Friday, March 19, 2010

About Writing

Most of you know that I like to write.  Heck, if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be blogging five days a week.  I don’t really consider myself a writer, but at the same time I do, too.  And like most writers, I hope to have something published one day, but that’s not my driving factor for why I do it.  No, I write because I have to.

Growing up an artist (another term I use loosely), I had a creative group of genes within me.  Coupling that with my love for the written word, it’s no wonder I like writing.  (Plus, grammar is a beautiful thing.)  It’s just another way for self-expression and artistic endeavors, and we all like to express ourselves.

I’ve been working on The Absurdly Epic Tragedy of Oscambria since last August-ish.  As for the actual writing, the story is still chugging along, but at a slower pace.  I’m not enjoying myself as much as I was when I started.  Fortunately, I like where the tale is heading.  It’s difficult for me to find the appropriate balance for absurdity.  The ending’s been finished for a while, and I’ve got a few scenes ahead written, too.  Currently, I’ve written over 30,000 words, but this includes my plot outline and writing notes/references, too. 

Really, the point of the exercise is to write and finish a complete story.  So many times I start a story, really enjoying it.  Then, I’ll think of another idea I want to explore, but it won’t fit nicely into my current work-in-progress, so I switch over to a new story, leaving behind the scraps and unfinished work.  With my Writing Wednesdays posts, I feel a little responsibility that keeps me motivated to write when I don’t want to or don’t have time to.  The stuff I put out on Wednesdays is rough, largely un-edited, and sometimes just plain horrible.  But I like to keep the NaNoWriMo mindset: first, just finish the thing, then go back for editing and revisions later.

Another thing that’s actually helped me for this story is that I’ve used an outline.  Rarely do I write outlines and plan ahead.  I’m one of those “off the cuff” writers, spewing forth whatever comes.  Sometimes this works.  Other times, not so much.  But I’ve found that having written an outline really does keep me focused on where I’m going.  It’s not rigid and concrete, but it’s a great tool.

Fellow blogger Okie has started a Wednesday Writing session on his blog this week.  The first piece (found here), titled “The Magazine Salesman,” was exceptional.  Vividly written.  Intriguing plot.  Great little short-story that I heartily recommend.  Be sure to check out his blog while you’re at it.

Random Bits & Pieces

Keisha’s sick.  She went to the Urgent Care place on Tuesday, they gave her some prescriptions for ear infections, she didn’t get any better, she went back yesterday, they gave her three more prescriptions, and now she’s at home lying in the bed in agony.  She’s only allowed to miss one day student teaching.  Today is her fourth (I think).  Both ears are infected.

I came across this amazing artist the other day while doing something on the Interwebs.  (There’s really no reason for me to justify it, nor can I explain myself.  It’s like the Wikipedia curse.  You go to read one article about something or someone (Kevin Bacon, say) and end up reading an interesting piece on thermonuclear reactions.  That’s how the Interwebs work.  It’s a mindless, sucking hole.  We’ve all arrived somewhere and don’t know how or why.)  Alexa Meade is a 23-year-old artist in the DC area.  Awesome stuff.  She stretches the boundaries of perception, and her medium is pretty cool: Acrylic on flesh.  Check out her website here.  (You really should follow the link.  I can’t post any of her work here, but it’s mind blowing and totally cool.)

I can’t get Led Zeppelin out of my head.  Babe…  ooh Baby… 

This was a smart and clever little video.  I laughed.

My brother called me the other day.  He was heading towards the Statue of Liberty.  The Army took a trip to Ground Zero and then they had some free time.  It was nice talking to him.  He’s been stationed in New Jersey for the past two months, training and preparing for his trip to Afghanistan.  He actually headed out yesterday for Ireland, and then he’ll be in the fray just a few days later.  I’ll say thankee sai for any prayers you spare him.

Babe Babe Babe Babe Babe Babe Babe Babe ooh Baby…  I’m gonna leave you…

Happy Weekend everybody.  Looks like it’s gonna be a beauty here in Kentucky. 

2 comments:

Paula Titus said...

Encouraging, what you said about using outlines when you write. I've never used one but have wondered if it would be helpful. Sorry to hear about your wife, hope she's back on her feet soon. :)

logankstewart said...

Thanks, Paula. For once, outlines are proving helpful.

Good luck!