Finding Stillpoints in Writing

POST UPDATED June 2021
 


A few years back I learnt the term ‘stillpoints’ upon reading a book titled  ‘Write Starts – Prompts, Quotes and Exercise to Jumpstart Your Creativity’ by Hal Zina Bennett.
It’s Bennett’s word for those moments in our lives when we are totally at one with the now; we are so with whatever we are doing or feeling or thinking that everything else seems to stop.

 In writing, Bennett sees stillpoints as aha! moments created when our words strike a special chord, It occurs when we express something clearly, authentically and beautifully. It resonates as clearly as the ringing of a fine crystal bell.

 Sometimes teachers refer to this as writing about small moments in greater detail. The writer dwells on a moment to highlight it for the reader. The moment is expanded with deliberate intent. As we know, the writer doesn't lend equal time (or words) to every aspect of a story. The story would be quite boring to read if this was the case. The pace of the writing ebbs and flows accordingly. 

 This is a craft strategy worth teaching to young writers. Help them to find 'stillpoints' in their writing. Places in the texts where they wish to expand upon rather than rush to the next part of the story. They may take the opportunity to clarify, or tease out details related to characters. settings, actions, events. The writer may use the stillpoint to build tension, or make a small, yet significant observation.

 The closer a writer comes to describing anything as it really is, be it gruesome, embarrassing, uplifting, unconscionable, puzzling, or loving that moment becomes a stillpoint, reminding us of our own humanity.

They are those moments in writing that tell the truth as it is. When you read, try to notice the stillpoints. I urge teachers to share those moments with student writers.

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