12.27.6 TheWall
I hit the wall just before Xmas. I expected that as it has happened before, just not lately. I get in a manic phase of rapid creativity and go until I burn out. To avoid this, I have been trying to work a little everyday and forcing myself to take breaks and do other things, which has worked well all year. However, when I finished that long disciplined phase of pre-writing, and then fell into the rush of how well it all worked, I was unwilling to put it down!
This time, I suddenly got another idea that I believe will improve my project, but it also seemed like a large undertaking that I should have considered sooner. That set off a spiral into an all to familiar sense of worthlessness as a writer. Been there before, so I just had to ride it out hoping it wouldn’t last too long. Got back into it by editing what I’d already gotten down and experimenting with the new idea on work I’ve already accomplished.
My idea is to layout another flat-file attached to each scene outline. In it, I list all 5 senses, a barometer of sexual tension (neg, neutral, pos), twists, & kickers. The main thing is before writing a scene, I sit and visualize adjectives and adverbs that help describe the scene. Then when I write, I go back and make certain that I’ve sprinkled in these *color* ideas. I tend to *see* things while I know that others favor alternate senses— especially sound. By making sure I’ve included all senses I round out the texture and ultimately the appeal. Plus, it is a great tool for writer’s block— which I don’t suffer from much.
Modern writers are competing with other very fast moving medias. I believe it is no longer possible to write any sort of long descriptive passages and hold readers’ attentions for any length of time. So my plan is to sprinkle the descriptions into the action and keep the story moving.
I’ve started Chapter 3 of 20, which is Bounty landing in Tahiti. Each element I include is part of my story plan, but I’m struggling to make certain that I’m not just retelling the tale of the Mutiny on the Bounty! Where my story does parallel what’s been done, I to introduce new and hopefully startling ideas to keep it fresh.
I worry that I will exercise all these visualizations only to discover that I’ve created a mechanical composition that doesn’t hold anyone’s interest…
My Christmas was almost quiet. I baked a ham, received calls from family and friends, then played music with folks here in town. Christmas Eve was Bucky’s 9th birthday, so I couldn’t help spoiling her some.
