Writing

[queenoftheskies]

Anybody want to talk about writing?

What are you working on?

What have you learned lately?

Do you have any insights you'd like to share?

Comments

[aberrant1.livejournal.com]

It's not so much an insight as a source of frustration but also a kind of odd satisfaction. You can't get the beginning of a story right until you know what comes next, but (at least for me) you don't know what comes next until you've written the beginning. I have yet to write anything longer than two pages that didn't require going back and completely rewriting the first third of the story.

[shawn-scarber.livejournal.com]

I tend to rewrite my beginning once I've written the end. I don't think that's a bad thing, just part of the process.

[aberrant1.livejournal.com]

In a way it's useful, too. I can just write the beginning without agonizing over every sentence, because I know I'm just going to change it all anyway.

[brotherrabbit.livejournal.com]

This past weekend I have finally decided to work on a novel that I had been putting off for some time, mainly due to the fact that it needs to take place in Paris and Paris is a place I have never been. While I feel with some research and some knowledgeable imput from readers the story's authenticity will be true enough, I cannot help feel a bit like a fraud in during the writing process. Till now, the bulk of my writing takes place either in my immediate locale, or in cities that I have been to and am intimately familiar with.

[lookingland.livejournal.com]

ditto exactly on this post ~ oh when oh when will i get to france?

: o p

[brotherrabbit.livejournal.com]

The past two years I started traveling regularly to the southwest U.S. and it is interesting how it has effected my writing and how authentic much of it is. I'm trying to capture this same feeling with Paris, but, well...we'll see...

[aberrant1.livejournal.com]

I'm very intimidated by writing about places I've never been. To the point where I rarely do it. I couldn't even imagine trying to write about a place as well-known as Paris without going there first.

Sadly, I have no money to travel, so my writing for now is set either in a fantasy world or in the eastern US.

[brotherrabbit.livejournal.com]

Fortunately, it isn't necessary for me to focus on particulars of the city, as it is more concentrated on characters' relationships. Still, I find myself question every little thing, such as on which side of the Louvre does the sun set and what time is their lunchtime. These are things that come automatic when you're writing about places you know. I've got about 30 pages so far, and it's been taxing.

Paris

[endstorm.livejournal.com]

I spent some time in Paris - right after Princess Di's accident - Had to drive through that tunnel and the skid marks and pole damage were still pretty evident.

What I remember about Paris is the men were charming, the street vendors friendly, the air was very polluted and I got stopped a lot and asked for directions (even though I had no idea where I was going - that happened in London a lot too - guess I look European). During rush hour the cars have a tendency to drive up on the sidewalks - I almost got hit a few times - they are completely crazy when it comes to driving.

~Sharon

Re: Paris

[brotherrabbit.livejournal.com]

I may utilize you as a point of contact, if that's cool with you.

Re: Paris

[andelku.livejournal.com]

I just wrote a whole bunch of a novel set in Paris, albeit Paris circa 1850. And spent 4 years in Europe, though only a few weeks in Paris itself. Contact me if you want to talk more about Stories That Make You Go to Foreign Countries and Learn New Languages.

Contact your French Institute if you have one locally. Really they won't laugh at you.

Re: Paris

[brotherrabbit.livejournal.com]

That's not a bad idea. And I'll take you up on your offer. I'm adding you to my friends list...

Re: Paris

[endstorm.livejournal.com]

okay - not sure how much help I would be - it was a few years ago

[quiller77.livejournal.com]

This website -- http://www.atkielski.com/ -- is an American who lives in Paris. He keeps a blog, with pictures. I'm sure you could mine his journal for authentic details.

[brotherrabbit.livejournal.com]

Oh hey, that's great, thanks!

[shawn-scarber.livejournal.com]

I'd rather be writing than talk about it, but I can't write at work, so I'll talk.

I'm working on an essay about Cylons for an upcoming collection. I'm also revising a few stories so I can send them to market. I'm converting a short story into a short screenplay. I also have a new short story I'm playing with, but don't want to talk that one out too much.

Let's see, what have a learned lately? The best stories have a clearly defined plot and character arch, and one should always feed off the other.

Sorry, no new insights.

[endstorm.livejournal.com]

I have writer's block right now...*sigh*
I know it's cuz I'm completely stressed about money and my job situation.

~Sharon

[marksiegal.livejournal.com]

I've started a story-a-week writing goal that I'm trying for a month. I'm doing the goal alongside a few other writers, which should help. We'll see how it goes.

I also really want to get back to my Nanowrimo rewrite, but I'm struggling with the logistics and emotions. Hopefully soon. :)

[ultharkitty.livejournal.com]

I write a few hundred words today, which are up on my journal now for inspiration. I've learnt that I need at least one tenth of your dedication in order to get everything done that I want to get done! :D

[cicadabug.livejournal.com]

What I've learned lately is that I just can't write, or do *anything* creative at all, while my parents are staying in my house. They left this morning, so hopefully I'll be back to my usual levels of productivity soon.

What I'm finding is that I'm less confident about the new novel. The last one I just threw myself into and made it up as I went along and although it took concerted effort to untangle it after the chaotic first draft, I ended up with something I was very pleased with. I can't bring myself to just jump into this one, though. I don't know if that's a Revision Hangover of sorts, where I'm still mentally in the space of trying to plot-wrangle instead of just letting the words flow freely, or if it's just that I care more about having something readable than I did the last time around (-:

[madwriter.livejournal.com]

I keep meaning to do the Ten Things I've Learned About Writing meme...along with its counterpart, Ten Things I've Learned From (or By) Writing. Sooner or later...:)

[nycshelly.livejournal.com]

I can't write til I finish the beta read of a ms for someone beta reading mine. :)

[navicat.livejournal.com]

Discipline is good. It makes me write many words and helps me really be in the story like I used to be. I like it. But it makes me tired :(

I just hate.....

[dracschick.livejournal.com]

having the story in my head, having a brief outline (beg, mid and end because I'm the outline type of person)and no time to write.