Writing a good story is hard work. It's not too difficult to put words on a page. Given the right incentive, almost anyone could sit down and type up 1,000 words a day to create some sort of story that some people may consider interesting enough to read. Crafting a story that doesn't have grammar, syntax, plot, character or other blatant flaws takes a little more practice. It also takes editing.
Sometimes that means ditching about 2200 words of progress so you can go back and re-write the chapter from another character's point of view. It can be painful, but it makes it worthwhile in the end to do something for the good of the story. It might not be easy, but it's likely the right thing to do.
Life has these editing moments as well. There are certain things about my story that I just cannot change. I have a slew of chronic issues, including asthma, allergies, IBS, GERD, migraines, idiopathic hypersomnolence, and chronic widespread pain. I can treat the symptoms, but I'm not really going to get rid of any of those things.
I can however, make changes that will help mitigate these conditions. I can eat better food, drink less soda, have daily exercise...you get the idea.
I think negativity is a big thing to edit out of your life - wherever possible. The first step starts at home, so examine your outlook. Try to look at things from a positive view. Not everyone can do it, but that's okay. Trying is key. Sometimes trying becomes doing, after a while. What might be a bigger help is looking at the company you keep. Are there negative people around you? People who don't support you, people who openly oppose you? Can you prevent yourself from spending time with them? This is important because we tend to act and react like the people around us. Surround yourself with negativity and people who tear you down, guess what happens?
I'm not saying any of these "Life Edits" are going to be easy, but if I've learned one thing over the past several years, it's that sometimes the hard choices are the right choices.
There are going to be some things that we can never change. I'm always going to be a bit of a klutz and my eyes are uneven and sometimes I laugh really loud. But I can work on being kinder, more patient, and more accepting of people, including myself.
Writing again (consistently, with purpose) is one of my Life Edits, along with daily activity (mostly walks) and a few other changes. At the end of July, I'm a few hundred words short of 24,000 words (thanks to some actual editing) and have every reason to believe I'll finish the month at 25,000. My goal is to have a pretty decent first draft by the time my birthday rolls around in September. We'll see if I have to edit that goal sometime next month.
Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart, kill your darlings.
Stephen King,
On Writing
Put down everything that comes into your head and then you're a writer.
But an author is one who can judge his own stuff's worth, without pity,
and destroy most of it.
Colette, Casual Chance
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013
By any other name...
When I worked at a fast food restaurant, there was a regular customer who came by every week. He always ordered a small hot chocolate, and despite several years in the United States, had a beautifully thick German accent. He always delighted in telling me that my name would have been Heidi, and he often would call me by that name. I don't know if this is entirely accurate, but to him, I was Heidi.
Over the phone, it's easy to misunderstand names. For some reason, people often think I say my name is Hunter, which at least has several correct letters in the right places.
I remember in middle school when we started exploring names and what they meant. There were people with names like Emily (to strive or excel), Elizabeth (God is my oath), David (beloved) and Christine (follower of Christ) which had actual meanings. Some classmates were receiving those pictures with their name and meaning in a picture frame. Somehow, I didn't think my name print would be too inspiring: low growing shrub with purple flowers.
My name also doesn't lend itself well to cool nicknames, unlike Em, Liz, Dave and Chrissy. Even now, I don't have any nicknames that have survived, attaining longevity or mass usage. I have however, been called regularly by small groups or individuals an odd collection of names: Turkey, Hez, Pepper, Princess.
The story of my middle name is much more interesting. My mother did consider giving me her middle name (Louise) as it was also my grandmother's name. However, my father's side of the family would have created World War III over this, and mom instead liked the sound of another "L" name. Technically, my middle name is in honor of a male cousin of whom my mother was very fond, hence the "boy spelling" of Lee.
And if we're putting the name together, we now have low growing shrub with purple flowers field.
 | ||
| My name is my two favorite colors! |
Pretty neat, huh?
Naming characters or places (even ancillary or casual references) is always difficult for me. I have stopped writing because I was blocked by a name and needing to find just the right name. Not every name has to have significance, but names are part of who we are. At first, they are the symbol that identifies us. As we grow into them - and our actions and words become known - we define them.
