Return to HoA
15 May 2008
Comments by juni0r
Got back into the new novel today, finally. Well overdue. Scary really.
The linear fashion in which I was progressing previously worked for
a time, and then it became more conventional, rolling with what I felt
good to go with at the time - for example, jumping forward to around
the chapter 30 area (more on that in the future). Somehow I managed
to go from chapter 1 to 18 in one broad stroke. My last recorded save
of 18 was February 2006. As mentioned have done a few other chapters
in between time but it seems a while since I've been back to my characters.
1527hrs
Have just run through 19 again, first time in a long time and its not
too bad now. Shaved quite a bit off the tail end of it too (saved into
chapter 20 file) and it is now at 1965. A good length, but there are
six chapters (including 01) that are in excess of 2500 and thats a wee
bit concerning. Still, the old rule stands - write it all through to
the end then concern yourself with any rewrites later, otherwise you'll
be there forever.
20 looks like it will be split up, but both parts will be 2000 all up,
word count wise. I might well be on a roll again. Certainly hope so.
Now just have to haul in the self discipline to keep the momentum up.
Top ^
Film Treatments
29 March 2008
Comments by juni0r
Every now and then there is an opportunity to broaden writing experience
in areas you're not wholly familiar. I've done this with academic writing
in essays, with poetry and some advocacy work. Now, in relation to my
Film degree I've been given an chance to give a film treatment a go.
The treatment is a piece of work which defines the action of a film
in straightforward prose, typically without dialogue or camera directions
as with a script. It is essentially a short story but only focuses on
the key scenes and drama.
One assignment (of over a dozen options which is always good, and typical
of the Film department) was a film treatment for a feature film based
in New Zealand in the action adventure genre. Not too bad I thought.
Good thing to already have several ideas in mind before you are presented
with the question - as was the case thanks to my brain in constant creative
writer mode. The end product is based around some events which occur
in New Zealand during the times of Trails, if a little earlier.
I'm yet unsure what the order would be, but the treatment is the sale
document to promote the film. The story, short, novella or novella is
going to be the basis, and the two permit the development of a script.
Some films are sold on a treatment alone, which I was quite surprised
to hear. Many then go on and get a scriptwriter professional to do that
side of the business.
You need your introduction, including the setting, the premise and the
characters. Then, as with most stories, the three acts loosely considered
Establishment, Action and Resolution - sometimes known by other names.
If a film, feature or short is where you're aiming, then give it a whirl.
It is a tool to achieve an objective, the selling of a film idea. Make
it dramatic, make sure all the reader's senses are stimulated. Make
it visual. Make the film come up off the page. A synopsis tells the
reader what is happening (as with a novel), the treatment sells the
idea. Go for it.
Top ^
What Writing Means to Me
10 February 2008
Comments by juni0r
So I get sidetracked once more. This writing combines and entwines every
major aspect of my life, and somehow also my own personal history. Quite
scary really, when I look back and make the associations, most quite
obvious when I bother to think about it.
One of the most critical assets I think exists in regards writing, whatever
form it happens to take is that it opens up the world in a search for
understanding. Sometimes its humourous, sometimes it is deadly serious,
sometimes it is somewhere in between, contemplative. Joy, sadness, troubling
and confrontational it produces emotions for all seasons and all hearts.
You really can't do without it. This underpins the handicap of illiteracy
in our modern world. No one should be without the capacity to express
themselves, or to take on board the thoughts of others. Therefore, it
is a real blessing there is so many different art forms out there -
if you can't be catered for in one way, there is sure to be another.
Film, dance, theatre, books, painting, poetry... you name it. In these
times there is even video games, which operate in the same way if you
care to look beyond brazen stereotypes.
Everyone writes, but not everyone is a writer. Still, expression is
exactly that and all it takes is an open mind. As the artist writer
though, you need a certain kind of dedication - my mother tells me I'm
like a dog with a bone... You need to understand your purpose, for without
purpose that dedication can not be founded. It needs to grow, and for
that it needs to be nurtured. Family, solid mates and a fair amount
of constant inspiration is all that is required. Other than that...
dedication. And honesty. If you want to make sure your work is valued
and means something real in the real world, in years to come, you can't
go past honesty. Dribble is dribble and there is plenty of that.
