Ever thought about the creative process? Sure there's the usual think up a story, make a character, then name it. What if we tried that backwards? I don't know if I'm the only crazy one that does that, but sometimes creatively it's what I find to be the best.
I'm going into Nanowrimo with just about no ideas or inspirations. So what do I do? I pick my title. "To Write A Love Song" The title itself opens up so much to the piece. As in the blog a couple days ago, the lyricist that writes the song gives so many questions alone! Who are they writing for? What's the relation? Why write it now? Why write it at all? Why for that person? What happened ten minutes ago? What happened to that person? What does that person mean to the lyricist? Why does the lyricist feel that way about that person? What happened to cause that feeling? How did they meet? What impact on each other's lives did they have? Was it a spouse? A sibling? A best friend? A complete stranger that said a kind word on the subway?
So many possibilities, so little time!
Another thing I do is I just let my mind wander and bring me back a scene. The scene starts off blurry and generic, then the more I focus, the more details I see. Like for example earlier I dreamed up a picture of a girl in a graveyard.
My train of thought went as: I can only see her back, but I know she's pretty. Long blond hair hangs down her back. It's raining, but it's not gloomy, so it must be late spring or early summer. She's wearing a baby blue dress, cotton and light. There's a light gray cardigan on her too. Her skin is pale, she's sick. It's terminal. There's a weeping willow tree in the background. She's got yellow roses on a white marble gravestone... Her hand are slim, soft too. She's thin, naturally dainty, but it's because of her sickness. The grave is her grandfather's. She's not crying, but she's sad. She's singing softly, a light melodic voice, but she's not confident...
And the list goes on and on. I just keep at it, trying to see more of the scene as I develop the story behind it all. For example, once I figure out who's grave it is, I would speculate on how they died. I would go find the inner struggles of the character. Usually when I just envision stuff I don't think about things. Like the girl was wearing blue, it wasn't after the fact that I realized it wasn't the funeral she was at, because she wasn't wearing black. It must mean something that the sun was shining even though there was rain. The fact that I saw a weeping willow must mean that a weeping willow will have to play a big part somewhere else. I always try to use themes and motifs in everything. Let no potential symbol lose it's meaning!
Point of this long useless ramble? Let the character and plot develop! Fall in love with your writing, but don't put it in concrete. Sometimes something you write will lead to changes, go with them! Go with them especially if you're Nanoing!
Well that's my writing ramble of the day, expect my focus to be a lot on writing for a little bit!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
More writing nerdiness
I've just started forcing myself to grasp the concept I don't need a huge cast of characters for a good story. Sure some novels like the Harry Potter series have like a billion characters, but it's not a requirement for a good novel. Usually my outlines have pages and pages of detailed character charts, which do take me forever and a lot of characters with super long bios isn't the easiest thing to keep track of.
I've got to learn to simplify my minor characters as well. Three page bios can be fun to write, but really, two out of three pages will not have any influence at all, at least when it comes to minor characters. The major characters tend to have much longer write ups. I guess character write ups will be something I won't be doing for Nanowrimo, just because I'll get attached. In the case of Nano, attachment can make or break a writer. Getting too attached would hinder the creative flow just writing for the sake of writing. It would lead to my OCD perfectionism making the writing go so much slower than it should. However, not being attached enough can be worse. Who wants to write what they don't love? Sure with Nano the style won't be perfect, but the thoughts should continue flowing. The love for the story should stay strong so the end is as strong as the start.
The number of characters don't even need to be as huge as my usual casts of characters. Great stories can be small with the characters so intimate that the whole story can revolve around them. Stories such as "'Night Mother" a play I'm teching for only have two characters; a mother and daughter. An entire play can be written about the two. If only I could let my OCD go for just long enough to write something so concise but deep.
My writing has a lot of focus on inner struggles and depth, I try to find flaws in my characters and keep them in character. I give them pain and hurt along with the joys and the passions. I tend to feel like I overcomplicate things and try to put too much into the plot. I also do try to write very well when I can, with the right skill and articulation.
To me, writing isn't just about the story. It's also about engaging the reader with interesting words and the word play. It's about getting the reader to connect and to think, but also to visualize the beauty or tragedy of the pain they go through. My wording can get very boring and somewhat repetitive if I'm trying to write fast, I'll find a couple "creative" ways of describing things, but they're not very creative at the end because of how much I used them. "Emerald green eyes", "Hair of amber", and "Enchanting bell-like laughter" are only interesting the first few times. Well that's just another thing I need to work on. It doesn't matter how good I get, I'll always find room for improvement because I don't feel like writing is an art of perfection, but more of an art of imperfection and individuality.