Occasionally names of people I know make it into stories, but that is rare, and it's not happened in the current work so far. Names in The Novel fall into two distinct categories: names that convey another time or utilitarian names. For example, one of the secondary characters is named Torch. He's from the outlying area of the story, where people tend to have simple names, derived from tools, plants, directions or jobs. To help save some time, I've jotted down several useful tools that could serve as names, should I need to name a random crowd member.
I'm always collecting names, jotting them down on scraps of paper or typing up lists in a text document, hoping to keep myself from stalling.
For this Novel, I couldn't think of a good name for the capitol city but I didn't want that to keep me from writing. So I just called it the Capitol. I still haven't come up with the right name, 15,500 words and 32 pages into the draft.
I'm just glad I have the option to Find and Replace when the inspiration comes.
“Must a name mean something?" Alice asked doubtfully.
Of course it must," Humpty Dumpty said with a short laugh; "my name means the shape I am - and a good handsome shape it is, too. With a name like yours, you might be any shape, almost.”
Lewis Carroll
Friday, July 19, 2013
Story of You
Most of us have been in an organized group where we do an "icebreaker" to help introduce the group and create a comfortable environment. There are all kinds of icebreakers, but one I've seen done fairly frequently is naming something interesting about yourself (unusual talent, unknown fact, etc). Inevitably, there is always someone or more than one someone that doesn't think they have anything interesting to contribute. I couldn't disagree more.
Everyone has something to contribute. Whether or not we can think of it on the spot is another story, so I challenge you to really think about yourself and get ready for that next icebreaker or conversation with a new person. Even now, you may deny that something is unique or interesting about you. I'll be more than happy to prove you wrong. I'm very good at asking questions.
The thing to keep in mind is that "interesting" is all relative, much like perspective and opinions. What you find boring (because you've known it all your life) can be very exciting to someone who has never experienced something like that before.
I believe that people are stories, the sum of their experiences and decisions of the moment.
In all the world and all the Universe, there is only one You. This doesn't make you a unique Snowflake, entitled to anything special more than anyone else because hey, I'm the only Me there is, too. But no one else has had the same experiences, made the same mistakes or choices, been to the same places, tried the same things...you get the idea. You are the sum of everything you have seen, felt, heard, touched, tasted, learned, ignored or relished.
Still not convinced? Start from the beginning. Our parents help us who become who we are. Whether you love them, had only one, were adopted or cut family ties, your parents set you on a unique path.
My parents are awesome. And my kid brother is pretty awesome, too. Our household has a lot of laughs at family gatherings. Skip the drama. There's four of us out here in the Midwest, and we're a close-knit group despite some distance. We did a lot of things together, even before we moved to the Mitten State. We walked through the woods behind our house to pick berries, went to the duck pond, went on road trips, celebrated Father's Day with a water balloon ambush...
Go ahead, think about that, about your childhood. Something you did with your family that makes you unique. For me, it was fireworks. And when I was 18, my Mom, Dad and I all worked on the same fireworks crew to set up, shoot and tear down shows in Southern Mittengan. Yes, that's usually the unique tidbit I share about myself. That, or the three octave singing range.
But back to people and stories.
I think this is why I love talking to people so much. I am a lover of words and stories, so it makes sense I like the walking, talking, breathing kind as well. I'm still adamant that there's something we can all say during those icebreakers that will be better than "there's nothing interesting about me". Sometimes it just takes a fresh set of eyes.
Here's a list of random stuff about people I know: writes comics, is a best-selling author, was an extra on Walking Dead, has dual citizenship, works at a video game company, has a homebrew called Violet Beauregarde, performs improv, has a company that works to reduce trash at festivals and races, is a Jeopardy champion.
And here's some even more random stuff: won't use paper towels, can't eat potluck food, can make the sound of a cricket, is afraid of all animals, vehemently hates kissing Dutch children figurines.
Writers take seemingly ordinary things and give new perspective. Your boring is an author's inspiration.
Be warned.
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
Edgar Allan Poe
Everyone has something to contribute. Whether or not we can think of it on the spot is another story, so I challenge you to really think about yourself and get ready for that next icebreaker or conversation with a new person. Even now, you may deny that something is unique or interesting about you. I'll be more than happy to prove you wrong. I'm very good at asking questions.
