true.

Answer 5

Writers are not forced to observe, observers simply make good writers. It is a personal trait/blessing/curse, not a vocational one.

Observation and participation are not mutually exclusive - so I hope you still have an appreciation for the fun side of life!

Answer 6

The more you observe society, the more you understand society,the more 'reclusive' you will become.It is very difficult for some 'writers' to integrate themselves into 'society' (god I hate that word)without appearing aloof.The way you have worded your question for instance, is only going to antagonise people.If you distance yourself from society, where is your material going to come from?I hope your 'The Last Stand' isn't self Prophetising!

Answer 7

Frequently you can't see the wood for the trees.

As an autistic (actually Asperger's Syndrome), I am an outside observer of the mainstream of human nature, and I have become astonishingly good at it because of this.

Sometimes you will have to step back from yourself and your life and get professional, and sometimes you will have to hang up the pencil and join in. It needs to be a mix of both or you will grow distant, overly cynical and possibly get a superiority complex, thus killing your neccessary objectivity..

Answer 8

Me again i think as you write you have to stand back and think what would you think about a issue reading your book would you enjoy it read it as a reader not as the writer and form a opinion and that will be a guide look at what (as a reader you may find missing) and correct it every time it will get better Dave

Answer 9

I think it is us writers that immerse ourselves in life's troubles, issues, duties, that can come up with the most realistic observations of society.

Otherwise you'll wind up a recluse and go Yellow Wallpaper on us. ;)

Answer 10

The best piece of advice I was ever given was "Know yourself." All characters, all creations in fiction are a facet of the psyche of the writer, even the villains. How the world around me affects me, and how that then is translated into fiction through being filtered through my soul is how I write. Do not send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. We are not the audience in this life; we are the cast.