Breakup With Black-And-White Approach Towards Creative Writing

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)
Representational Photo

By Gowher Majeed Bhat

Kashmir has long been a land of poets, storytellers, and dreamers. From the timeless works of Rasul Mir to the thought-provoking prose of Akhtar Mohiuddin, creativity has always been woven into the fabric of this valley. Yet, many aspiring writers here, like elsewhere, struggle with a common creative roadblock-black-and-white thinking. The tendency to see writing in rigid, either-or terms often stifles creativity rather than nurturing it. Should I write for passion or profit? Should I focus on one project or multiple? Should I follow strict outlines or write freely?

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The truth is, writing is never that simple. The best creative work emerges not from choosing one extreme over the other but from embracing complexity, nuance, and flexibility.

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A struggling Kashmiri writer often finds themselves caught in absolutes. If their book doesn't sell, they assume they've failed. If they're not writing every day, they feel like they're not a real writer. If they draw inspiration from others, they fear they're not original enough. This kind of thinking creates unnecessary pressure, often leading to creative blocks or even abandonment of writing dreams altogether. In a place where storytelling has historically been a means of preserving culture and identity, such self-imposed limitations can be especially damaging.

But writing isn't about absolutes. The best authors navigate the middle ground between extremes. They write what they love while also considering their audience. They balance discipline with moments of inspiration. They experiment with structure without losing coherence. Take, for example, the question: Should I write for myself or for the market? A black-and-white approach would say you must pick one. But in reality, great writers find a balance. They tell stories that matter to them while also making sure those stories resonate with readers. This isn't compromise-it's craft.

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Take the case of Kashmiri author Mirza Waheed, whose novels such as The Collaborator and The Book of Gold Leaves have gained international recognition. Waheed's work beautifully blends deep personal storytelling with themes that are universally relevant. He writes about Kashmir's realities with an authentic voice, yet his work also appeals to global audiences. His success demonstrates that a writer doesn't have to choose between local and international appeal-both can coexist in a meaningful way.

In Kashmir, where the publishing industry is still developing, many writers struggle with the belief that traditional publishing is the only mark of success. This is another form of black-and-white thinking. While traditional publishing is valuable, digital platforms, self-publishing, and literary magazines also provide powerful ways to share stories. Many Kashmiri writers are now making their voices heard globally through these alternative paths. The rigid belief that only one route is valid often prevents aspiring authors from exploring new opportunities.

Similarly, the idea that a writer must produce a certain number of words every day to be successful is misleading. While consistency is important, creativity doesn't follow a fixed schedule. Some writers thrive on daily routines; others work best in intense bursts followed by reflective breaks. Writing is not a mechanical process-it's an art.

Overcoming black-and-white thinking requires a shift in perspective. Instead of choosing between two extremes, ask whether a middle ground exists. Instead of asking,“Should I write fiction or nonfiction?” consider whether you can incorporate elements of both. Instead of debating between short stories and a novel, think about how short stories could evolve into a larger work. Instead of asking whether you should write for love or money, ask how you can write what you love in a way that also connects with readers.

Experimentation is key. If you always outline before writing, try writing a few scenes spontaneously. If you usually write in first-person, experiment with third-person. Breaking out of rigid habits can spark fresh ideas and expand your creative range. Most importantly, embrace the messiness of the process. Writing is not a straight road-it's full of false starts, revisions, and unexpected detours. Some of the most powerful stories emerge from moments of creative exploration rather than rigid planning.

Kashmir's rich literary tradition thrives because its storytellers have never been bound by rigid formulas. Creativity flourishes when we move beyond strict categories and embrace the richness of possibility. Writing isn't about making a single, perfect choice-it's about experimenting, evolving, and finding new ways forward. The next time you feel stuck between two extremes, pause. Look for the shades of gray. Creativity is not about absolutes-it's about discovery.

If we as Kashmiri writers allow ourselves to break free from rigid thinking, we can contribute to a more diverse, dynamic literary culture. Whether through poetry, fiction, or memoir, our stories have the power to resonate across borders while staying rooted in our heritage. The world is waiting for our voices-we just have to embrace the freedom to write without limits.

• The author can be reached for feedback at: [email protected]

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