The thing to keep in mind is that "interesting" is all relative, much like perspective and opinions. What you find boring (because you've known it all your life) can be very exciting to someone who has never experienced something like that before.
I believe that people are stories, the sum of their experiences and decisions of the moment.
In all the world and all the Universe, there is only one You. This doesn't make you a unique Snowflake, entitled to anything special more than anyone else because hey, I'm the only Me there is, too. But no one else has had the same experiences, made the same mistakes or choices, been to the same places, tried the same things...you get the idea. You are the sum of everything you have seen, felt, heard, touched, tasted, learned, ignored or relished.
Still not convinced? Start from the beginning. Our parents help us who become who we are. Whether you love them, had only one, were adopted or cut family ties, your parents set you on a unique path.
My parents are awesome. And my kid brother is pretty awesome, too. Our household has a lot of laughs at family gatherings. Skip the drama. There's four of us out here in the Midwest, and we're a close-knit group despite some distance. We did a lot of things together, even before we moved to the Mitten State. We walked through the woods behind our house to pick berries, went to the duck pond, went on road trips, celebrated Father's Day with a water balloon ambush...
Go ahead, think about that, about your childhood. Something you did with your family that makes you unique. For me, it was fireworks. And when I was 18, my Mom, Dad and I all worked on the same fireworks crew to set up, shoot and tear down shows in Southern Mittengan. Yes, that's usually the unique tidbit I share about myself. That, or the three octave singing range.
But back to people and stories.
I think this is why I love talking to people so much. I am a lover of words and stories, so it makes sense I like the walking, talking, breathing kind as well. I'm still adamant that there's something we can all say during those icebreakers that will be better than "there's nothing interesting about me". Sometimes it just takes a fresh set of eyes.
Here's a list of random stuff about people I know: writes comics, is a best-selling author, was an extra on Walking Dead, has dual citizenship, works at a video game company, has a homebrew called Violet Beauregarde, performs improv, has a company that works to reduce trash at festivals and races, is a Jeopardy champion.
And here's some even more random stuff: won't use paper towels, can't eat potluck food, can make the sound of a cricket, is afraid of all animals, vehemently hates kissing Dutch children figurines.
Writers take seemingly ordinary things and give new perspective. Your boring is an author's inspiration.
Be warned.
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
Edgar Allan Poe
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Girls, girls, girls...
Earlier today I was directed to a blogpost by an author criticizing the idea of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl (MPDG), a stereotype in stories (books, films, etc). I read through the article because I was curious, though it turned out to be less an intelligent take on two-dimensional female characters and more a personal commentary about how she thought she used to be an MPDG and now carefully guards her behavior lest she once again be confused with some eccentric, quirky girl who can change someone's life.
To be honest, I found the post fairly self-involved. But then again, when I read things like that (or about girls who are constantly harassed by guys) I always have a knee-jerk reaction of conceited, much? I'll admit, it's knee-jerk as I said, but what bothered me most about the post was that it didn't even correctly describe the stereotype of the MPDG. She also totally missed the mark (In my opinion) when she mentioned characters in both Harry Potter and Doctor Who. I could probably write an entire blog post deconstructing her blog, but instead I thought I'd focus on something much more constructive -- non-stereotypical female characters.
Ladies, we've come a long way. There was a time when it was a man's world out there in the literary genres. I'm not defending it, just stating that's the way it was. Look at Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Woman). Originally, she was just capable of turning invisible. Years passed and people realized that Sue could be more valuable than a damsel in distress or a love interest for Reed (or Namor) and gave her a bit of a boost. In fact, Dr. Doom said that Sue was the most powerful member of the Fantastic Four.
And it's not just the superpowers that got a helping hand. Personalities, motivations and even careers have morphed over the years. Unfortunately, there's still a lot of stereotypes out there. For example, women should look a certain way. If you haven't watched it yet, watch this awesome video of Dustin Hoffman talking about his preparation for the role of Tootsie.
