On writing, as eloquently put by two_point

[thrihyrne]

Thanks to heartofoshun sending two_point my way to read some of my Wraeththu stories, I've discovered another kindred spirit! I was reading some of her older posts, and came across this sentiment about the writing process, and with her permission, I'm reposting here. I suspect this will resonate with many of you.

We find an idea, we write the first line and we feel it out on our tongues like the perfect first kiss. And then all the shit happens and the trash is on the floor and someone walks up and says, “The Turk told me that he’s thinking about buying three emaciated racehorses!” So we pull our hair and break into vacant houses and call up strangers in order to be given the perfect second line. And it sucks, the line. The writing is really, really bad. But then one day in the middle of the fourth chapter we realize that the book doesn't start there at all, really. It doesn't start until the middle of the story, when we know the characters, and can hear them and can smell their skin, and they walk up behind us and whisper something secret that makes our face flush.

It’s not the writing, not really, it’s about seeing where the story goes.

Today's a long day for me; I need to get away from the computer and get a shower and then head off to my favorite card shop located near where I used to live. There's another wave of birthdays and Father's Day cards to get. I'll be working and watching the opera tonight (Rigoletto), so all in all, a long day. Still, it should be good. Even though I'm also working a Saturday shift, I do hope to be able to spend some solid time writing since I wasn't able to last weekend while with family. That said, I did get a lot of knitting done last weekend! Blast. I still haven't taken pictures of this project. I'll do that, too.

For the many of you on my flist who engage in such, happy writing!

Comments

[heartofoshun.livejournal.com]

That is a beautiful description of the writing process. Only it works a little differently for me. I never have a great first line. Often re-write the first line after the story is done. And I usually cannot write a single word until I have the entire story in my head (do add scenes, but never change where it is going and the broad outlines). Part of the reason why I do not take well to the Beta process. For me it is always, "What do you mean dump the first part? That's like ripping my heart out?" The exception to that is when I have tried to write a quickie vignette and a Beta has convinced me it should be a short story. I have a few of those.

[two-point.livejournal.com]

Isn't it funny how the process is so different for everyone? I start out with a line and have absolutely no idea where the story is going until I'm well on my way. I know I need to stick with something when I feel this tugging, sinking pull that comes from the middle, like a particularly delightful daydream. It takes a careful beta to be able to hold a story in careful hands while directing it toward being a well-crafted jewel. I think good beta-ing is as much an art as the writing.

[heartofoshun.livejournal.com]

Everyone does write differently. But what gorgeous language in your description, I feel like you let me crawl into your head.

[mrsquizzical.livejournal.com]

that is beautifully put.

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

Isn't it, though?

[liriaen.livejournal.com]

Oh god oh god, dear, I just... umm... had to eat the chocolate. It's a good thing there's more where that came from. While I'm at it, can you think of other flavours you might like? Nothing's too impossible...

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

ROFL!! That's perfectly fine. I love chocolate orange as a combination, but I'd love something that's unique where you are. I'm quite easy to please!! No rush, either.

[two-point.livejournal.com]

Thank you for posting this! I'm so happy that Oshun sent me to your perfect stories.

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

Happy to!! I love sharing gorgeous tidbits like that. And my stories are most certainly *not* perfect, but if you enjoy them, I'm very gratified.

[brumeux77.livejournal.com]

That's a marvelous description. I suppose I should say "evocative" instead, since I can't write anything of any significant length. But best of luck with your efforts this weekend.

(*is totally stonewalled by his current fic assignment*)

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Unfortunately I'm now dealing with some serious household drama (involving the home owner and my hallmate, not me, but it's certainly increasing my haste to get out of here), so I may end up finding a park or something to go write rather than lounge here. Oh well.

You have a fic assignment? I didn't think you did those! Good for you!

[brumeux77.livejournal.com]

I'm on the authors list for the HR Round Robin community, and my turn had come around again. I did the two best things I know of to break writer's block: I asked for an extension and I got two people to look it over. Therefore I didn't need the extension. :)

It's still mostly talking heads, but I think it clears up some questions from what had been written before--it certainly did for me. Anyway, it's posted and now it's someone else's problem!

I did join up for two fests in the past. In the first one, among the requests in my assignment was "humor"--incredibly difficult for me to deliver on order. And in the second one, the mod disappeared between handing out assignments and time to post. A few of us posted ourselves, but whoever had me wasn't one of them. Between the two experiences, it sort of made me leery of fests. So about the only "assignments" I've accepted since then are the responses to my "I'll write you a drabble" posts.

[persephone100.livejournal.com]

A wonderful description. I always like to have a first line that I'm happy with, I don't know why. To get the reader interested? Or maybe just for my own satisfaction. My process seems to change with the story. My first one, I got scenes in my head, knew exactly where the story was going on the whole and then strung the scenes together. In the following ones, I had an idea where the story was going but just started writing it and sometimes it took a completely different and unforeseen turn as I wrote it. Sometimes the story seems to have a mind of its own! Whatever the process, writing is always a joy and an adventure!

And I completely agree that good beta'ing is truly an art!

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

I didn't know you liked having a great opening line! I so often struggle with that (and endings, too, AUGH!!) and then when I go back, or once the story is finished, I realize I don't remember what the opening line even was!

I'm so glad to be your beta! And I'll write you back soon; have drama going on and I just can't concentrate, which is kindof pissing me off since the drama is between the homeowner and my hallmate. Glad I have some new leads, residence-wise.