Tuesday, May 5, 2009

CED 2009 - STOS # 2 Drat 1 Completed !


Did you see the small blueberry cheese cake up there? It was my celebratory cake for completion of STOS # 2 Draft 1 on last Sunday! ;)

A couple of things I had observed during the writing process.

Things got a little bit easier this round. I was less resistance to my daily writing of 200 words. Actually I could write past the self-imposed word count a lot of the time. The mind was also less jumpy while I’m working on it and the inner editor had also become a lot more patience. (I promised that she would have her say come time for revision.)

I reckon this was all related to make writing into a daily activity, like brushing your teeth or taking a shower. The activity was integrated to the daily life to minimise the natural cycle of procrastination and fear. I’m not saying that I have it all under control. Far from it!

The most exciting yet difficult part was writing the ending as it kept changing from one paragraph to another. One minute my main character was the good guy then next he was the bad guy. After 2 days into writing the ending, I had no choice but to let him do whatever he wanted. He ended up as the baddie.

Another part about working out the ending was that I had known of it for more than a week. But I refused to acknowledge it. I was constantly worrying and struggling if the end was in line with the characters’ need or my need.

My belief in storytelling is that it is never about the author. It should always be about the Story and the characters. My role is to service them. So if the Story wants a nice quiet ending instead of a dramatic finale, I have to follow it. Let’s not forget that I was only at draft stage. There is still much work to be done later.

Oh, almost forgot! The key I mentioned earlier about # 2 was crucial to the story. (But who knows! It might change again when I start revision in 4 - 6 weeks' time.)

I’m now following my original plan to take a week’s break before starting # 3. And revision of # 1 is to start on 15/05.

6 comments:

sophie said...

Khaled Hosseini (author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns) says that story-writing is always a completely selfish thing for him. He writes to tell himself a story, with the added benefit of other people enjoying it. I think that pretty much describes the way I write too. So yes, I suppose it is a service to the characters. They seem to push the story around in your head, don't they?

Anonymous said...

Keep it up...you are doing great!

Hybrid J said...

Hi Sophie,

You're absolutely right about the characters. I find myself wrestling with them all time but they always win! :)

Hybrid J said...

Thanks Caroline ... :D

Leah said...

Congrats on all your great work!! that blueberry cheesecake looks like the perfect way to celebrate. :-)

Hybrid J said...

Thanks Leah for your support and encouragement. Espeically for taking time to drop me a note. I really apprecaite that as I'm sure that you're extremely busy to run your own business, your site and CED. Thanks again! :)