Just like with ogres, women should have layers (and in general, characters of either gender ought to be complicated enough that they have depth, but today we're focusing on the womens). I conducted an informal poll earlier today, asking friends to name their favorite female characters (and why). Not surprisingly, there were several repeat offenders:
Elizabeth Bennet
Jane Eyre
Katniss Everdeen
Hermione Granger
Lisbeth Salander
I love how this list incorporates different women from different genres and styles of literature. I also love that not all of them are the same type of female character. Looking at the list quickly, a couple of things stand out. None of these characters are exceptionally beautiful and several of them are very smart. Elizabeth and Jane are both rather plain. Katniss is not unattractive, but she is not a beauty queen. Hermione is a bit of an ugly duckling at first, though she does blossom, and Lisbeth hardly conforms to modern society's take on beauty norms.
I could probably talk at length about each of them, though I would have to admit that I've only seen movie versions of Lisbeth and not yet read the books. But I think I'd rather focus on one or two, for the sake of time. Elizabeth Bennet is a very good example of a strong female character who - despite the ideals of the time, is not afraid to speak her mind. She is also flawed and not afraid to - when it becomes apparent - admit that she was wrong and make amends.
But as great as Elizabeth Bennet is (and if you haven't read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, please do for another look at Ms. Bennet) I think I'll talk about a character that is has more modern ties, Hermione Granger. When we first meet Miss Granger, she's a girl with out of control hair and a penchant for correcting people. Immediately, she is shown to be an imperfect creature with an obvious strength. But as the series progresses, we get to know Hermione better. We see she is resourceful, determined, loyal and brave. And while there is a romantic subplot for her, she isn't the main love interest of the main hero of the story, Harry himself. I think all of these things (and more) combine to create such a memorable character because they are all believable.
Rowling herself said that Hermione had "a lot of insecurity and a great fear of failure". But we have the luxury of watching her grow and mature through the course of the books, and we see how her relationships with Ron and Harry help her become a better person, just as she helps them. Just as in real life, our friends affect us.
Whether they're a plot device, a love interest, an antagonist or protagonist, writing a female (or any) character should be as simple as this -- writing a believable person.
People are very complex creatures. The issue with the MPDG isn't that she's eccentric or quirky or bohemian or any other word you choose to describe her. It's that she's little more than a frame around a mirror used for the main character to reflect on. She has no purpose other than to be support for the main character, and that's author driven, which makes a character less believable.
Readers are very smart people. They can usually tell if there's a cardboard character imposing on the story or if there's some spark of life that makes the interaction, dialogue or action make sense. They can also usually tell if there's a giant stereotype hitting them over the head. Girl Next Door. Femme Fatale. Characters become less believable when they are strictly used to meet an author's end. Bad writing happens when authors force characters to do things, simply because they have a vision of a story. For example, Girl A ends up with Boy B despite the obvious chemistry she has with Boy C just because the author wanted to rewrite Romeo & Juliet (including the ending).
In short, characters that remind us of real people aren't necessarily stereotypes, but stereotypes won't necessarily become believable characters. And in closing, this quote from one of my friends: They are strong but not invincible, smart as hell, flawed but working on it, and most of all, they are not men with boobs.
I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.
Marilyn Monroe
To be honest, I found the post fairly self-involved. But then again, when I read things like that (or about girls who are constantly harassed by guys) I always have a knee-jerk reaction of conceited, much? I'll admit, it's knee-jerk as I said, but what bothered me most about the post was that it didn't even correctly describe the stereotype of the MPDG. She also totally missed the mark (In my opinion) when she mentioned characters in both Harry Potter and Doctor Who. I could probably write an entire blog post deconstructing her blog, but instead I thought I'd focus on something much more constructive -- non-stereotypical female characters.
Ladies, we've come a long way. There was a time when it was a man's world out there in the literary genres. I'm not defending it, just stating that's the way it was. Look at Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Woman). Originally, she was just capable of turning invisible. Years passed and people realized that Sue could be more valuable than a damsel in distress or a love interest for Reed (or Namor) and gave her a bit of a boost. In fact, Dr. Doom said that Sue was the most powerful member of the Fantastic Four.
