I started writing a short story a few weeks
ago. I usually concentrate my creative
writing on bigger projects like novels.
I tend to have way too much to say to confine myself to just a few
thousand words. But, this time it seems
to be working.
In fact, I am now at that
point in the writing process when my thoughts are almost entirely wrapped up in
my story. My focus is on my characters
and I am sort of walking around in a fog of my own life because my brain is in that other world.
There
is still so much editing and tweaking to do, and so, so little time to work on
it all. But, this is my favorite part of
being a writer. I love when my
characters and their problems come so alive in my own mind that they start
taking it over. I love how the story begins
to unfold and reveal itself with so little effort from me. It is almost magical when, no matter how
crazy my real life gets, I can take myself back to my story in just a spilt
second and lose sight of my own frustrations and struggles by shifting my
thoughts to the lives of my fictional friends.
I can’t help but revel in the joy of creating a new story, of getting to
know people who exist only in my mind.
This is such a passion for me.
There
are times I suffer from writer’s block or from my own insecurities about my
abilities. Sometimes I think writing is
too much trouble and maybe I should just quit.
But, then an idea will spark in my mind and take on a life of its own,
and I am scrambling once again to find a minute to jot it all down……
Incidentally
this is exactly how I felt when I was working on my novel, The Life I
Dreamed. If you are interested in
reading the fruits of those labors, check it out here!
How exciting, Kari! Good for you! I've never been much of a fictional writer...I've always tapped into my more analytical side. I wrote for the school newspaper and then, while working for U.S. Senator Kit Bond, I learned how to write press releases and news advisories. I could write a mean research paper for my Political Science professors and I loved teaching my 3rd graders the 6-Traits of Writing...but for some reason I just can't find my own "fictional' voice. Odd, huh?
ReplyDeleteIt is odd that you love to write but not fiction. I was on the newspaper staff in high school too, and the yearbook as well. I enjoyed that writing a lot but fiction is my favorite. It just grabs me like nothing else! But all writing is fun, and your experiences sound amazing.
DeleteOne of the most important things I've learned lately is to never let a moment of inspiration pass by, because I always lose about 70% of that original thought when I wait. I'll remember the big picture stuff, but that moment of inspiration includes all of the subtleties and connections and how it all plays nicely together.
ReplyDeleteTrust your stuff. You're a good writer. :)
Pete B
Pete- I am sure I have lost at least 70% of my ideas because I get pulled away. That is why when it does all comes together it is so exciting and so much fun.
DeleteThanks for your kind words. Maybe some day we can collaborate on a project together!
I love your comments Peter, very inspiring, honest and sweet!!!
ReplyDeleteNichola
Kari,
ReplyDeleteOh you said that so well! I understand exactly what you mean. I love getting lost in that other world.
It's magical in so many ways isn't it? :) And sharing it with others makes it even more exciting!
Delete