In this chapter, the author aimed to describe the features of an excellent writer. She notes that the skill is a natural talent, and an individual requires creativity and knowledge to nurture it. With innovativeness, Phillips (n. d.) notes that content flows without any limitations. She illustrates this point using her brother, who was a naturalist. Philips (n. d.) uses Jim’s experience with snakes in the woods to describe a writer’s natural abilities. One observes the environment and puts it in a different point of view, aiming to persuade the audience in the way they think. Additionally, Phillips (n. d.) brings the characteristics of fictional authors. They do not plan a topic, but they utilize the natural flow of thoughts in writing. Phillips (n. d.) states that “A writer goes out in the world and returns with both fists clutching a mass of ideas, words, characters, places, stories, arguments, insights, possibly poisonous, hopefully not, and brandishes them alive and squirming before the startled reader” (p. 177). The author believes that natural writing talent keeps people confident over new experiences. Such encounters increase their level of imagination when presenting self-directed ideas.
Furthermore, the author notes that real writers are adventurous, which is exciting and unusual but it could be hazardous to them. The inherent confidence in such authors helps them to cope with the risky experiences that come with adventure. This argument encourages potential writers to be adaptable to changing priorities because they cannot always write about the same topics. They should be flexible and ready to face new challenges to satisfy the audience’s needs.
After reading the chapter on UN-Final Thoughts, various key takeaways were noted. Phillips (n. d.) asserts that writers should ‘think small’, be courageous, and listen to people. Thinking small implies that they should focus on the goals that are easy to achieve, as opposed to setting lofty and difficult ones. The author writes, “The best things to write about are often the tiniest things…” (Phillips, n. d., p. 178). Being courageous helps writers to follow their dreams, overcome criticism, and tackle deep subjects. For instance, they would face negativity from friends and family, which makes them feel that their work was not a worthwhile pursuit. Disgruntled reviewers could also discourage writers, and therefore Philips (n. d.) notes that audacity is inherent to overcome such challenges and insecurities. She encourages authors to listen because other people could have insights, knowledge, and experiences that they are not aware of. Such perspectives are inspirational to writers, and they should find the best approach to incorporate them to make their work interesting.
Lastly, ideas on the rise of digital writing were worth noting in the book. The internet has eased authorship, apart from increasing flexibility and the number of audience and collaboration among writers. Editors and agents are more accessible on social media, and writers can self-publish their books. Flexibility has enabled children to create electronic portfolios, including video, music, and photographs (Phillips, n. d.). Online collaboration occurs through interactive platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where writers share ideas from different locations and tools. Phillips also presented various thoughts on writing, and they are worth noting. An author’s idea should be standardized, unique, and concise to please readers. Additionally, it should be comprehensive and perplexing, depending on the setting it was presented. Writers should keep reading because the environment changes over time, necessitating radical styles and thoughts.
Reference
Phillips, J. A. (n. d.). UN-final thoughts. In What a Writer Needs. Scribner.