Friday, May 21, 2010

Writing is easy, writing is easy, writing is easy . . .

As I slowly merge into writing the second book again (put on hold back in January to revise the first) I can feel the tightening of my shoulders for all the words ahead, not yet written. Usually not one to give into writer's block, I nevertheless anticipate the finding of each string of words, one after the other, praying for a rush of thoughtless flow.

Have you ever been working on a scene and it was like pulling teeth? You get something down, then stop, think, erase, write it again . . . Painful, right? And yet, when I've written like that and then later gone back to check, it all read smooth. No one would ever know the long coffee-filled hours it took to produce only a few pages of text.

There's a word angel sitting over my shoulder advising me for or against every sentence. It's a good thing. A glorious thing. No more the innocent word scribbler, we struggling writers are scholars of good grammar and thoughtful construction.

But again, I haven't forgotten Ferona and the good gifts she brings. Perhaps she can suspend me, just a little, over this manuscript and allow the words to flow . . . with a bit more ease.

9 comments:

  1. In both my painting and my writing, I like to work at great speed, in short bursts, then leave well alone and go to do something entirely different (usually a long walk or gardening). Then I return refreshed, and re-work everything. I do this over and over until I'm 100% satisfied; then I start all over again. TOO MUCH TIME spent IN FRONT OF the keyboard is soul-destroying; and the soul needs air, and exercise, and relaxation. Cro.

    WV: deskyh

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  2. You're right. And not only that, every person works different. I used to hate it when a certain art teacher made me feel as if I was a cheater because I could draw fast. I hate fussy in art, and like simple lines, so for me, fast is how I work—like you.

    The only thing is, with writing, you have to take the time. Yes, I agree that a person needs to get up and live so they can write. But a book does not write itself. A writer is going to spend a lot of time in front of the computer—I spend most of mine early in the morning. Even when it's hard, I still love it and am happy for every sentence and the time spent.

    Although starting next week, I probably won't have any time in front of the computer. School is out for summer. I'm going to be handwriting everything.

    Love and Peace,
    amy

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  3. It drives me nuts when I can't find the word to describe a sound. I spent a week trying to figure out how to spell the sound of an air raid siren. I wish I knew how to make my font roll like waves...then my whrrr would be perfect. :)

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  4. I am in a rut as well. I have this great story I want to tell but I am having a horrid time with the opening chapter. Just throwing it all down on page and planning to revise it later when the "groove" kicks in.

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  6. I think my post came off sounding as if I hate writing. Sorry, and thank you for hanging in there with me you guys!! I seriously love you all so much!

    I'm so proud to be a writer. Yes, it is hard, but I love it. Just today, I struggled with the end of a chapter but it was well worth it. In fact, it's probably one of the best things I have ever written. Do I think a writer should struggle? No. It's just a phase that I personally am going through and it will change like everything else in life.

    I also think I should say that it is great when people can write with ease. Nothing wrong with that. I've been having trouble, but again, it is part of the process and I am proud to be in it.

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  7. Thank you Sharon and Bonnie. Happy Friday to you!

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  8. Every book is different, I think, and poses its own unique challenges. For me there are always some scenes that are like pulling teeth!

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  9. Hi Talli! Yes—it's all just sets of phases, isn't it? The most important thing is that the reader never knows any difference, haha.

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