And it's not just the superpowers that got a helping hand. Personalities, motivations and even careers have morphed over the years. Unfortunately, there's still a lot of stereotypes out there. For example, women should look a certain way. If you haven't watched it yet, watch this awesome video of Dustin Hoffman talking about his preparation for the role of Tootsie.
Just like with ogres, women should have layers (and in general, characters of either gender ought to be complicated enough that they have depth, but today we're focusing on the womens). I conducted an informal poll earlier today, asking friends to name their favorite female characters (and why). Not surprisingly, there were several repeat offenders:
Elizabeth Bennet
Jane Eyre
Katniss Everdeen
Hermione Granger
Lisbeth Salander
I love how this list incorporates different women from different genres and styles of literature. I also love that not all of them are the same type of female character. Looking at the list quickly, a couple of things stand out. None of these characters are exceptionally beautiful and several of them are very smart. Elizabeth and Jane are both rather plain. Katniss is not unattractive, but she is not a beauty queen. Hermione is a bit of an ugly duckling at first, though she does blossom, and Lisbeth hardly conforms to modern society's take on beauty norms.
I could probably talk at length about each of them, though I would have to admit that I've only seen movie versions of Lisbeth and not yet read the books. But I think I'd rather focus on one or two, for the sake of time. Elizabeth Bennet is a very good example of a strong female character who - despite the ideals of the time, is not afraid to speak her mind. She is also flawed and not afraid to - when it becomes apparent - admit that she was wrong and make amends.
 | ||
| I love Mr. Darcy |
 |
| Levi OH sa, not LevioSAH |
Rowling herself said that Hermione had "a lot of insecurity and a great fear of failure". But we have the luxury of watching her grow and mature through the course of the books, and we see how her relationships with Ron and Harry help her become a better person, just as she helps them. Just as in real life, our friends affect us.
Whether they're a plot device, a love interest, an antagonist or protagonist, writing a female (or any) character should be as simple as this -- writing a believable person.
People are very complex creatures. The issue with the MPDG isn't that she's eccentric or quirky or bohemian or any other word you choose to describe her. It's that she's little more than a frame around a mirror used for the main character to reflect on. She has no purpose other than to be support for the main character, and that's author driven, which makes a character less believable.
Readers are very smart people. They can usually tell if there's a cardboard character imposing on the story or if there's some spark of life that makes the interaction, dialogue or action make sense. They can also usually tell if there's a giant stereotype hitting them over the head. Girl Next Door. Femme Fatale. Characters become less believable when they are strictly used to meet an author's end. Bad writing happens when authors force characters to do things, simply because they have a vision of a story. For example, Girl A ends up with Boy B despite the obvious chemistry she has with Boy C just because the author wanted to rewrite Romeo & Juliet (including the ending).
In short, characters that remind us of real people aren't necessarily stereotypes, but stereotypes won't necessarily become believable characters. And in closing, this quote from one of my friends: They are strong but not invincible, smart as hell, flawed but working on it, and most of all, they are not men with boobs.
I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.
Marilyn Monroe
Monday, July 8, 2013
A wretched hive...
After my mile marker victory of 7,000 words the other day, I realized that it was finally time to introduce another aspect of The Novel into the mix: the antagonist. At first, I thought I knew the type of villain I'd be using. But the idea felt flat and so nothing seemed to be moving forward. So during one of my quiet times -- when I'm not reading, watching television, writing, etc -- my brain had a pivotal realization. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite as pivotal as I would have liked, but it allowed me to shift my idea and once again have story momentum.
As I've been thinking of villains, I've been trying to think of some of my favorite villains from movies/shows/books. The villains I've loved to hate. Truthfully, the word antagonist is still more accurate, but villain is more fun to use. For me, I need a villain that has a believable motive. I know there are some people who just want to watch the world burn, but I don't buy into the Final Fantasy-esque villains who just want to destroy the world or even the universe. I also think how the villain acts or accomplishes their goals is integral. I started thinking of this as Motives and Methods.
I do have a hard time with the Bad Guys, though. I couldn't even play through Knights of the Old Republic as a Dark Side character. I just couldn't detach myself and do horrible, mean things to the imaginary people. I can be fairly emotionally perceptive, or even sensitive. So I think that has something to do with it. And possibly something to do with the fact that I really don't like bullies. And sometimes, that's what villains are, just empowered bullies.
