One thing I've learned over the years is everyone tells a
story differently. Writers build their stories differently, too. One size, one way, does not fit all.
Who the hell says it has to?
I've learned a few hard lessons about writing
and myself.
1. Screw
perfection and the horse it flew in on.
There are no
flying horses, you say? That’s my point.
2. Recognizing
how I write and how to work with it.
I tend to be
spare when I’m starting a story or a scene. It’s a quick sketch to capture what
I’m seeing in my head. I don’t have the time to layer every sensory bit I see and feel.
That’s allowable. Layering the sensory is for later.
3. Once I’m
done with the day’s writing
Go back and
look what I've written and take a little time to add some
reaction/emotions/description. I do this while it’s fresh in my mind. I
check my scene to see if I've hit my mark because the scene has to have a goal
and a reason exist. If I think its backstory or knowledge I (but not
necessarily the reader) need, to move the story forward, I leave it there but I make a
notation.
4. I've learned
good writing is a series of repetitions
I’m going to be
repeating #3 again and again and again as I write each
scene and chapter. Even when the scene or chapter seems good initially, I’m
going to have to beef up reaction/emotions/description. Perhaps add some
tantalizing detail, strengthen some foreshadowing for actions to come. Or
conflict, character strengths and weaknesses. Or a bit more research.
5. I can’t edit or shade what I haven’t
written.
To be honest, I haven't written much fiction lately. I'm getting back into it. The spirit is willing but the process is...rusty. I'm doing writing 'sprints'. I have to
shut off the inner critic and write it. I have to let the joy of the adventure
flow from my mind to my fingers and worry about the logistics later.
6. I’d like to say I've conquered this perfectly but...I
refer you back to #1.
- How
about you? What have you learned on your journey about your writing?