It is a solitary life, being a writer, but it certainly doesn't mean
you're alone. You can't afford to be alone if the aforementioned is
to be achieved. There is a desperate need for people to look at the
world with fresh eyes, produce material (in whatever form) to change
the world for the better, and make the most out of the good stuff we
have on hand. Creative reinvention - after all, of the core stories,
there are but a few. In the silence of your thoughts comes the work
you produce, from which comes fresh insight and a necessary vision for
mankind. Done right, your audience will see and feel your passion. Sometimes,
though, it needs to be controlled, so you can achieve a little bit of
brilliance, rather than a whole lot of nothing... self discipline to
keep at it, but make sure what comes out at the other end is worthy
of your labours. You might have a lot to say, but it is better just
a few words are spoken with clarity.
Eventually you will find a unique style. Its something that some authors
loose as the pressure mounts professionally. That voice is something
you should never forsake. Again, better to write a few books and be
well remembered than a whole swag of them and find yourself lost to
the original vision. Worse yet, be labeled a copout... or slave to the
masters of print.
In this journey you find humanity, relationships, an exploration of
our souls. Whether a reader or a writer, or any other creative artist,
it is something well worth taking hold of. If you can't do this at least
once a day, even for a few minutes, life becomes but existence, no true
living. It is these things we impart, share, which make us uniquely
human. In all this as artists mentoring each other is critical to the
artform and making the most of experience and all this things I've talked
about so far. I've learned so much from other forms which has invigorated
me and ensured that what I do and the vision I have remains alive.
Whether I write or not is up to me. Whether or not I succeed as a writer
is up to my audience. My audience is the world, but is also me.
Top ^
Synopsis, Chapter Summaries, Planning... and getting back into the game.
18 December 2007
Comments by juni0r
Going over my various synopsis files for HoA I realise that they were
written, in the main, around October / November 2005. Quite a while
ago. University has been in between and time has flown by. After having
written those few chapters over the past few months it is an encouragement
to keep going after reading over these critical planning works. Its
the blueprint for the entire project and where things are going. You
certainly don't write a synopsis at the other end of it. Its just a
roadmap but the road can go anywhere of course, so, like any plan, it
has to be flexible. Have a chapter summary based off this stuff for
the first "part". It must have been further back than I thought
when I decided the whole HoA thing had to be broken down into three
parts, management wise, and for the purposes of a first time writer
getting a publishing deal, it is highly unlikely anything over 120,000
words is going to be taken on.
There is miles of work to be done in regards US military units, geographical
analysis, electromagnetic technology and a lot of other things besides.
Still, knowing where you're heading means you can get a lot done and
do the research as you move along. Look into things as they become relevant
to the parts you're writing. Having that plan means you won't be so
surprised when you get there.
No doubt what so ever that I need this business of writing to keep me
going. I also need a break but who knows when or how that will come.
Probably once I graduate. You have to live for something right? Some
people its their partners, some people it is their kids, some it is
God... some it is writing. There is more to it than living though -
you actually have to feel alive. So yeah, that's why its so important
to get back in the game. I've been doing academic stuff, which has been
for the greatest part rewarding and worthwhile, but its not my writing,
not my passion, and most certainly not my world.
For me today, it has been good, as the rain falls, to tap away, look
up these old files and realise again who I am. This has to brighten
things up a bit, in addition to bloody good mates, a damned fine family
and a reiteration of exactly what Christmas is meant to be about.
20 December 2007
A few days hence I got to doing something I didn't expect. Well, asides
from talking to a friend who taught me a few key issues about life...
I took my chapter summary and cut and pasted each element into a relevant
chapter page. If you do this it is a solid way of starting. When you
decide to work on a given chapter or end up there through your natural
progress it is a reference, a bearing for your progress. Where the synopsis
is a overview of the story and its progress, this is a direct indicator
of events of each chapter. It only need be a few sentences, a paragraph
at most. You build this up and out, gel it neatly to that which comes
before and that which comes after, and... that too is your building
blocks for a great novel. I'm guessing that's my writer's hint for the
day.
Always remember to have a file for random dialogue on your desktop and
get it down in your notebook when you're on the move. Critical point:
characters are key. Their feelings and emotions come out in their words.
They speak, they are alive through their words. If they're not alive,
your story is dead.
