In the second part of our delicious podcast with Jack Canfora, Jack uses a word that made me light up. Sparks of recognition for having erred in a way he described. Mistakes made from putting too fine a polish on an unworthy sentence or an entire, misguided paragraph. Jack’s simple term which encompasses all of the (often) unnecessary and distracting flourish is FILIGREE.
There could be NO better word to describe what Verlyn Klinkenborg addressed with his pin-point wisdom in one of my favorite books: “Several Short Sentences About Writing”:
Pay attention to rhythm, first and last.
Imagine it this way:
One by one, each sentence takes the stage.
It says the very thing it comes into existence to say.
Then it leaves the stage.
It doesn’t help the next one up or the previous one down.
It doesn’t wave to its friends in the audience
Or pause to be acknowledged or applauded.
It doesn’t talk about what it’s saying.
It simply says its piece and leaves the stage.
p. 3
Some writers polish a single paragraph until it glows,
Fearing that the next paragraph will ruin it somehow.
Accept it: you’ll surely fail again and just as surely succeed.
There’s nothing linear or steady in your growth as a writer.
And the moment you find yourself getting good at one thing,
It’s time to push on to unsafe terrain.
p. 115
Talking with Jack reminds me that writing is artistry and finding our one, true voice is an expedition worth the time, tears and torment. Whatever I supposed, years ago, about ease and accomplishment arriving without effort I no longer believe. Writing summons the paradox of indulgence and discipline. When they stand united, the impetus to explore – pulling myself from the inside out – is satisfying unlike any other activity in my life. Here’s a sneak peek of Jack’s insight from this episode:
Thank you, Jack. Learning about the hiccups and triumphs for a writer as accomplished as you reminded me of Klinkenborg’s point about productivity. It’s neither steady nor linear but we trudge forward to get to new heights of understanding. Hanging out with friends who inspire surely helps.
-Vicki ❤
Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to on Anchor Episode 56: Master Class in Creativity with Jack Canfora – Part II
Transcript for Episode 56 of the podcast
Jack’s website: Jack Canfora | Playwright | Podcaster | Writing Coach
Other podcast episodes featuring Jack:
Episode 4: Why Theater Matters
Episode 55: Master Class in Creativity with Jack Canfora – Part I
Victoria Ponders 
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