My career as Subject of Ridicule began in kindergarten, where I was teased for being small. I can only guess that in second grade, when I had to get glasses, the teasing and mocking made me less inclined to wear them. This didn't help with my schoolwork, until mom saw a video of our classroom and asked why I wasn't wearing my glasses.
I was just an easy target, I guess, from elementary up through high school and even into college. It's made me a little flighty sometimes as my insecurities well up around people I don't know well. It's also made me a little protective of other people when I think someone is bullying or just saying something not nice. Which really makes writing a compelling antagonist a challenge...
It's too bad I don't like you anymore
Yes it's too bad
But my novel is gonna need an evil villain
As I've been thinking of villains, I've been trying to think of some of my favorite villains from movies/shows/books. The villains I've loved to hate. Truthfully, the word antagonist is still more accurate, but villain is more fun to use. For me, I need a villain that has a believable motive. I know there are some people who just want to watch the world burn, but I don't buy into the Final Fantasy-esque villains who just want to destroy the world or even the universe. I also think how the villain acts or accomplishes their goals is integral. I started thinking of this as Motives and Methods.
I do have a hard time with the Bad Guys, though. I couldn't even play through Knights of the Old Republic as a Dark Side character. I just couldn't detach myself and do horrible, mean things to the imaginary people. I can be fairly emotionally perceptive, or even sensitive. So I think that has something to do with it. And possibly something to do with the fact that I really don't like bullies. And sometimes, that's what villains are, just empowered bullies.
My career as Subject of Ridicule began in kindergarten, where I was teased for being small. I can only guess that in second grade, when I had to get glasses, the teasing and mocking made me less inclined to wear them. This didn't help with my schoolwork, until mom saw a video of our classroom and asked why I wasn't wearing my glasses.
I was just an easy target, I guess, from elementary up through high school and even into college. It's made me a little flighty sometimes as my insecurities well up around people I don't know well. It's also made me a little protective of other people when I think someone is bullying or just saying something not nice. Which really makes writing a compelling antagonist a challenge...
It's too bad I don't like you anymore
Yes it's too bad
But my novel is gonna need an evil villain
Friday, July 5, 2013
We're all mad here...
I've just crossed the threshold of the 7,000 word mark on the novel. I've come this far before on other works, and even had the same number of words on another iteration of this work, but it still feels monumental.
Normally I try to keep myself writing, no matter what, just trying to keep writing and keep the idea moving forward. I've tried a few different things this time around. Predominantly, I'm trying very hard to keep all of my ideas related to this piece in on notebook, even if I'm transferring to that book later. Some of the ideas are just musings and others end up in the actual story, but if it's a little more organized, maybe I won't run the risk of losing something really good.
I also worked on the opening chapter a lot, refining. There was a whole section that I discarded in favor of something else, and I've gone back and added more description or edited out what I thought was unimportant. It's far from perfect, but as far as a first draft goes, it's pretty solid (she says now).
In the first two chapters, I've introduced the two primary characters whose stories will eventually cross paths. I've hinted at some of the social/political tensions, fussed over names for multiple secondary and tertiary characters, and (I think) established an interesting premise that would inspire readers to continue through the end of the novel (once that has been accomplished).
In the long run, 7,000 words is not an extraordinary feat. It's only two chapters worth of a first draft. But writing takes time, and writing that I don't send the way of [CTRL A + DEL] takes longer. One of the greatest pieces of advice any writer can receive (and truly take to heart) is the idea that we ought to murder our darlings. There's some debate over who originally coined the phrase, but the meaning is still the same, regardless of who first spoke the words, be if William Faulkner or Arthur Quiller-Couch.
It's very easy to become enamored of one's own words. After spending so much time and effort slogging through the prose, it's too easy to look at what we've done through rose-colored glasses. Our dearest supporters don't always help. Friends who mean well will always smile and encourage you to keep going. Friends who really mean well will tell you if they care whether or not your main character dies in a fire (though a lot nicer than that) (usually).