Top ^
CREW 256
16 November 2007
Comments by juni0r
A mate who has done CREW (a different stream though) told me that this
course is the most sought after of its type in the country and very
difficult to get into. Typically 150 applicants (at least for the novel
writing one anyway) try out for each stream, of which there are only
a dozen places each year. Sort of puts it in perspective. I missed the
boat again.
Interesting that I was number 13 on the list in 2005. Would have got
in (in the highly unlikely event) that someone had withdrawn. Realised
too, that that was despite the fact I submitted a short story (Dogs
of War) in application for the novel writing course. Guessed that
it was because they could see the cultural aspects (READ: sell New Zealand),
because it dealt with a Kiwi going to fight in Croatia in the 90s.
This time around it was (more appropriately) the first chapter of Trails.
But it is science fiction - which, like detective stories or horror,
not a big winner for such courses I have gathered. No matter how popular
they are in the real world market they are not things which many of
the fraternity, more arty (no boys not artillery :( ) types can handle.
An American girl, armed with a submachine gun, in a apocalyptic setting
in the near future just doesn't cut it.
It occurred to me that an institution which can not manipulate and produce
their subjective ideal is not interested in pupils such as myself. Its
nothing personal on either side, its about maintaining a history and
a style for a certain audience. There is an elitism of which only certain
types of people may enter. Others will simply go on about their business
as they always have. If you want to be part of that world then there
are certain guidelines (often not rules per se) you must abide by for
success. Course of such high levels of prestige are obviously in this
realm, and those who succeed in them will go a long way, no doubt at
all. It all just depends which route you want to take. Now, with some
further insight, I understand this is not the route for me. I can't
operate in that way and produce the material I need to produce.
Working on further chapters for HoA in the last couple of weeks has reminded me just where its at with the writing business. Unfortunately there will be a bit less time for it after not getting into the CREW course, as my alternate paper starts on Monday. I've jumped forward a little to around chapter 30 odd and looking into the alien invasion, after grounding to a halt in the city of Troy. Still, to go from chapter 1 to 19 in a line like that is a bit of an achievement in itself. A sign of good planning. Additionally, proper writing rather than planning consists of two nearby chapters relating to the civilian scientists and military experience against the aliens and discussing their biology and how best future battles against them might be fought. New technology rapidly comes online and plenty of good action is in the wings. Know I'll enjoy the development for sure, but there is also a lot of stuff to learn.
Planning continues on two chapters that look to be turning into three.
Combat based, one is personal, one is strategic giving an overview of
the local (and to a lesser extent global) situation. In that its in
the Vermont, Connecticut area, and also over the border into Canada,
most-likely focusing on Nova Scotia several different military units
from these places will feature. The 10th Mountain, out of Fort Drum,
New York, and The Vermont Army National Guard's mountain warfare specialists
of the 86th IBCT are quite involved in the fighting. Without realising
it, I discovered that the parent Division, the 42nd Infantry, is based
in Troy, New York. This place sure is a central focus of the novel.
If I'm not careful, the Mayor will get wind of this and make me a honoury
citizen :) In the meantime there is a lot to take in and use when you're
writing combat on large scale when you've never been a brigadier!
So much stuff to think about... and to face an alien enemy, well...
Okay so its been done before, of course... but that is the thing about
writing. Nothing is ever completely original. The idea is to make it
fresh, give it a new approach. Most of all, the creator must be professional,
detailed. Pull the reader into the world, as fictitious as it is, make
it believable.
Additionally, it was a bit of a unfortunate thing to find out that Investigate Magazine decided not to publish my 1400 word article on the NZLAV. Covered some old material, but you always have to lay the groundwork in any article for those not familiar. There is still a chance it may appear at a later date as a filler. I tried to emphasise the democratic aspects of the acquisition, and public consultation, using these vehicles as an example - as it should be for health or education or politicians getting pay rises... Was looking forward to posting a copy of the magazine to my father to press the point that I have some qualities he could be proud of. You know, a Christmas present of sorts. Never mind, another time perhaps.
The key is to simply keep on writing, keep on learning the craft and
plan. Know where you're going. Learn from those who have experienced
the game. Most particularly from the genre(s) you deal in. This was
obviously not going to happen on this course. I know that now and continue
on my way. Some doors open, some need some shoving, some are jammed
shut. Simple fact is, you don't know what will happen unless you go
up and try the door. A statement for life really. Nothing is all bad,
no matter if it doesn't go the way you would have liked. Very rarely
does it end up being horribly wrong either, just a bit rough maybe.
