July 20, 2005
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Why does last night’s work feel flat? I just read it again and something’s not right. This illusive “sparkle” as Brenda so kindly put it comes and goes. Sometimes I’ll forget I’ve already written a scene, either it’s in the notebook or in the file and when I compare the two there is so much difference in the quality. And I know this is normal ’cause I see it when I read other people, you guys or books, but, man, how frustrating. And people talk about their muse but I hate to think — Maybe I should make more of a production about calling to the muse before I sit down to write. I have this whole routine I used to use when I was calling to the Gods, in my circle with the candles and my compass. I think I am going to write a prayer and pay my respects before I sit down next time.
I’m going to the beach to visit with Anthony. He just had back surgery and I don’t think he can stand up long enough to cook anything. He has a computer so maybe I’ll check in from there. I love that “maybe”; like there’s any doubt.
Comments (7)
Dear one, for me the self evaluation thing gets in the way. I try to write what I write and let it go for now. What is is. I find it best to move on and come back when I as inspired. I think I would ask the muse for a hug.
rewrite it… from scratch… and focus on the feelings and the unsaid things… show us their talk and tell us less… that might work… what’s the objective of the scene? what do you want to accomplish? to have the reader know or feel? I suspect there is a kernal of truth in it which to play off. see if you can find it… and it may be different from what i see, but that’s not a bad thing!
Did I say that? O dear. I didn’t mean it like that at all. Pru, just write. Don’t worry about polishing it. It’s more important to get it out, and later you can edit. The story is wonderful; your writing sparkles, really it does. None of us would be commenting at such length if we weren’t admirers of you, your writing, the way you are sharing this process… *hugs xo
The from scracth idea sounds..well..sound. Then maybe compare them, find the differences yourself and perhaps you can blend or not and see. If it feels flat to you, keep at it, you have to be happy with it first.
It never hurts to express gratitude–and it may help. It think it helps you start from the right place, anyway.
I am so enjoying sharing this experience with you. *smile* The only time I criticize anyone’s writing is when I see people paying for something I think “I could have written something better than that!” lol! Since I happen to like you, I can’t be mean, since I know how difficult this process is, anyway. So, I’m just going to read and enjoy (which I do) and let others do the helpful hinting.
Ouch…about Anthony’s back…I can relate to that…
And you do sparkle, Pru…I love you…GFW
Was this it? For the July 18th entry:
Loved this! You’re shining again, Pru. Your prose sparkly and energetic. I find that interesting, how the whole tone shifts, depending on which relationship is being explored. And I love that last line! xo
Posted 7/19/2005 at 2:39 PM by brendaclews
That was a compliment! That the excitement shows up in the syntax as well as in the content! That absolutely WAS NOT that the writing on “Jack” ‘lacks sparkle’ in any writerly sense, but that the writing is embodying what the character is feeling… which is a VERY positive thing.
Now do I pop this into a comment, or hope you get it as an email ~ I thought some of my emails didn’t get through?
I guess both…
I guess I’d better be extra careful when I’m talking about the way writing, its syntax, can embody the feelings and emotions of a piece of writing, and that it can shift depending on what’s being explored. Because that’s only what I meant here! Definitely NOT that your other writing doesn’t shine! O, dear…