Well, I've long been searching for the opportunity to display this bizarre photograph, which I've lovingly titled, creepy gold doll on the fence just down the street.
I'm re-imagining a novel I haven't looked at in a long time, one I had set aside in my mind, if not my heart, and I realize (again) how difficult that is, when all the paragraphs have been placed one right after the other and so much has already spilled across the page and made a permanent stain.
I have asked writer friends, how do you do it?, and it seems there are only anecdotes, not hard and fast rules, and I remember (again) that there are no tricks to revision. I just have to let myself into the maze and come out the other side.
For a brief moment, I thought, maybe this time, there could be some way of documenting it all, how brilliant would that be, like some map or journal or essay titled What I Done and How I Done Did It, so I'll be prepared for the inevitable next time. But, let's face it, I'll just end up on the other side, somebody new and still exactly the same.
So. Shoulders back. Deep breath. I'll see you all when I get there.
"I'm re-imagining a novel I haven't looked at in a long time, one I had set aside in my mind, if not my heart, and I realize (again) how difficult that is, when all the paragraphs have been placed one right after the other and so much has already spilled across the page and made a permanent stain."
ReplyDeleteYES. So much beautiful truth to this paragraph.
I really understand that quote, it IS a beautiful truth. I understand about setting something aside in my mind and not my heart... but the way it stays in the heart is why I return. I recently finished Dani Shapiro's "Still Writing" and really loved it. Also, creepy gold doll... creepy indeed!!! But I kind of dig it.
ReplyDeleteYou have taken the words from my brain! I am staring at my horribly rough first draft and wondering how in the world I have ever written or revised anything and have it come out not reeking of awfulness. I have a plan, and a list of things I need to fix, but I feel so underqualified for the task. Doesn't matter how many times I have done it before. Good luck my friend! And see you on the other side. :)
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