I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence
And so the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They're quite aware of what they're goin' through

Saturday, June 13, 2009

I know why the caged writer squawks

And now I know why writers complain about not being able to write. It's the secret handshake to get back to writing. Got another thousand words out yesterday, there was a twist I didn't expect in there, but I finished out chapter 11. Also started the rewrite of chapter one. I am so embarrassed I let it go out that way for critique. After I started the rewrite I went back and read the critique comments.

I'll start on the marks on the manuscripts next. There's somethings I know I need to do, including more character building. I see now where people felt Gary was a "superman." I didn't play up the parts where he screws up (but still makes it through). While it's told first person, and I'm not including much interior thought, which might help people understand where the cool, calm, snarkish exterior comes from. Just a thought with this. When I'm writing ghost stories, or dark fantasy, when things go to crap my characters don't stand around with their feet on the ground going "OMG, there's friggin' zombies eating my brains! It's so weird. I'm so freaked out." Mostly because most people don't really react that way.

Before people are parents, or have to care for someone else, the thought of catching someone else's sneeze in their hand, or wiping the butt of someone else can lead to the "ZOMG!" moment. However, when faced with that, most people just role roll with it. Or is that me? I don't know, maybe there's been so many times in my life I've thought, "I could never do that." But when faced with it I cowboy up. It doesn't mean I don't screw up, I often do that.

So when Gary needs to do something, he does it. Or tries to. And by attempting it he appears competent.

To just keep it going tomorrow, "OMG, I can't write, nothing is coming out." ::waits, looking toward the heavens::

9 comments:

Dr. Phil (Physics) said...

"most people just role with it"

I don't think that's how people roll. (snicker)

Dr. Phil

Steve Buchheit said...

Well, it's been a long day. And...

You have failed me for the last time, automatic spell checker. You are in charge now, Admiral Yett.

sheila, not lurking today, said...

Oh, Steve, don't feel bad about the typo! I found one this morning while reading an op-ed article in the New York Times!

I see funnier ones when proofreading articles at work: "mute point" (an idea you convey in a game of charades?) and "it perked their interest" (is that shorthand for when a horse's interest is piqued and its ears are perked?).

Jarrett Rush said...

I edited the mute error into a story years ago when I worked at a newspaper. Well, I didn't do it. Spell check did, but still.

And great point. I've been struggling with the "block" lately. Trying to write through it since it's all about getting words on the page, but it can be tough. Really enjoyed this post., Nice kick in the butt. It's appreciated.

Jarrett Rush said...

Just realized I said "when I worked at a newspaper." Still do. It's the job that pays the bills. Just a point of clarification.

Steve Buchheit said...

Sheila, I'm not upset about the typo. Heck, I have them all the time (most notably lately I can't spell "from" the first time out. It always comes out "form."

And I hope Dr. Phil didn't take my joking as a crack back at him. I was making the joke at my own expense.

And glad to help again, Jarrett. I'm not sure how much I'd be able to write on my own if my day job was also writing. I know with my own graphic design I have an even bigger obstacle to doing my own after a long day at work.

Jarrett Rush said...

I actually do design too, but a lot of my job also involves writing and a good bit of reading. I love doing it and don't want to change my job, but it does make coming home and working with words just about the last thing I want to do.

sheila, who is not lurking today, said...

I read your all of your comments out loud. My Steve said, "I do that, too, and I don't know why!" when I read about how you type "form" instead of "from."

It must either be a sinister problem (my Steve is left-hander, too, you know!) or perhaps one that is unique to guys named Steve.

Steve Buchheit said...

Sheila, it must be a right brain thing.