I’ve never been a good one for applying creative energy in an on-demand performance. Just never think that quickly; I’m a ponderer.
But maybe even if I allow myself to take the time, like hours or a day above the allowable ten minutes, it would help to focus on those areas in which I flail.
Two things my former professor has emphasized over seven years of guidance: bring your characters to the cliff and let them fall–or leap–lead them onto the brink, up to the border, and see if they will move forward. The other is to cut their hearts out. In an attempt to understand this concept, to exercise it, I did write a few sentences to a scenario to take it into that area. And stood back and let it happen.
Maybe if I make it habit, this writing thing, instead of lazily waiting for the words to come; maybe if I walk out to that edge myself, beyond the safety of the flowered fields and see what I can gather, what I can weave from unfamiliar grasses, it will extend my own mind into those places where before I merely poked my nose in.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology
I was given similar advice by the first (and only) agent I had (only mine was a tree instead of a ledge).
One of the best pieces of writing advice I have ever received.
(That was “Josh” who made the above post, to avoid confusion. I didn’t notice her name had been auto-filled.)
You’ve likely heard the word from Steve as well.
Both of you. Joshkas. Two in one flesh but of separate minds, yes?
Just so you know, my full emails aren’t coming at home so my next line won’t come till tomorrow. This is the stuff!
Well, I just hope it’s as good for you as it is for me.
Seriously, this type of writing seems to reinforce my curiousity about Storyspace’s opportunities.
“Both of you. Joshkas. Two in one flesh but of separate minds, yes?”
Seperate experiences 🙂