I've got to learn to simplify my minor characters as well. Three page bios can be fun to write, but really, two out of three pages will not have any influence at all, at least when it comes to minor characters. The major characters tend to have much longer write ups. I guess character write ups will be something I won't be doing for Nanowrimo, just because I'll get attached. In the case of Nano, attachment can make or break a writer. Getting too attached would hinder the creative flow just writing for the sake of writing. It would lead to my OCD perfectionism making the writing go so much slower than it should. However, not being attached enough can be worse. Who wants to write what they don't love? Sure with Nano the style won't be perfect, but the thoughts should continue flowing. The love for the story should stay strong so the end is as strong as the start.
The number of characters don't even need to be as huge as my usual casts of characters. Great stories can be small with the characters so intimate that the whole story can revolve around them. Stories such as "'Night Mother" a play I'm teching for only have two characters; a mother and daughter. An entire play can be written about the two. If only I could let my OCD go for just long enough to write something so concise but deep.
My writing has a lot of focus on inner struggles and depth, I try to find flaws in my characters and keep them in character. I give them pain and hurt along with the joys and the passions. I tend to feel like I overcomplicate things and try to put too much into the plot. I also do try to write very well when I can, with the right skill and articulation.
To me, writing isn't just about the story. It's also about engaging the reader with interesting words and the word play. It's about getting the reader to connect and to think, but also to visualize the beauty or tragedy of the pain they go through. My wording can get very boring and somewhat repetitive if I'm trying to write fast, I'll find a couple "creative" ways of describing things, but they're not very creative at the end because of how much I used them. "Emerald green eyes", "Hair of amber", and "Enchanting bell-like laughter" are only interesting the first few times. Well that's just another thing I need to work on. It doesn't matter how good I get, I'll always find room for improvement because I don't feel like writing is an art of perfection, but more of an art of imperfection and individuality.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Back Into The Swing of Things
Well I guess it's time I start getting back into the swing of things with my passions. I love my art, I love my writing, and both are going to help me in my future. I want to go into movie production and pre/post-production management someday. I've got to get my filming, editing, and writing skills to skyrocket in the next couple months.
The next month is looking to be pretty crazy for me! There are going to be two productions I'm teching in instead of the usual single production! That also means rehearsal times start sooner and last longer. On top of that Nanowrimo time is here again! Yep, I'm going to be writing an at least 50,000 word novel in 30 days! The goal is to be spontaneous and make things up as I go, which has never been something I've been good at. My OCD about my writing pieces lead to me overthinking things, jumping too far ahead, and getting to attached that I start refusing to make changes that need to be made. This project WILL be healthy for me, of course provided I live through this crazy month! Also show choir starts at the same time, and I need to start getting ready for the holidays.
It just hasn't clicked with me that this is my last year performing with the great group I've been singing, dancing, teching, and working with for the past four years or so. I did decide to go with independent study since it would technically be more useful to my future. As for colleges, they're getting applied to, which adds another thing to my list of to dos in November since a lot of deadlines are on the 15th.
As for Nano, I've got so many ideas it's just a big mess, but it's a hot mess. I've got characters that I've randomly thought up but never found a place to use. I've got a random scenarios that I think could create beautiful scenes, but no where to start. Not too long ago I entered a 25 word story contest and I had to think of a title that added more depth to it. Off the fly, the first thought I had was to call it "To Write A Love Song" which I think is a beautiful title that can mean so many things. What's in a love song? Who's it written for? Who wrote it? What led the author to write it? Is it a happy or a sad love song? What kind of love is it? What happened between the author and the one it is written for? So many questions can be answered. I want to use the title for my Nano, but those questions can be answered so many ways. Can a love song be forced out of a teenaged girl's heart? Will it be something and old man left for his grandson to find years after his death? Did an army wife write it at her husbands funeral? So many possibilities spin through my head every time I think about it!
Well I guess all I can do till Nov 1st is to get some music going and mull it over a bit.
The next month is looking to be pretty crazy for me! There are going to be two productions I'm teching in instead of the usual single production! That also means rehearsal times start sooner and last longer. On top of that Nanowrimo time is here again! Yep, I'm going to be writing an at least 50,000 word novel in 30 days! The goal is to be spontaneous and make things up as I go, which has never been something I've been good at. My OCD about my writing pieces lead to me overthinking things, jumping too far ahead, and getting to attached that I start refusing to make changes that need to be made. This project WILL be healthy for me, of course provided I live through this crazy month! Also show choir starts at the same time, and I need to start getting ready for the holidays.
It just hasn't clicked with me that this is my last year performing with the great group I've been singing, dancing, teching, and working with for the past four years or so. I did decide to go with independent study since it would technically be more useful to my future. As for colleges, they're getting applied to, which adds another thing to my list of to dos in November since a lot of deadlines are on the 15th.