Top ^
Word Limits... and Trilogies.
01 October 2007
Comments by juni0r
On reflection, and indirect advice, 90-110,000 words is about the limit
for a first time novel. You don't want to over-extend yourself, or bite
off more than you can chew. In saying this, I've officially broken down
Andrea's Story, HoA into three manageable parts. The first will be no
longer than 120,000 words and quite obtainable after Trails.
Being as that part is made up of 60 chapters, and I'm up to 20, then
the theory is I'm a third of the way there. But, any writer knows it
doesn't quite work like that. There is a lot more work than simple numbers
reflect.
The idea now is, after Andrea and Chris are separated in Troy chapters
will alternate, more or less, until such time as they are reunited sometime
later. This will constitute the first part of another trilogy. Didn't
intend it to be so but its working out that way. But in order for this
to work (instead of an oversized behemoth single volume) there will
need to be somewhat more detail in the middle portion. I'll cross that
bridge when I come to it.
One difficulty I see is having two first parts to independent trilogies
completed. Both have to, of course, stand on their own, both plot wise
and merit wise. That's not a problem but I expect that pressure will
be on more than is typical, in regards getting the next part of the
expected story out there by who ever runs with it. At least both follow-ups
are planned. Just knowing there is still a great deal of work to do
on them makes for a big mission.
I know where things are going thanks to plenty of groundwork but its
still another few summits to conquer. The vision is clear enough though.
So yes... trilogies its seems, are coming out my ears.
And then, there is my short stories and doing something productive with
them. http://www.lulu.com
might just be the answer here. Had a friend at school express some interest
in reading some of my stuff so she might get a handful of these in the
near future. But no, you can't get things out there on that basis, so
that'd be the story. Plus, a wee bit of work in the real world to get
some money together for short print runs would be the ticket. Just sell
them ad-hoc.
Top ^
Essays, ...and getting on with it.
12 June 2007
Comments by juni0r
Having just yesterday submitted my final essay for FILM 231 for the
first semester, there might be time for a couple of weeks worth of my
own writing. Well, asides from a bit of moving about and doing other
things which have been precluded due to studies. It's a bit difficult
to write this as I lurch out to discover some fresh words, though I
know this is overdue so, without further ado...
Was good to get the essay in, and always good when you can mold it to
your own interests. Always seemed to be able to do that for FILM. If
I can manage a A- overall I'll be rapt. But yeah, as I have put paid
to that now, looking forward to semester two, and am seeing to the final
chapters of Ubik, there is some built up pressure to get my own words,
for my own purposes, down on the page. Yesterday night, listening to
Ani Difranco, (much thanks HG - think I know who the absolute babe is
:) ) I rediscovered several unfinished writings which must be completed.
And there is also the tentative reestablishment of Skribblerz as well,
for some external sources of encouragement.
One lot of these aforementioned works is my "file" if you
like, of all the bits and pieces I've written over the last, must be
almost decade, of the cyberpunk stuff. There was the better part of
100 pages. Sure, all bits and pieces but... its a solid basis to work
with, including some stuff between the ears which needs to be rewritten,
after their digital representations have been lost.
A vampire story, another one about a reservist, yet another based on
a conflict in a imaged country in Central Africa, and several more besides.
All short stories of various lengths. But, if I can, I'd like to make
the cyberpunk stuff into a full-blown novel. It does link in oh so slightly
with Trails, and that world.
Quite incredible, was just going over a few archives of the Writers
Page, and realised one sneak peek of the cyberpunk stuff I'd published
here was written in 2004. I had been organising some of my short stories
into a collection back then, and planning the competition of several
remaining ones at the time. Well, looks like its finally happening.
And the new ideas keep coming despite the existing projects, large and
small. The way it always is the creative industries of the mind. In
just a couple of hours of house cleaning (the kind associated with digital
media) it is quite amazing how much old stuff, files and what not, of
just these sorts of "ideas" you find. Am sure to have enough
to keep me going until I am 50. Shocking.
I suppose I should get on with it then...
