Instead of working on my story, I rewrote my blogger profile, uploaded a painting of Remedios Varo on the sidebar and writing this post …
A few days ago, I wrote about feeling adrift because I got stuck at one of my story. Afterwards, I realized that it was only half the truth. I did get stuck because I was figuring out a plot turn. But the real reason was … I dreaded to write the end of the story and I still am.
To approach the ending means to tie up all the loose ends. And there are things in the story that I don’t quite know how to resolve (yet). But then I also know that I could spend eons researching for the best solutions to both writing mechanics and the sixty millions ways to bury a man alive!
No matter how imperfect or absurd it is, I need to finish the story. Then put it aside, start a new project, come back to this one in a few weeks’ time and start rewriting & editing.
O.K. Am I ready to write the ending now? Noooooooooo!!!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Blogging & Story Writing
Something rather unexpected and interesting is going on … well at least from my point of view.
It stemmed from several things: a 4-page email I wrote to an overseas friend the other day, my fetish about writers’ writing process and particularly, the advice I got from Girija Tropp’s article (November 2007 Victorian Writer) about her short story writing.
From my reading of various writers’ talk on their processes, it was pretty much “anything goes”. Whereas Tropp emphasizes on “find(ing) out what brings out the best in you and your writing and do it.” That brings back to the email I wrote to my friend.
I was telling my friend that I’m still testing / experiencing what blogging is all about. But I’ve observed that I’ve been working on my stories more regularly and the word count kept rising. I felt like I got some kind of creative kick or energy from blogging which I used it for my creative work. And it might also be the case that since I’ve been talking so often about writing in my blog that I need to make sure I walk my talk. I’m not complaining but this is not what I expected.
Anyhow, if this is the way to keep me working, I’ll keep blogging.
It stemmed from several things: a 4-page email I wrote to an overseas friend the other day, my fetish about writers’ writing process and particularly, the advice I got from Girija Tropp’s article (November 2007 Victorian Writer) about her short story writing.
From my reading of various writers’ talk on their processes, it was pretty much “anything goes”. Whereas Tropp emphasizes on “find(ing) out what brings out the best in you and your writing and do it.” That brings back to the email I wrote to my friend.
I was telling my friend that I’m still testing / experiencing what blogging is all about. But I’ve observed that I’ve been working on my stories more regularly and the word count kept rising. I felt like I got some kind of creative kick or energy from blogging which I used it for my creative work. And it might also be the case that since I’ve been talking so often about writing in my blog that I need to make sure I walk my talk. I’m not complaining but this is not what I expected.
Anyhow, if this is the way to keep me working, I’ll keep blogging.
Friday, March 27, 2009
"Feeling Adrift ..."
During last Christmas holiday, I have developed a series of stories which based loosely on a common theme. Let’s call it STOS. It is my writing project for the year. I’ve started the 1st draft of STOS # 1 on Feb. So far so good. I’m now up to about 2/3 of the story but found that I had trouble to keep going. I began to blame myself of being such a novice writer that no wonders I have not had a thing published yet.
A few days ago, I read this from Writers’ News (UK). It helped me to understand what was going on and I’ve been feeling a lot better.
‘There is a tendency in the middle of the writing of a novel for the writer to feel adrift, lost floating aimlessly in a rough uncharted ocean of words. You are too far from the beginning to feel the enthusiasm that set you on your way all those words ago and too far from the end to see the land of your completed tale where you may rest finally.
There are so many obstacles between you and your completed manuscript. Do not let this sense of aimlessness stop you from finishing. From my own limited experience, and of many writers to whom I have spoken, I am convinced that this feeling is normal.’ Australian writer Elliot Pearlman
Fellow creatives, what do you do when you're adrift? What / Who is your life saver?
(Can you hear the theme song of Star Wars playing somewhere?)
A few days ago, I read this from Writers’ News (UK). It helped me to understand what was going on and I’ve been feeling a lot better.
‘There is a tendency in the middle of the writing of a novel for the writer to feel adrift, lost floating aimlessly in a rough uncharted ocean of words. You are too far from the beginning to feel the enthusiasm that set you on your way all those words ago and too far from the end to see the land of your completed tale where you may rest finally.
There are so many obstacles between you and your completed manuscript. Do not let this sense of aimlessness stop you from finishing. From my own limited experience, and of many writers to whom I have spoken, I am convinced that this feeling is normal.’ Australian writer Elliot Pearlman
Fellow creatives, what do you do when you're adrift? What / Who is your life saver?
(Can you hear the theme song of Star Wars playing somewhere?)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A Beautiful Revolution
In time like this, I need some scribbles to cheer me up.
Andre Jordan's Beautiful Revolution is full of his whimsical scribbles couple with philosophical and (sometimes) wicked writings. I'm enjoying it ... ;)
Andre Jordan's Beautiful Revolution is full of his whimsical scribbles couple with philosophical and (sometimes) wicked writings. I'm enjoying it ... ;)
Blogger Personality Test
The torture is really working ....
I'm surfing the forever expanding web for more time waster and found this one which could tell about your personality. Apparently I'm a Doer!!???
ESTP - The Doers
The active and playful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities. The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.
What is your personality then, fellow bloggers?
I'm surfing the forever expanding web for more time waster and found this one which could tell about your personality. Apparently I'm a Doer!!???
ESTP - The Doers
The active and playful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities. The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.
What is your personality then, fellow bloggers?
Torture
This is what I'm feeling right now ... at the mercy of my story!!!
I can't seem to get my story going anywhere. This is a TORTURE ............
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Scribbler - Lisa Currie
Welcome Scribbler, Lisa Currie.
Lisa holds her own lovely blog as well as organzing The Scribble Project and The Scribble Project Club. Within the project, you could find lots of amazing work from various scribblers / artist.
(Though I could hardly draw, I love scribbles, so I joined her club as well. Now look out for the most awful scribbles in blogshpere soon .... )
Lisa holds her own lovely blog as well as organzing The Scribble Project and The Scribble Project Club. Within the project, you could find lots of amazing work from various scribblers / artist.
(Though I could hardly draw, I love scribbles, so I joined her club as well. Now look out for the most awful scribbles in blogshpere soon .... )
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