Mr. Elbow likes to think outside of the box and I appreciate that. So often we tend to get into ruts which stifle human progression and show limits. But Elbow, like so many innovators takes a firm stand at questioning convention; that's what leads to progress.
I like the whole, "writing is alive" way of approaching composition. Elbow stresses to write and write. Allow writing to Synthesize. Something, in a not-so-understood part of language creates a synthesis of ideas, arguments, words and points-of-view. I really believe that we can't identify these operations; they are deep inside--very complex.
Mechanics definitely get in the way of flow; and flow is what it takes to effectively express. It is the same in music and speaking or writing. Language operates on a set of rules (grammar, inflection, word choice, etc.). Too much thought put into the rules part and he writer chokes. Stop editing yourself! Let it out, Man! Let it out! That's expression and that' the way we should have learned it a long time ago.
Posted by MDJ69 at 11:44 AM Email This Blog This! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Google Buzz
Labels: Blog1Mr. Elbow likes to think outside of the box and I appreciate that. So often we tend to get into ruts which stifle human progression and show limits. But Elbow, like so many innovators takes a firm stand at questioning convention; that's what leads to progress.
I like the whole, "writing is alive" way of approaching composition. Elbow stresses to write and write. Allow writing to Synthesize. Something, in a not-so-understood part of language creates a synthesis of ideas, arguments, words and points-of-view. I really believe that we can't identify these operations; they are deep inside--very complex.
Mechanics definitely get in the way of flow; and flow is what it takes to effectively express. It is the same in music and speaking or writing. Language operates on a set of rules (grammar, inflection, word choice, etc.). Too much thought put into the rules part and he writer chokes. Stop editing yourself! Let it out, Man! Let it out! That's expression and that' the way we should have learned it a long time ago.
Posted by MDJ69 at 11:44 AM

mdj-learning upside down

Mr. Elbow seems to shake things up in a refreshing new way. I always applaud those which dare to think outside of the box which is why my first degree is in philosophy. I never thought so then, but now, I see how such thinking can make a difference and question the premises we have canonized in all disciplines.First, let me say of Mr. Elbow's approach, I whole-hearted agree with the need for flow in our writing. We think too much, we question and second guess the words we've written and never come to what we "really" want to say. I have made this analogies before: Music is the same as any language and any language is the same as music. I've studied piano for years and I know that simply knowing the mechanics, the mathematics, the function and science of music and any instrument, does not necessarily mean that one will articulate, with precision,a sensible and coherent melody. Flow remains the key. There exist in language, another operation beyond of that which we are conscious of, outside the rules and this is what we can only reach by way of flow. And flow means getting out of the war, all of the distraction that try to stifle you, the writer.

also, I must comment on Mr. Elbow's position on the organic nature of writing. I do believe that if we, as writers, view our pieces- in- progress as a means to some already expected end, then we fail. We must allow the synthesis to occur, not quite knowing where we are going, but knowing we are going somewhere. So far, I really like this Elbow guy.