15 June 2007
After talking with a good friend I've kinda come to the conclusion that,
some things need to be done regards the writing business. All things
that have needed to be done for quite a while, and also a means for
making things more productive also. The latter would include the concept
of part time "work", part time writing (eg: all my free time)
and part time study. This has worked well in the past and gets the most
important things done in a balanced fashion.
So, working on this backwards if you will, the aforementioned will allow
for the former. Getting some short stories actually published, officially.
This is for shameless self promotion - that is, a marketing ploy, nothing
else, after all you can't make a living out of short stories, really.
And, get Trails out to another publisher, despite the whole,
"part of a trilogy" thing. As it is now written (and its reasoning
for a major rewrite) it now can be digested as a single volume, on its
own merits and narrative, without the need for the greater story.
Finally, and really the focus of the most substantial aspect of all this, is the finishing, to final draft of HoA. Written in lieu of the whole original problem with TtG and probably, therefore, the first one to be published. And I know a few blokes that are already in love with Andrea and they won't be happy for anything less than her story on the shelves. Hey she knows what love is, and knows how to kick arse. Surefire winner with the lads.
Top ^
Mates, Emotions, Life... and a wellspring of personalities.
10 April 2007
Comments by juni0r
How odd it feels. I can speak of the writing I've had to do for university
of late. No. I can talk about a couple of books I've read of late. No.
I could even talk about the efforts I've made to get the next part of
the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Short Story
ready to upload. Nope, not even that. Though that better happen soon.
At least today I can say I've made some progress - even if to the end
of realising that the planned length is going to be somewhat... lengthier.
And I even done some work on the new novel...
What I am going to talk about is mates. Yeah, clan, kin, brothers in
arms... They don't make you who you are but there is a cause and effect.
Most of all, if you allow it there is the gift of better understanding
of this world. See, in writing fiction, non-fiction, documenting history,
reporting, it is all about people. This is so important to realise,
to appreciate and to take hold of.
From this wellspring of personalities, feelings, emotions, frustrations,
trauma and drama, tragedy and good fortune your stories come alive,
they breathe life. Take away the people, those characters, and you'd
be pretty hard pressed to find anything of value. No, that's not quite
it... without making a connection to our sentient selves it means so
much less. Those emotions, the spirit, the interaction, the motivations
need to be made with a representation of who we are, the characters.
Perhaps it is obvious enough thing that writers do use real people they
know, in different ways, to authenticate their characters. For some
reason I just felt the need to reinforce that fact. As writers we need
to remember that we have a world of talent (even if they don't know
it) out there - like potential casting roles for a film, but they DO
become parts of our stories, our journeys, into places and worlds sometimes
not even possible but by the imaginations you as writers inspire, spark
into life.
Some people are famous, or at the very least in print, and they never
even knew it.
So I arrive at the doorstep of my rather large collective body of mates...
And because they are constantly part of my vision, part of my motivation
to keep me going when I think all is lost, traits for my characters,
good solid people to bound ideas off, people to in turn, support, vessels
of my imagination... real human beings who have all those above qualities...
well quite honestly, I could not do it without them. I'd be lost. All
I could ever do is reproduce the material that is out there already
- and most probably pretty badly at that.
Everyone is unique. In this humdrum world of conformity we often forget
this. A world were, one tries to look different and ends up looking
very much the same. We are a big mob of sheep, but our creative spirit,
our imagination is the key to the individuality, that sadly does not
flourish as well as it might. I don't have to wonder why. For so many
friends I have been blessed with I know any given situation, good or
bad, will produce a different response in the sharing of that situation,
as many as there are people there in my life. And, to loose any one
of them means I loose something very special. And I know, because I've
lost a few good mates over the years.
For each friend every tragedy is different, and likewise their responses,
based on past experience, are unique. They are there for you, and you
need to be there for them. Nothing is ever perfect, and, merely as human
beings, it can never be so, but you know there will be a equally unique
bond in your experiences through life.
So, if you want fictional stories coming to life off those pages, just
remember what this is all about and know that you have a wealth of quality
stuff before you. And, unless it is some biography, nothing will ever
be literal.
To feel is to be human.
Top ^
Discipline, The Fiction Department, Less Errors... and doing those 500 words.
