One of the things I love about social media is that we get a glimpse into the creative process of so many writers, artists, photographers, and creators. I love seeing how people create, the different drafts, parts and stages of a project. I love learning what inspires them. I love seeing how they come to the product, more than seeing the product itself.
but, as we well know, social networks have another side: censoring ourselves. we know that others will read our words and see our images, so naturally we censor what we post. this is not necessarily a bad thing. We don’t need to reveal everything about ourselves, and it’s important to protect ourselves online. however, because we know that others will see our stuff, we may not be honest in expressing ourselves.
You are reading: Are all the burn after writing books the same
that’s where sharon jones’s new book comes in: burning after writing encourages us not to share anything. instead, it is a private diary that features many different prompts and questions to get to know ourselves. really knowing ourselves, without anyone looking at us, without worrying about what others will think.
in the following interview, jones, a graphic designer from the north of england, shares what inspired the book and what inspires her work. she also shares what she would like readers to take away from writing, along with the hardest part of writing the book.
stay tuned for another post this thursday, featuring my favorite burn after writing questions.
q: what inspired you to create burn after writing?
a: burn after writing came about through conversations with my teenage daughter about things we both value. She was aware that she was constantly engaging in online discussions about a multitude of personal things, hindsight, plans, dreams, contemplation, and creativity, and expressing them openly.
the question for me? was it possible to do that honestly?
I don’t think so.
I collected a series of questions and tried to answer them honestly. then I hired several friends to do the same. I immediately realized that our true values and beliefs are deeply compromised when it comes to our selves on social media.
The concept of post-writing burnout arose as a direct result of that challenge. to create a device that allows the contemplative individual the opportunity to try to answer the questions honestly on their own without outside pressure.
the truth is the hardest thing to write or even if you are prepared to tell the truth
there is a line in the book that says: “regardless of how you choose to use this book, think about the truth before you answer. At least that way you could know if you’re lying or not.”
Take Facebook for example: Facebook status updates are there for other people to comment on; or [for] affirmation; or [to] like. people constantly seek validation of their own choices. burning after writing is the opposite of that; deliberately challenges the individual not to share anything.
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q: what do you want readers to take away from the book?
a: burn after writing (baw) is like an interview with yourself. you can answer it honestly or creatively or just have fun with it. blank paper is intimidating; baw provides the writer with ideas and a framework to work from, and ultimately becomes its own time capsule.
studies have shown that when you write by hand instead of typing on a keyboard, your responses are more thoughtful, considered, and studied.
How many things do you clearly remember from your adolescence? your thoughts, values, beliefs. probably not as many as you might think. certainly with some clarity of certainty. looking back, it can be stored and revisited in the future.
When the power finally runs out, only your paper efforts will be left for Tom Cruise to discover in a post-apocalyptic landscape.
the magazine can be many things, cathartic, reflective, a road map, a catalyst to do new things. more than anything, he is a partner. I am well aware that some sections are fundamentally painful, while engaging with them allows you to ask the question in your mind as soon as you try to put those thoughts on paper you start to back up and engage those answers.
The whole diary is fluid, you can have fun with it, take it seriously or both. up to you. the answers you put on paper could be monumentally different than the ones you might give in the future, even 24 hours later; it all depends on your mood. it is inevitable that our values and beliefs will change.
Q: What was the most difficult part of writing the book? how did you get over it (I’m sure timelines help :)?
a: the magazine was formed over a long period of time. Very early in the process, I immediately realized that the book was a snapshot in time, so the present is tied to the past and then to the future.
It was basically a brainstorming scenario. a huge list of ideas and gradually, over time, boiling it down to a core with edit after edit after edit.
One of the turning points in the process was when a friend brought in a 19th-century leather-bound journal, all written in a beautiful fountain pen. in it the compiler had asked a series of questions to acquaintances, among them who is your favorite artist and what is your favorite food. the responses were compelling and varied and provided a unique snapshot of that individual and the moment. It felt like a validation of the journaling process.
the book was a great collaborative event; I was constantly asking the people around me for ideas, and once you start looking, the reticular activators kick in and suddenly there are thousands of questions you can include.
When it was complete, we gave people mannequins to fill in, not only with honest answers, but also with creative, quirky, and fun answers. just to see how creative people could be. it was so much fun.
q: what are your favorite ways to create?
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a: I must have read all the books that have been written on the subject. in the main im driven by function over form every time. I’m from the less is more school of design, and as a result of that, I try to keep things simple.
I also intend to work within my capabilities. I am a total believer in collaboration. To get the best out of any project, I’m happy to realize where my limitations are and provide help when needed.
Ultimately, I admire everyone who is creative. in any capacity.
Q: What inspires your work as a graphic designer?
a: I have worked in graphic design since I left school, through advertising, newspapers and publishing, and have seen great advances in technology.
were really spoiled when it came to the tools we now have available to us. when you look at what’s possible now and compare it to even 10 or 20 years ago, the industry has come this far. Sitting at an easel in the ’90s with a set of markers, paper, and a ruler, I couldn’t have dreamed of what was to come.
Q: Anything else you’d like readers to know about the journal, the creative, or your book?
a: This book will be a unique picture of you as you are right now, as you will never be again. remember that as you interact with it.
I think what people will underestimate about the book is the time it takes to complete it. At 144 pages, the reader probably thinks he could do it in one night.
The book will challenge, provoke and intimidate the reader. it can really be painful at some points (as well as being fun and engaging). I love word association questions; you can complete them and then go back to them and say to yourself now where did that come from?
I think people will burn it after writing it? if they answered honestly, they might.
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Do you feel like you express yourself authentically online? Do you feel pressure to express yourself in a certain way? how do you express yourself when no one is looking? what do you reveal?
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again, stay tuned for Thursday when I’ll share my favorite burn questions after writing.
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