A little something on writing

Recently, I made a little to-do about adjusting the focus of this blog, adding writing to the reading.  Since I've finally gained the distance to begin editing a novel I wrote in December 2004, I wanted to have a place to write about the process.  But I've neglected to write about writing, or anything else, except reading, so now, I'm finally going to write a little bit about writing.

I've been working with a great writing coach who's helping me with the editing process and improving my writing in general.  But you probably already noticed that.  Ha. Coach L and I get together every couple of weeks and she gives me feedback on my writing and gives me assignments.  The assignments may or may not be related to the novel, although all the writing practice is definitely improving my writing.   

One of the things I've been working on are character sketches.  Little vignettes about people I'm observing.  It's been great writing and an excellent excuse for hanging out in coffee shops and cafes.  (The conversation in my head in case anyone inquired as to what I'm doing:  "No, I'm not a feckless loser with nothing better to do than hang out for two hours on a Tuesday morning nursing an iced chai.  I am a writer, honing my craft!"  Of course no one asks, probably because they don't want to be asked themselves.)

But sometimes, I don't even manage to get my arse off the chair at the kitchen table and get outside.  Sometimes I observe in the comfort of my own home.  Click here to read the result of that.

Comments

[tT]

Many years back, I lived with an aspiring writer. Your comments on writing character sketches and hanging out in coffee shops etc. brought back some fond memories. Watching him watch others while writing, it was often like watching a portrait artist, wondering and eagerly awaiting his finished sketch.

I read your Afternoon Nap and found it a nice character sketch. You wrote some strong descriptive areas that drew me in, allowed me to be a part of it. I found some areas slightly too descriptive for my liking. But then that could be after near 16 years of marriage and maybe having "40ish type of squeak in my door," I'd much rather stayed with the pleasant visualizations rather than be brought back to reality!

Well done though and hope to
maybe read more in the future.

[Shannon]

I think my love of books is because of how good writing creates such a vivid picture (and why so many movie adaptations are such a disappointment). That reminds me how a long, long time ago, someone gave me a paperback copy of "The Russia House" published after the movie. It had a picture of Sean Connery and Michelle Pfeiffer on the cover. I never could get into that book -- I couldn't get the images of those two out of my head and they didn't fit for me.

Thanks for your comments. I'm just beginning to share my work with people without making them promise to say it's wonderful whether it is or not. As I get braver, I'll post some more. It helps to get thoughtful feedback such as yours.