04 February 2007
Comments by juni0r
Again I find myself mentioning discipline. It rapidly approaches 0000hrs
and I have had a bit of a tidy up of my den. Thinking on the various
things that must be done and are important enough to no longer put off.
Elements of daily life must be ensued in order for the big puzzle to
be completed. Miss one part of the big picture, and, well, the end result
is less than ideal.
So I consider the physical once more and anticipate my return to training
in a fortnight. The daily discipline of at least two sessions of practice
must be adhered to. The physical dimensions are easy enough, but the
mental and emotional is what allows it to happen. Once they're right,
the rest comes naturally. And once into the routine again, it becomes
easier still.
So what's with all this? Yes, the writing... Well, it has been sometime
since I've squared away 500 words in a day in the fiction department.
Other writings don't count. See, in truth it is all one in the same.
And then on top of that there is the need to ensure progress is made
through all this, not backing off when it gets hard. Not running a mile
when even more research needs to be done. Heck, it might even be fun.
Sure, I'm make substantially less errors in the process of writing the
second novel, but being as it is, mistakes are sure to be made. Or though
things started out well for HoA, running the linear line worked well,
until things got a bit rough. Study came along, and even other writing
projects. This didn't mean I couldn't go off and do some other chapter,
say 25 or 30 or even 60... as long as the momentum kept up. It didn't.
So... as of tomorrow, back into it. And as if I don't have yet another
novel in Trails' sequel to get on with as well.
Yes, the moral of the story is; do those 500 words a day, no matter
what.
Top ^
Courage, Inspiration, Writer's Block... and how to show thanks.
22 January 2007
Comments by juni0r
This I write as I think of the last few days, and of how many people have taken up the courage recently to surrender their writings to me, to help them in their own quest of the pen.
Yes indeed, though I never really listened on this point it has been
made several times to me by several people; When you give over your
writing to another you expose your soul, you make yourself vulnerable
to others. But then, as many people perhaps - thanks to Skribblerz,
have given to me their works, as I have given over to others. Its a
powerful experience, and for anyone who is serious about their writing,
one that should not be denied. But don't concern yourselves too much,
as true writers and critics should be listened to, heeded, and their
wisdom imparted upon your works to make them that much better.
That being said, as has been repeated to me time and time again, in
the end, it is your work and yours alone so you decide what is to come
and what is to leave the journey of this particular experience. Still,
everything, every experience, every scribble is to be kept for future
reference.
Then there is the issue of inspiration.
inspiration
noun
1 the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something,
esp. to do something creative : Helen had one of her flashes of inspiration
| the history of fashion has provided designers with invaluable inspiration.
• the quality of having been so stimulated, esp. when evident
in something : a rare moment of inspiration in an otherwise dull
display.
• a person or thing that stimulates in this way : he is an
inspiration to everyone.
• a sudden brilliant, creative, or timely idea : then I had
an inspiration.
Now we know what it is by definition, we can see how much we are inspired
in our daily lives. This is the at the heart of any good works. The
things you do, the things you see, the things somebody says, the feelings
they express. The smells and the sounds of life, and death.
So you see, as I've said before, there is no such thing as "writer's
block", only lazy... okay, or tired, writers. There is far too
much in this world around you not to be constantly inspired, to continue
the path of the writer and to enable you the capacity to transmit this
into the lives of others. Remembering that, just because you don't recognise
the inspirational force before you, does not mean it is not there. For
me most recently, on a conscious level at least, it was a couple of
conversations I had with someone. They'll most likely be gone from my
life in a few days time as their journey continues, but that experience
will always be there. It sure got me back into a old short story that
is long overdue for completion.
If you're wondering about how to thank such people, don't. The best
thing you can do is allow the inspiration to flow and to get something
down, to get that story started, to get it finished. Make good use of
the time you have.
Top ^
Soviet Era Tanks, Academic Writing, Project Motivation... and getting into other peoples' worlds.
05 January 2007
Comments by juni0r
Sure enough, I must remember to write the date correctly, at least for the next few months. And what a journey it has been. And I've learned a great deal - even have the papers from University to prove it now. After 20 odd years of having left school. But, anyway, this is about writing.
