“It was a dark and stormy night…”
Who can honestly say they have never heard these words? And why did they become one of the English-speaking world’s most recognizable phrases?
I think it’s because, in their own way, they symbolize just how rewarding (and, concomitantly, how difficult) *good* writing is to come by. Just as *saying* “A five year old can do *that*” when viewing, say, a work by Piet Mondrian is easy enough, it’s another thing entirely to back up a claim like that.
And thus it is—for most of us, it seems—that one may be convinced that good writing can’t really be all that difficult, now, can it? After all, it doesn’t place the kinds of physical demands on us that running a marathon would. It’s “just mental”—literally, a “no sweat” endeavor.
And yet, with the possible exception of a handful of writers (although I know of none who have made the claim) who are able to write truly memorable stories or articles in a single, effortless draft, the fact is: captivating, thought-provoking, even belly laugh-inducing writing isn’t readily—or easily—come by.
It’s surprising just how catalytic a question from a genuinely interested reader (read: writing coach)—or an encouraging word—to young people seeking to transform from authorial chrysalis to adulthood, can be. At our best, writing coaches do what the best coaches in any discipline do: inspire their charges to recognize and strengthen their skills… hopefully to the extent that they become aware and proud of, and confident in, their talents, and challenge themselves to produce work that is truly reflective of an individual style, and a unique voice.
