My chickens go to camp in one week and will be gone for TWO WHOLE WEEKS!!!!!!!!! In addition, my handsome rooster will be gone for at least half of that. This leaves me the most blissful writing time in my whole year, and I look forward to it like the funnel cake at the summer county fair.
As I've been preparing myself for the immersion, I sometimes have a small panic that I won't produce the volume of brilliance I anticipate. This thinking sometimes leads me to prepare a few strategies before the time arrives. Things like, "should I get a massage at the start to relax my shoulders?" or "Should I move into my husbands office and write at his desk instead of slumped on the sofa?"
Today, I wished I had a writing partner. I am sometimes jealous of those peeps like Lila, who write with one, ya know?
I think I would write faster if I had one. And it would be fun to receive a shiny new chapter in my inbox, instead of a stale old one I have worked on for months. I might even get competitive with my partner and try to "one up" her hilarity and what not.
SF and I wrote a kick-ass screenplay together and I remember loving when I got to read her sections because they would inevitably inspire me more towards my own. I know what this feels like. I know how to do this.
But...
I don't have a partner. And who am I kidding? - I'm too protective and selfish to trust my epic masterpiece to the mind of another writer.
But, today I had a revelation. I thought, "Writers are nuts, by nature, right? Why don't I just view my daily writing differently? Why don't I read a chapter as if I didn't write it, and then try to one up myself" Maybe it's all in the mind? Kinda like when I back up and try to picture my chapters on screen. I have found imagining my book as a movie will sometimes help me get really creative, so maybe imagining a few chapters with a new mindset might help me too?
Is that crazy? Will it work? Can I sit down and pretend it's my job to simply create the next chapter, instead of the next thirty chapters? Will this singular focus improve my writing?
But, today I had a revelation. I thought, "Writers are nuts, by nature, right? Why don't I just view my daily writing differently? Why don't I read a chapter as if I didn't write it, and then try to one up myself" Maybe it's all in the mind? Kinda like when I back up and try to picture my chapters on screen. I have found imagining my book as a movie will sometimes help me get really creative, so maybe imagining a few chapters with a new mindset might help me too?
Is that crazy? Will it work? Can I sit down and pretend it's my job to simply create the next chapter, instead of the next thirty chapters? Will this singular focus improve my writing?
Did this post even make sense?
Fasten your seat belts, people. I'm about to brainwash myself.
16 comments:
That's sounds like a really fun exercise. I've found that reading aloud helps me to see/hear my writing differently, so maybe that would help when you're reading your work as if it's someone else's? Good luck and happy writing!
I think it sounds great! I imagine all sorts of things playing out as movies. LOL. Love the soap clip, too!
It did make sense, and yes, we're all crazy. Tell me if this diabolical plan actually works:)
Ooo! good idea Anna :)
And Bethany and Candace, I'll keep you posted...
I'm not sure I'd be able to do the partner thing. It sounds scary, especially if your voices are complete opposites. Though that might produce interesting results.
So jealous.
I was looking at the map of my summer and, well, I would love to be looking at two weeks of writing. As it is.....it is too depressing to think about yet. I've got some major rearranging to do.
Shelley
It made perfect sense! Enjoy your writing time - it sounds heavenly - and good luck!
I read somewhere to critique your own manuscripts in tracking changes. I did it on a pb ms I've been working on and found it to be helpful. :)
I love this plan! I find that sometimes I start and think, "What will an agent think?" and I find it handcuffs me.
Good plan, Katie. Good plan.
Sounds like lots of fun- and yes, it does sound mildly crazy, but we're all writers here, so go for it!!!
I love the idea of trying to one up yourself, great inspiration tactic.
I think your on to something. It's easier to take things one day at a time so one chapter at a time is a great idea! I can totally relate to the excitement of having a house all to yourself! It will be greatness!
Yes, we're all crazy, so of course, this makes sense to all of us! Enjoy your writing time!!!
You'll have to let us know how it goes! I honestly don't know how you writers do it on your own. I would go crazy!
I love it ... I agree with you, and think I'm going to try the same approach!! Let us know how it goes!
Two weeks -- wonderful! I think just getting more time to sit and write in peace will be inspiring. Just get as much done as you can and go back later and make it brilliant. It's harder to compose in an active house than revise -- and good luck!!!
Have a fabulous two weeks of writing, Katie! :-)
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