Comments | sure_i_am: Writing

sure_i_am

Writing

Dec 02, 2006 16:59

I wonder if it’s possible to practice writing the way you would practice playing an instrument: in hour(s) long, daily increments. Unlikely, in my opinion. The mechanics of it all may be enhanced with practice, but can one really practice writing? There’s so many different types that I don’t think it’s possible. I only write when I’m ( Read more... )

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purity3 December 2 2006, 23:10:28 UTC

well wasn't that a beautiful collection of words written down to express an emotional thought into a material image. and yes i think writing can be practiced, in moderation though.. and i'm like that too. i can only write when in the moos or when inspiration strikes me.

sure_i_am December 2 2006, 23:16:50 UTC

Ah, even if I try to write when I'm not in the mood, it's pretty horrible and and takes me absolutely FOREVER.

purity3 December 2 2006, 23:38:23 UTC

egh dont beat yourself up like that! i read your blog and you have amazing views and you know how to convey them in words!

sure_i_am December 2 2006, 23:56:30 UTC

Haha, thanks... Maybe when I get around to updating, it's decent. xD
You have a pretty awesome stream of consciousness thing going on yourself.

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7veilsphaedra December 3 2006, 01:22:53 UTC

I have to write reams of stuff everyday, but it's all nonfiction which is easy-peasey. The trick is in finding new angles to freshen up material ( ... )

sure_i_am December 3 2006, 01:47:35 UTC

I understand exactly what you mean by letting the subliminal side do its own thing... I've been so entranced in writing that sometimes I'll look back and what the hell it is that I just wrote! I shuddered to thing of NaNoWriMo... I could just see myself forcing out word after pointless word, and I know none of it would be readable. In fact, I'm not even certain that with inspiration I could write that much in such a short time; I'd have to be able to devote an hour or two a day, which is more difficult than one would assume.

I was thinking I would try more stream-of-consciousness type writing. I'm a bit too concise sometimes, which is bad because it makes my descriptions and settings vague. (I don't need to tell you this, you've betaed for me before! :)) I'm hoping that whatever this exercise is that I'm trying will encourage me to put more thought into those things.

7veilsphaedra December 3 2006, 02:06:05 UTC

Nanowrimo was a nightmare on top of my regular writing. I didn't even last two weeks. My head was starting to twirl on top of my neck.

The person who inspired me just to try was a popular writer on this community named Scribblemoose. She broke it down into just over 1,200 words per day and pointed out how realistic such a prospect was. Well, put like that, yes! (Unfortunately, in my case, I really have to have something to write about first.) She was writing her doctoral thesis on top of nanowrimo. For some people, it's just easier.

The trick to stream of consciousness is to shut down the internal censor and let out the most wildly impossible rubbish and drivel that your fantasies can send flying at you.

Too implausible? Who cares.

Reveals a little too much about you? Tough.

Too sappy or squirmy or gross? Nothing is too low or too vile or too wretched.

All the cutting, trimming, reasoning, figuring out, stitching together, cleaning up comes back with the rational mind. Stream of consciousness won't take you there.

sure_i_am December 3 2006, 02:16:52 UTC

Excellent idea. Too much of the time, I'll stop to correct grammar and spelling mistakes, or sentence phrasing. I'm usually a moderately fast writer, but I still try to stick to the conventions as I write, which really can ruin what I want to say in the first place.

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