As for Nano, I've got so many ideas it's just a big mess, but it's a hot mess. I've got characters that I've randomly thought up but never found a place to use. I've got a random scenarios that I think could create beautiful scenes, but no where to start. Not too long ago I entered a 25 word story contest and I had to think of a title that added more depth to it. Off the fly, the first thought I had was to call it "To Write A Love Song" which I think is a beautiful title that can mean so many things. What's in a love song? Who's it written for? Who wrote it? What led the author to write it? Is it a happy or a sad love song? What kind of love is it? What happened between the author and the one it is written for? So many questions can be answered. I want to use the title for my Nano, but those questions can be answered so many ways. Can a love song be forced out of a teenaged girl's heart? Will it be something and old man left for his grandson to find years after his death? Did an army wife write it at her husbands funeral? So many possibilities spin through my head every time I think about it!
Well I guess all I can do till Nov 1st is to get some music going and mull it over a bit.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Another hard one...
Well it seems like life is enjoying throwing difficult choices at me... the latest dilemma: An independent study offer. It's everything I could want in high school, an entire class period in the sci-vis lab with just about total freedom! I'll get to work on my own projects, mess with the software, even work on some video editing and self teach myself! There's just one catch, I'd have to give up chorus.
Chorus is something that's just been part of my daily life for the past few years. My director is a household names with all the chorus room stories, I've got my piles of chorusy and musical paraphernalia all over the place and piles of sheet music littering my desk. Next semester would be my last show, my senior show. Of course I'll still have after school show choir and my senior showcase song, but I won't be doing any of the pieces and have the glory of being up front with all the seniors anymore. Just the thought of that makes me want to cry.
But on the other hand, that independent study is something I've dreamed of. Do I want this upcoming show to be my last show and go after Sci-vis, which might actually pertain to my major, or do I stick with the passion that I've loved, lived, and breathed for the past almost 4 years? Choices like these aren't made with ease. I know there are others that would kill for the independent study, but I'd kill for some spotlight.
Talent wise, I know I'm talented with graphics and design and all that artsy stuff. I know I'm good with the software I've learned, but I'm also afraid of the unknown, the software I've never used before. What if the regular students that will be in the room can show me up on something? What happens if I'm not the one answering questions to the amateurs, but instead asking them? What if I'm not top dog anymore? Those questions scare me as much as facing the reality that I'll have to have a last show with my beloved choir, maybe even more.
Chorus is something that's just been part of my daily life for the past few years. My director is a household names with all the chorus room stories, I've got my piles of chorusy and musical paraphernalia all over the place and piles of sheet music littering my desk. Next semester would be my last show, my senior show. Of course I'll still have after school show choir and my senior showcase song, but I won't be doing any of the pieces and have the glory of being up front with all the seniors anymore. Just the thought of that makes me want to cry.
But on the other hand, that independent study is something I've dreamed of. Do I want this upcoming show to be my last show and go after Sci-vis, which might actually pertain to my major, or do I stick with the passion that I've loved, lived, and breathed for the past almost 4 years? Choices like these aren't made with ease. I know there are others that would kill for the independent study, but I'd kill for some spotlight.
Talent wise, I know I'm talented with graphics and design and all that artsy stuff. I know I'm good with the software I've learned, but I'm also afraid of the unknown, the software I've never used before. What if the regular students that will be in the room can show me up on something? What happens if I'm not the one answering questions to the amateurs, but instead asking them? What if I'm not top dog anymore? Those questions scare me as much as facing the reality that I'll have to have a last show with my beloved choir, maybe even more.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Watch out World
I'm sure you've heard the saying "No pain no gain" Well it's pretty true in some situations. Having a mental breakdown helped me more than I can imagine, I can now function and get work done without random freak outs and panic attacks!
Also, I've refined my writing a bit. Nothing posted lately and my little group of writing nerd friends have been raggin' on me for a bit about that. However, I did write a very ummm "different" metaphysical poem a few days ago. Metaphysical poems abstractly compare love to something a bit more atypical than the average love poem. Instead of the average lovely dovey poem comparing how much I love someone to something like a tree or a computer, mine was titled "On the Stupidity of Teenaged Infatuation" You can bet no one else wrote about that. Teenagers are so stupid, and I know I am one, but I do acknowledge that we're all stupid to a point. As for more writing, I'm fresh out of ideas... and I have a sonnet due in two days... I just need something even more unusual than the metaphysical, gotta keep that rep up right?
The metaphysical will be posted as soon as I get it back :)
Also, I've refined my writing a bit. Nothing posted lately and my little group of writing nerd friends have been raggin' on me for a bit about that. However, I did write a very ummm "different" metaphysical poem a few days ago. Metaphysical poems abstractly compare love to something a bit more atypical than the average love poem. Instead of the average lovely dovey poem comparing how much I love someone to something like a tree or a computer, mine was titled "On the Stupidity of Teenaged Infatuation" You can bet no one else wrote about that. Teenagers are so stupid, and I know I am one, but I do acknowledge that we're all stupid to a point. As for more writing, I'm fresh out of ideas... and I have a sonnet due in two days... I just need something even more unusual than the metaphysical, gotta keep that rep up right?
The metaphysical will be posted as soon as I get it back :)
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