Not one second less
Do not approach a story as a mathematical formula. Avoid ideas that a story is a series of separate elements. A poem is not made up like a batch of scones.
Story is a stream rippling over rocks and not easy to control without impeding its flow.
Don’t be afraid of rewrites.
It’s OK. Successive drafts is how to polish ideas into story.
A piece of string is exactly twice as long as it is from one end to its center. It’s much more troublesome to ask how long it takes to write a story.
It simply takes as long as it takes.
You’re not competing with anyone- no one else will ever write quite the same story as you can.
This is your great strength.
9 comments:
Hi BT,
Well said. This post on writing a story is sound advice and gives a positive push to those who would be inspired to write a really good story.
You're right about certain formula or mathematical equation. I've read books, especially those coming from authors who write a series of novels on the same theme, the formula gets too obvious and makes the whole book boring. Some of these authors wrote best selling fast paced novels which were made into films. A good number of their outputs were however disappointing - even the characters have become cliches'.
Excellent post! :-) --Durano, done!
Very true - I often feel like writing and editing are processes where you are trying to find a shape in clay - you keep moulding and changing it - you kinda know what you're after and then at a magical moment you create something amazing!
Congratulations on a fresh approach to a subject. An original spin that puts things succinctly and yet graphically. Couldn't ask for more, could you?
Wonderful post!
I'll be stopping by to read more.
blessings,
julia
julia ward - a BLINDING heart - a writer's blog - www.ablindingheart.com
Hi BT,
That reminds me of when Michelangelo was badgered daily by the pope who kept asking when he was going to finish the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Michelangelo replied, "When it is done."
We have to write until we exhaust the idea thoroughly and without restraint.
I've just read this post and the one before. Wise words indeed, and thanks for sharing.
I agree, your post sounds like a hand-on practical advice. Thank you.
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Ten days and no Anatomy of Construction?
On holiday?
I absolutely agree on your cogent points. The famous Gettysburg Address- which is now considered a written masterpiece had been edited a number of times, before it became the "work of art" that it is today.
A writer will always find something to edit every time he reads his manuscript.
Proper proofreading should also be a process that writers should be well familiar with.
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