I am having a lot of luck with a short prose story I have just begun writing. Right before work, the words started spilling and after work they continued to spill (to my great pleasure). I really like the way this work has progressed, immediately it took on a life of its own and it took very little effort for me to find inspiration. Of course, this is just the first draft, as I start to reread and edit I may find this piece to become more difficult.
One problem I am having is my main character has to go through a major change in his life, a major progression. I want this progression to be a very personal change. Some non-personal ideas would be: my character gets involved in a new relationship and that relationship (or influence from the other person) helps them change, or my character joins the military and helps him change, etc. I don't want there to be some kind of outside influence, but to be a total inward change. I also don't want some dramatic event to take place (near death experience, etc.) to motivate him (wake him up) to change. I'm having a little bit of difficulty with this part, but I am still in the first processes of writing this, so inspiration will still come.
As time passes, I'll be working on this and editing it and will let you know when it is finished. This will probably be a bit longer than some of my previous writings (some of which I've posted), and so probably will not post the entire piece on this blog. However, we'll see. I'll keep you posted as to when this is finished.
2 comments:
Hi, I enjoyed your blog, and while I was reading, I had a few ideas I thought I'd pass on.
Regarding hearing what it sounds like (dialogue etc) have you considered a short play format? Short one act or even a ten minute play is a great challenge, especially for dialogue, and then you have the advantage of often being able to arrange staged readings at local drama groups like HS or Jr College drama departments, or possibly a writing group in your area. I just came back from a staged reading (full length play with eight professional actors) this evening, an it was presented by a play writing group I belong to, but the readings are always open to the public.
My other comment comes from your statement:
" I want this progression to be a very personal change. Some non-personal ideas would be: my character gets involved in a new relationship and that relationship (or influence from the other person) helps them change, or my character joins the military and helps him change, etc. I don't want there to be some kind of outside influence, but to be a total inward change."
Having a character confront change can be very powerful, but something to consider is that you don't have to have him overtly aware of the change initially, nor does he need to be consciously aware of the catalyst - the causal factor. Change takes place whether we want it to or not, and we often are unaware until much later. The advantage of this is two-fold. Not only does it aid the drama of the situation, but it allows the reader to wonder and discover for him/herself, rather than being hit over the head with some literary device.
If you feel up to it, post some of your pieces, both finished as well as 'in process". Even if they do not elicit the response you desire, the bravery of the post is an important step in the creative process.
If you are interested, stop by my blog ArtQuest1.blogspot.com/ While it is couched in visual art terms, it is really about accessing the creative side of yourself. No technique, just a route to your soul. Good luck, Bob
Believe me! After I wrote my last little book that I am still in the process of editing, the editing is the hard part! But it may just be my problem because I am facing a bad case of writers block!
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