One of the things that annoys me about social media (and it’s a LONG list) is when people become gatekeepers of creativity and creative processes. I was recently reminded of this after reading a post at Audrey Driscoll’s Blog. She had come across a post on another blog where the author stated, “…it’s totally possible to write a great story without a beat sheet, but to stick your nose up at them and argue they don’t matter is ignorant to me.”
So, basically, the author (whose blog I won’t link to) is saying that fiction writers should be utilizing ‘beat sheets’ when constructing their stories and insults those who don’t.
Nowadays, it can be difficult to know if someone is posting something to try to rile readers and get hits/page views, or if they honestly have these opinions. Regardless, I think gatekeeping is harmful, particularly to novice writers. Telling them they need to write a specific way, hit specific beats, and never stray from the path will only hamper their efforts to tell the stories they want to tell.
The best advice I received when I was taking creative writing classes was, “Learn all the rules so you know how to break them.” One of my writing instructors told me that, but I think she was paraphrasing another writer. It stuck with me and it’s something I keep in mind when writing my short stories.
The second piece of advice she gave me was to write stories that I would want to read. In other words, write for myself, not for an imaginary reader.
Don’t let anyone tell you there’s a right way to write. Write in your own way, using your own voice, and telling the stories you want to tell the way you want to tell them. Otherwise, what’s the point?
RB
Hello Richard,
This post on “Gatekeeping Creativity” is fantastic!
It’s amazing how many people online seem to think a writing career comes with a mandatory “Beat Sheet Inspector” badge and a license to lecture. Your instructor’s advice—”Learn all the rules so you know how to break them”—is pure gold. It’s the difference between being a mechanic who follows the manual and being an engineer who invents the next engine. You master the craft so you can tell the structure to take a backseat when the story needs to drive.
You nailed it in your closing: “Don’t let anyone tell you there’s a right way to write.” Let’s stick our noses up at that attitude instead of worrying about the beat sheet police.
Great post!
Love Aparna ❤️
Thanks so much, Aparna!
“Write in your own way, using your own voice…” Perfect advice for newbies and veterans alike. I think that’s why the posts on my blog are all over the place regarding form and topics – because that’s how I read as well. 💞💞💞
LOL! I feel the same way, Dawn!
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Yeah, I was taught to learn the rules before I break them, but I wasn’t taught that there was only one way to skin a cat. Excellent post, Richard.
I appreciate it, Devonne.
Great point Richard.
Thanks, Wayne!
I absolutely agree with you. You have to know the rules, but knowing them doesn’t mean following them.
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks, mate! Nice to know others feel the same way.
I clicked on that blog post of Audrey and I think she is agreeing with you (which is how I have found most of her writing advice to be.) and maybe sharing something she would not recommend doing or doing herself.
My first thought while reading the post: Does anyone really write like this?
I can’t imagine approaching a piece of writing in this way. Certainly not at the start. I can maybe envision adapting a complete first draft to a structure of this sort in a rewrite, but if I had to start with that structure “skeleton” and add flesh to it before beginning to write, I would run away screaming!
I am not sure why the original blogger would offer such a draconian suggestion, except for reasons your suggest, Richard.
Oh, I agree, Pat. I think Audrey was just as surprised by it as I was. I was only linking to her so I didn’t have to link to the other blog.
I guess restrictions must work for some creative folks, but it seems to me that it would be difficult to really be, well, creative.
Wow, ok… that feels very claustrophobic for a creative person to be honest 😅 I know I wouldn’t be able to produce much with all those rules restricting me.
Maybe it works for authors who produce 20, 600 page novels, a year. But I did read some of those and… I wasn’t very impressed. I won’t name any authors for now 🤭
I never been to one, but I imagine a good creative writing course to be much like theater school. Completely thinking outside the box and thinking like people or creatures which are out of your comfort zone without being judged for it. And I don’t think a fellow creative person would ever judge, because their mind is probably full of “crazy” ideas too 😄
Very much agree with what you said.
If the beat sheet is a good tool for someone, then great for them.
But it should definitely not be a norm!
It definelty shouldn’t be a norm* for last sentence.
I apologize. But it I think it was clear from comment, ad well my entire persona 🤭
No worries, I knew what you meant. I think we’ve know each other well enough by now. 😂
That’s for sure 😄
That’s what I find so frustration about these self-styled gatekeepers – creativity is supposed to be about freedom to try new things, to experiment, and self-expression. Putting up boundaries and rules isn’t helpful.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment!
“claustrophobic” was exactly what I was thinking!
Same here, Linda. I think Andrea summed it up quite well.
There are so many examples that come to mind that someone makes them self the “gatekeeper” and dont realize the “damage” they are causing. A self-appointed gatekeeper usually doesn’t know what they are talking about. Let me share one example that I found offensive on several levels.
The “ABI” in my blog title most people recognize it as an acronym for Acquired Brain Injury. This is the comment that someone posted on a closed member brain injury support site no less. “If you pray earnestly, God will heal your brain injury.”
Nothing like displaying zero understanding of the human body. Not to mention all the other implications.
That’s unfortunate, Jasper. It seems there are gatekeepers for everything.
So true, Richard
Thank you, Sheree!