Artista Emprendedor: The Art of Writing

The School of Film and Visual Arts of the Universidad Francisco Marroquín in this edition of Artista Emprendedor, had as guests Ronald Flores, writer and director of Education Department UFM and Marc Eliot, writer and american biographer. Both guests were interviewed by the moderator, Ignacio Galindo, to talk about the creative process of the art of writing, their trajectory, strategies, and personal insights of their motivations and experiences as writers, what challenges they have faced and the recommendations they would give to people who want to write. Each, shares their story detailing how their personal experiences and observations led them to succeed in the world of writing.

"Writing is first and foremost a confrontation with yourself."- Ignacio Galindo

To start with, Galindo asks the guests about the strategies and techniques that they apply when they start writing their stories. Ronald Flores mentions that there are no formal instructions because the source of inspiration is unique to each one. However, he explains the way he follows spontaneous images or atmospheres that emerge randomly in his mind, which he describes as “alive” and something he cannot explain. At the same time, Flores recalls his first steps in the art of writing and highlights the importance of reading, analysis, and discussion. Likewise, Flores recommends thinking about the story beforehand, otherwise the writing may be ineffective.

On the other hand, Marc Eliot compares the inspiration for starting writing with living a romance because it is not easy to determine the moment an idea begins because it just comes unbidden. Moreover, as a biographer, Eliot underlines other dimensions of writing: personal perception,reflection of oneself, and emotional experience. Facts that, according to Eliot, allowed him to not only understand himself but reconcile himself. Likewise, Eliot emphasizes the importance of inspiring others and leaving a legacy for new generations as writers.

“Getting an idea is not an intellectual experience, it’s an organic personal experience.” - Marc Eliot

Furthermore, Galindo asks a second question regarding receiving constructive criticism. In this point, Flores recalls looking for mentors to understand his country’s politics, culture, and history, recognizing that Hollywood couldn't reflect his Guatemalan reality and he emphasizes the need to actively seek people who can provide genuine feedback such as: mentors, peers and friends alike. MoreoverFlores says that positive fact means developing a deep connection rather than wide recognition. Eliot supports the idea saying that finding trusted readers and honest critics is essential for artistic growth. He also highlights that the intention of saying something to the world must trascent places, no matter where the writer comes from.

“I know that I’m writing for a very few selected crowd and that’s even better because you know the people you are writing for.” - Ronald Flores

Finally, Flores and Eliot reflect together on the importance of rewriting. Flores underlines that a great deal of unseen hard work and discipline goes into both writing and rewriting, emphasizing the crucial role of the writer’s personal style. Similarly, Eliot compares writing to sculpting, describing it as the process of shaping an initial draft into a masterpiece — a journey that often encourages the writer to move on to new projects.

Expand your knowledge around literature and the art of writing, learning new skills and experiences from international and national successful writers, visiting: http://www.newmedia.ufm.edu

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