It's been a long time!

It's been a long time since I've posted. I'll be honest and say, I haven't thought much about writing lately; my life has been consumed with other things. I really need to put some energy into this, but I don't know where I'll find that energy right now. I'll let you know if something occurs to me.

I have been reading more lately. A lot actually. Right now, I've opened 3 books to read. I'm re-reading the Harry Potter series for about the 8th or 9th or 10th time (I've sorta lost track), and right now I'm on #6. I love those books. Such creativity and precision. I have at least obtained a copy of Water for Elephants, which I'm supposed to be reading for a book club. I still have until October to finish, so that might get pushed to the side. I've also started a non-fiction book, The Connected Child, that deals with adoption, something I'm learning a lot about right now.

When I finish at least the second 2, I'll write what I think about them. Hopefully before October.

Rediscovering the Greats

I've been inspired recently to read some novels that are older than I am. I re-read The Wizard of Oz some months ago (which I totally recommend!) and started Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I haven't finished Alice, yet, but I'll get back to her.

Some friends and I have been doing a book club this summer and decided to crack open a classic: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie. Agatha really was the queen of suspense. Even today, nearly 80 years after it was originally written, it stands up as a really enjoyable read. I would recommend it! In fact, I may have to pick up a few more of her books...I've heard she's written or two. ;)

I've also decided that it was time that I actually read some of the Jane Austen I've had in my bookshelf for years upon years. I've started with Sense and Sensibility, which is my favorite of the recent novel to movie adaptations that have been made in the last 15 or so years.

I'll let you know what I think when I finish it up.

Keeping it going...

I went to a writer's conference several years ago, and it was fantastic! I remember that one of the speakers talked about the importance of doing something creative everyday in order to keep the juices flowing. While I totally agree and think that's an awesome idea, I have to confess and say that I don't always do that. I just get easily distracted with other things and the creative side of me gets shunted to the side.

I keep up with a certain unnamed television program, and I recently discovered a page that allows fan fiction. Now, if I were a snob, I'd just make fun of the sorry attempts that some people make, but really, at least they're writing! So, I've found myself submitting little things...it seems silly, but I can't help but remember that admonishment to do something creative everyday. So, that's my excuse...I'm stretching my creative muscles.

Creatively speaking

I see faces in the trees and dogs in the clouds and sometimes, when I look just so, it seems like there's a little man in the flowers. I have a pretty active imagination. I almost always see things that aren't there when I look at everyday objects. Don't worry; I'm not crazy. I think I'm just still attuned to that child I was once long ago. I have really vivid dreams as well. I really think these dreams and images are just reminders that I have this well of creativity in me dying to be released onto the page. I just have to open the floodgates and believe that I can do it. That I have it in me to write something interesting, something that will impact those who read it. I don't always feel that way. Too often I criticize myself for not writing the way others write...either in style or in usage. But, isn't God a creative god? Doesn't he like creativity in the world? Look at all the different people that populate this earth. We are all so unique. Perhaps my dreams are just a reminder that God has uniquely created me to be me.

Ladies Book Club

Some ladies and myself from church have started a little book club. This month we're trying our hands at a little mystery, old school: Agatha Christie. Agatha truly is the grand dame of mystery. We're reading Death on the Nile, and I'm finding it quite enjoyable.

Her style of writing flows quickly (she's all about the dialogue with very little extra exposition), and she's created a number of interesting characters. In fact, as of chapter 6 we still don't know who the victim is intended to be. We were able to spot a number of potential victims as well as potential murderers. This is shaping up to be one crazy, dangerous cruise down the Nile!

I love sitting around talking story with people, so this has been a great opportunity to enjoy a good book and deepen some friendships along the way. And, who knows, maybe I'll keep reading Agatha's books. She wrote over 80 stories!

Chapter 32: A new direction

I went back in my editing process of W.t.W.W.Y.N. and changed it up a bit. I also completely changed the direction of the story. Hopefully this will reap myriad benefits in character development and moving the plot along. My original #32 was boring and lacked energy. I felt like the characters had run out of steam a mere 50 feet from the finish line. That is not the way a story should feel. But, now with a little danger and fear, I've ramped up the story and given the characters more to do. I'm really hoping this will help me to push through to the end of this particular story. I want to know how this ends, and I want to see it happen. Soon.

To Cut or Not to Cut, that is the Question

When I pick up a story again after a bit of time has passed, I always have to edit. I see things I missed before, I realize that a particular thread isn't working or that maybe character x should behave a different way about character y. It's just a given. I'm always going to find things wrong. That's why I have to re-read with a eye to the fact that the story will never be perfect. It's just not possible.

However, there comes a time when I realize that a great (in my opinion) portion of the story just doesn't work, and I have to cut it out. But, then I reason, maybe I can put it somewhere else. Sometimes that works. I have a particular cut in mind right now, and I'm hoping that I can rearrange it in the text and put it somewhere else. It just seems like such a good moment between two characters. It seems to reveal their hearts. Unfortunately, it no longer really fits with what comes before it. I'm going to try to fit in before, make that moment come earlier in the prose.

It's a bit like life I suppose. Sometimes we just have to recognize that what we're doing isn't working. No amount of ignoring problems, finagling situations, or manipulating people is going to change the facts. We are messed up people and we need to rely on the Author and Perfecter of our lives to bring our story to a satisfactory conclusion.

So, I'm off to make a few snips, and I'll let you know what the finished product looks like.