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Living Life or Writing: Is This the Chicken vs. the Egg?
The great dichotomy of writing is that we must experience life to draw on experience to write. We must step back from life to be effective writers.
As writers, we all walk a tightrope.
We draw on our personal life experiences and stories to tell our stories in an interesting and unique way.
When we write, we must, to some extent, withdraw from life to gather our thoughts and commit them to the written form.
So, what’s the answer? Is it better to live life or write about it?
The simple, yet unsatisfying answer is: do it all!
Living life gives writers the depth of understanding they need to create engaging and meaningful stories. This doesn’t mean you have to overindulge in every activity or experience, but even small events can provide inspiration for stories.
At the same time, stepping back from life gives writers the opportunity to reflect and synthesize their experiences. This kind of introspection is essential for any writer who wants to craft a story that resonates deeply with an audience.
