Eric started this blog chain with: When was the last time you just sat down and started writing, with nothing but a whisper of an idea to guide you? Did you find it easy to do or did you find yourself struggling for a more organized story?
The first time I participated in NaNoWriMo I meant to sit down and write this nice little story I'd been plotting for quite some time in my head.
When I sat down at the computer, however, something else came out. I've written about it in past blogs, the story about Penny Solomon and her quest for revenge.
I had to admit I was surprised by the ease with which the story came together. I think the story flowed very well. The plot points were there, and when I started sharing the basic premise with some of my coworkers and friends, they were excited.
But I recently deleted the entire file.
Yep. 62,000 words. Poof. Gone. Dissolving someplace in binary limbo.
Why?
I believe that, as writers, our main characters are reflections of little pieces of ourselves. And, if that's the case, Penny was a really dark and ugly part of myself I didn't want to reflect upon.
I'm sure I'll rewrite the story with a main character that's a little more filtered. I'm sure the plot points will remain similar. It's still a story I get excited about.
I think writing from just a whisper of an idea has the potential to create some really good stories, but I've learned from that experience that, for me, it creates more work in the long run.
The bad news is I'm late posting this round, so check out what Abby had to say on Saturday. The good news is, you can go to to Sandra's blog and see what she has to say about it right now!
8 comments:
Kat, I have to hand it to you for deleting an entire novel-length file! That takes conviction. But I know what you mean.
I just couldn't delete an entire novel, at least on purpose. That takes gumption.
Why have you deleted it?? It wouldn't be so bad right???
with warm regards
CatchyTips for Writers
It's scary how fiction can show us things about ourselves we never realized before. But sometimes just the experience of writing something down can be useful, not matter what happens afterward. Good luck with your rewrite!
OMG Kat! I understand your reasons for deleting things, but damn! I can just imagine how awesome a dark writing would be from you.
Still, this is a great example of just writing. You are right about it being more work too. But having seen what I come up with when I plot, I'm better off just letting things flow out naturally.
I so get that...but I love exploring those darker elements of self. Too much so at times!
Wow, deleting an entire MS? BRAVE!
I've rewritten a novel, but still have the old file, LOL!
Ah, the "dark side". A very interesting subject. I've read or heard somewhere along the way that there is no such thing as darkness, only a lack of light. So if one is afraid of their dark side you only have to shine light on it and it will dissolve, just like the darkness in a room when the light is turned on.
So, look at your dark side, and as soon as you do it will vanish. Not looking at it allows it to remain hidden and alive.
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