Bit of Practical Advice, yeah?

job said:

The Jabberwocky gambit.

Carroll is an example where deliberate ambiguity pays off. It works because Carroll is so clever and funny. But it also works because he's telling story. The snark is a boojum, (** spoiler alert here **) so the journey is not only fun, it's worthwhile.

Click to expand...

this made me think of something, because I love reading Carroll---

there is a difference between a writer who does the ambiguety and mystery for the reader and the writer who does it for himself. I can tell pretty quick which book is which and I heartily....HEARTILY...dislike the second. And that's for everything, not just the particular kind of book. As soon as I get a whiff of self-indulgence, I'm done with a book.

As to my former post....I think you'll find most life principles apply to writing. If you aren't teachable, you'll never get craft under control. But that means admitting you are in a place where you need taught. And that means bringing yourself under control in order to bring your writing there.