Thursday, June 7, 2012

How Not to Write


Three-Toed Sloth
Maybe you noticed my absence from Blogworld recently. If so, I’d like to say it was because I got really inspired, holed up in front of a keyboard for two weeks, and hammered out three chapters of a novel (which also happens to be my final ICL assignment).

I’d like to say that. I’d also like to say that on a recent business trip to Florida, I stumbled upon the legendary Fountain of Youth, the waters of which not only restored the body of my twenties, but also removed my deficit of wisdom.

I’d like to say that. But you know it ain’t so.

Truth is I have more excuses than a D.C. politician why I haven’t blogged, but at least I’m not blaming it on a former president. Truth is I’m as stuck as a burr on Velcro. 

That final ICL assignment? The months of planning and prewriting, of interviewing characters and agonizing over plot points? Except for the lesson, “How Not to Write,” it was all wasted, like trying to circumnavigate a city by following only the dead-end streets. I kept telling myself it would work out. Here’s a great quiz question: which is easier to fool? a) yourself; b) a three-toed sloth? If you said “b,” I have some miracle water I’d like to sell you.

From now on I think I’ll recognize a story vehicle that just isn’t going anywhere. No use tinkering around under the hood trying to get it started when it’s wheel-less and perched on blocks.

I’m starting over. Without miracle water, I’m afraid.

Photo Credit: http://flic.kr/p/qGmMD

12 comments:

  1. If it isn't working, put it aside, but if you think it has value, let it rest. It may just require fermenting/aging to turn into something better.

    Good luck!

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    1. Not sure fermenting would help this one, D.G. But it does have an element or two that might age gracefully.

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  2. Sorry your story trip has found you broken down on the side of the road so to speak. Good to see your still alive and kicking. I was starting to wonder where you were! Keep your chin up I have every confidence that something will come on the writing front.

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  3. Oh, Sarah. Been there. A new start might be just what you need. And the time away from the old project may result in the "fix" that jumpstarts it after all.

    Wishing you the best!

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    1. Thank you, Ruth. It helps to hear someone else has been on the same road and survived.

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  4. I'm a firm believer that no writing is a waste of time. I've picked the bones of false start projects that found perfect homes in other pieces. Nice to have you back in Bloglandia.

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    1. Nice to be back. Congratulations (publicly) on your short story publication!

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  5. Sorry that one wasn't working, Sara. I do like the image of it wheelless and up on blocks, if that's any comfort. :)

    I didn't know three-toed sloths were that cute!

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    1. Some comfort, yes.

      And Slothy really is cute, isn't he?

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  6. It's a big decision to start again, you're being very brave, but only you know if this is necessary. Maybe you'll find the secret ingredient to make this project work one day, but it's fine to move onto something else before then.

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    1. Maybe I will make it work someday. I probably don't have the skills to do so right now.

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