The Treasure of Reading for Discovery

“Responding to the writing, first at a reader.” That is what author and writing coach, Elizabeth Stark provides the writers, and published authors she coaches.

Having earned a MFA in Writing, and seen her novel, “Shy Girl,” published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux in addition to having taught creative writing at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, the Pratt and Creative Project Institutes, and UC Santa Cruz has provided Elizabeth a wealth of experience in distinguishing the difference between reading a work as a reader versus a teacher or critic of craft.

Most participants in writing/critique groups respond to something they do not understand in the work of a fellow writer by telling the writer what she or he might do to fix the problem. They suggest how the writer can change their story,” explained Elizabeth during her recent interview.

Receiving critique on craft is important to every work. Yet employing the perspective of a reader when assisting the writer towards improving her his novel also has it merits.

What if the aspect of personality concerning a minor/supporting character that the group participant finds so confusing, or a bad fit in the storyline actually highlights or amplifies a similar or larger dimension of personality concerning the protagonist?

The writer might want to expand upon the role of this minor/supporting character, or simply make more explicit their character trait, or quirk of personality rather than change the minor/supporting character’s way of being, or worse yet, cut them from the story.

Elizabeth’s response of, “Let’s see what’s interesting about this disconnect, confusion or contradiction,” echoes the prime directive of my process painting teacher when we were feeling uncomfortable with something we were painting.

“Go into the discomfort. Explore it. And see where it leads you,” is what my painting teacher suggested.

As a psychotherapist I encourage my clients to nudge closer to the uneasiness and disquiet they experience in response to those aspects of life that befuddle, and try us. In so doing we usually uncover a treasure.

Have you ever considered working with a writing coach?

If so, how was your experience?

If not, what stopped you?