Murdering your darlings means knowing when it's time to highlight whole sentences, paragraphs or even pages, and get them out of the way. I highly recommend storing them in another word file, just in case, but the daring writers may feel emboldened to dispose of them right out.
Time is the best re-focuser, I've discovered. It's what helped me with the first chapter of the current work. I wanted to create a very specific feeling during the first several paragraphs, and with the emotion and the idea too firmly in my brain, it was all too easy to read those emotions in the prose. Stepping away for a while allowed me to evaluate how the events were coming together and to see how the first direction wasn't fitting my overall theme objective.
Some writing is easier to edit than others. After re-reading, you just know it's got to go.
Time also helps a writer appreciate what they have accomplished. There's a chapter in an unfinished story of mine that gave me chills when I re-read it, years ago. When I feel I'm too harsh on myself, I try to think of that chapter. Because I'd forgotten about that moment, about the character. I'd caught myself by surprise. It gave me a new appreciation.
So, here's to 7,000 words, the darlings "murdered", and to the next 7,000 and the next, and the next, and the next...
We all live and schmooze, as we choose
The effort's always in the details
I've put in my time
I bump and grind and rise and shine
I whine and whine and pine and ache like everybody else
Just For Me, Blues Traveler
Normally I try to keep myself writing, no matter what, just trying to keep writing and keep the idea moving forward. I've tried a few different things this time around. Predominantly, I'm trying very hard to keep all of my ideas related to this piece in on notebook, even if I'm transferring to that book later. Some of the ideas are just musings and others end up in the actual story, but if it's a little more organized, maybe I won't run the risk of losing something really good.
I also worked on the opening chapter a lot, refining. There was a whole section that I discarded in favor of something else, and I've gone back and added more description or edited out what I thought was unimportant. It's far from perfect, but as far as a first draft goes, it's pretty solid (she says now).
In the first two chapters, I've introduced the two primary characters whose stories will eventually cross paths. I've hinted at some of the social/political tensions, fussed over names for multiple secondary and tertiary characters, and (I think) established an interesting premise that would inspire readers to continue through the end of the novel (once that has been accomplished).
In the long run, 7,000 words is not an extraordinary feat. It's only two chapters worth of a first draft. But writing takes time, and writing that I don't send the way of [CTRL A + DEL] takes longer. One of the greatest pieces of advice any writer can receive (and truly take to heart) is the idea that we ought to murder our darlings. There's some debate over who originally coined the phrase, but the meaning is still the same, regardless of who first spoke the words, be if William Faulkner or Arthur Quiller-Couch.
It's very easy to become enamored of one's own words. After spending so much time and effort slogging through the prose, it's too easy to look at what we've done through rose-colored glasses. Our dearest supporters don't always help. Friends who mean well will always smile and encourage you to keep going. Friends who really mean well will tell you if they care whether or not your main character dies in a fire (though a lot nicer than that) (usually).
Murdering your darlings means knowing when it's time to highlight whole sentences, paragraphs or even pages, and get them out of the way. I highly recommend storing them in another word file, just in case, but the daring writers may feel emboldened to dispose of them right out.
Time is the best re-focuser, I've discovered. It's what helped me with the first chapter of the current work. I wanted to create a very specific feeling during the first several paragraphs, and with the emotion and the idea too firmly in my brain, it was all too easy to read those emotions in the prose. Stepping away for a while allowed me to evaluate how the events were coming together and to see how the first direction wasn't fitting my overall theme objective.
Some writing is easier to edit than others. After re-reading, you just know it's got to go.
Time also helps a writer appreciate what they have accomplished. There's a chapter in an unfinished story of mine that gave me chills when I re-read it, years ago. When I feel I'm too harsh on myself, I try to think of that chapter. Because I'd forgotten about that moment, about the character. I'd caught myself by surprise. It gave me a new appreciation.
So, here's to 7,000 words, the darlings "murdered", and to the next 7,000 and the next, and the next, and the next...
We all live and schmooze, as we choose
The effort's always in the details
I've put in my time
I bump and grind and rise and shine
I whine and whine and pine and ache like everybody else
Just For Me, Blues Traveler
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