WRITERS AND VALIDATION
First of all, there should be nothing like a Facebook writer or magazine writer... Etc.
Writers shouldn't create barriers and segregation between each other.
A Writer is a Writer. Wherever you choose your audience is nobody's business, and it doesn't say less of you as a writer, except your work is faulty, even if it's faulty, there's always room for improvement.
On Sunday, I read a piece on Facebook, the piece is centred on “Facebook writer and hyping / Magazine validation"
The poster assumed it's only when online journals and magazines validate your work that you are a true and accomplished writer.
I agree partly and refuted it in some aspects. I asked him, “are we writers writing for acceptance/validation or expression?”
The truth is, seeking validation and acceptance by all means which often lead to rejection is part of what leads to frustration and depression. Believe me, It's utterly sad, seeing writers broke down all in the name of rejection, some even go to the extreme of committing suicide. Why?
I don't object to journal submission, but most writers don't understand that journal acceptance and validation isn't the yardstick to measure your writing achievements.
Seeking validation and acceptance could also lead to the writer altering his / her unique voice and style just to end up on their publication list, which in all undermine creativity and uniqueness.
As a writer, you have to believe in your work first, then up your game. Learn, learn and keep learning, Read as much as often as you write. You must be a good reader to remain a good writer.
Write what you feel, there's nothing like an error free, but it must be free of the error to a certain standard.
If growth is what you seek, a journal won't give you the growth, seek literary critiques or an honest art-oriented personality to check for what's amiss. What journal do is just to select the submission they feel it's okay for them and rejects the rest. Then give the selected ones a larger voice.
On the voice, you can amplify your voice yourself. Create a page, sponsor it and your voice will be heard largely, so far your art is distinct and finely brewed. Help yourself also, by joining a literary group whose aim is channelled towards growth. Enrol for online and offline writing courses, there are many here online. Pay attention to every detail of your piece, from the uncrossed “T” to un-dotted “i”
In the view of a home based writer, not been appreciated as much as expected is a collective effort. We all contributed to the depreciation, ranging from the lazy writer to the unwilling society, the poor economy, the bad governance..... Et al. So we all have a role to play.
Starting from you as a writer, what are you doing to redeem the lost glory of the art and reading culture? Are you making it relevant enough for people to relate to your piece?
We all know things are gradually changing from traditional books to digital media, as a writer, you need to be updated with the newest trend in the digital world and know what people want now, you also need to be creative enough to dish it out for them the way they want it. If they want entertainment, mix it up with education to make it edutainment, then it's balanced like that.
The government and the society should also do their part by promoting art, reading culture and creativity. There should be a literary group and library in every community to promote this. If the government is not helping, the society can help set this up, with the collective effort and support of art-oriented individuals in that community.
Finally, As a writer here in Nigeria, you need to be realistic. Who practices full time writing these days? If you know, you're not earning large from your writing skills, get up and look for a job and make writing your second option till you are sure enough that your craft can pay your bills. Blame yourself instead of blaming the society and economy for not putting food on your table. Your well-being is your outlook. Don't force it down the throat of society to pay your bills.
“It's your life and it's your craft. Be responsible to own and hone it”
©® Jamiu Ahmed
Image: sourced from google.
Comments
Post a Comment