So school has allowed me to take in the realm of academic writing which is a skill set in its own right. Sure need to give them what they want. Something that had not quite clicked into place for me in my previous Scarfie adventures. But the good thing about being a bit older, and perhaps even a bit wiser is, I have been able to mould this whole experience to my own needs. This has shown in essays which cover Maus (again), the war in Iraq, and the Al Jazeera network. Which as it happens a mate of mine turned up and he wants a good ol' read of it to see how I did, being that he comes from one of those countries in the world which is seen as politically incorrect in the West. Quite cool to here of his adventures (if you can call them that) talk of the general failures of Soviet era tanks in hot climates and such like. Still, all you have to do is take a good look at his holiday photos and know why he came to New Zealand. Well... and to still be subjected to prejudice. No, New Zealanders aren't all well mannered... much like the marketing farce about just how "green" we are.
Though such things be the subject of writing its not about writing is it? Okay, recently its been really good to get my hands on several friends' skribblingz. Their efforts have been well worth it in my estimation and their skills have gone leaps and bounds over the last year or so. And it means a lot to me that they can open themselves up to the (be it friendly) pen of a editor. It is a real privilege to be able to work away on someone else's stories and sink in their worlds at such an early stage. I kind of makes me better realise what others have done for me in the past and perhaps a little of what it may have felt like for them.
The real surprise for me though has been the turning in which the writing business has taken over the last few months. Because I'd been to university before getting back down to that sort of stuff wasn't so much a shock. What was, however, was the working on a project which will be presented to people in government as I and a handful of others attempt to persuade those in power the need for particular things as regards Defence. It is my field of interest after all, many who know me might say. True enough, and then suddenly there is a time table before me. Nothing quite like that to get one motivated. There is so much stuff going on in your head, and the amount of research that must be done is phenomenal to say the least... but it must be done if what you have to say is to have any respect bestowed upon it. And it must be able to be understood by many different parties of course, not just military folk. Then there is the formating of said documentation, which calls for a certain kind of a attention. Paragraph so and so sub section J blar blar... I have some documentation on the NZLAV which should help me there.
If nothing else, there is something in common with all these different forms of writing... It is one thing to have all this stuff in your head, it is another thing to get it all out of your head and down on paper. And the biggest thing of all? To make some sort of sense of it all and make sure it is going to be worked in such a way as to maintain a value to your prospective audience. Now there is the real work.
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Discipline, Mad Ogre on Writing, Mates and the Writing Process... and never giving up.
14 November 2006
Comments by juni0r
Having a bit of a break from the normal routine has been great. Forgotten how long it has been since I've done any substantial writing of my own. Good for the soul, and surely reminds me of the discipline involved. Reinforced by the training I have begun in the past few months. There are indisputable connections in life, and that is one. For progress to come that must be forthcoming.
First up I'd like to quote a mate in the US who wrote this on his website - mostly because it has a lot to do with what I'm going to talk about.
If you want to be a Writer...then be a Writer. If your going to do it – DO IT. This is an internal decision, not and external one. No one else in the world can tell you that you are or are not a Writer – that's who you are... not what you do. It's kind of like being in love, but less floral. Take mental notes on everything. Written notes on the most important things. Collect bits. Video bits, sound bits, notes on things you hearand see... take photos. Get a digital camera and get used to packing it. Don't be afraid to use it. Photos help you remember things. Don't think Google is all the “research” that you need. Google only gives you a starting point. Get hands on with research. Get to know what you are talking about. Don't be afraid to publish something. Don't be afraid to show your work
Thanks to Mad Ogre. He knows what he's talking about. So up and take notice.
What you do is a "job"... often the humdrum existence of daily
life. Writing is something that yes, can bring in the biccies, but in
truth, for true writers, those committed beyond that, whether making
money off it or not, it is exactly that... it becomes part of who you
are. This was an interesting concept that came to me several years ago
when I was talking to a fellow artist. She had done a bit of writing
but is in the main a painter and into crafts.
You need all these dimensions of art to help you in the literary endevour. If you need to email people, write to people for your research, then do it. Has to be done. I've contacted people all over the world to square certain parts of my work away, including Germany, Russia, the US and the UK and soon to be, Spain.
Ogre makes a critical point on imagery and I've found this to be a vital aspect of being able to effectively convey the visual in words. And memory isn't always something you can readily depend on so... get those pictures.
Get a note book. When its fill, get another one. Take it with you everywhere, because if its not with you, you WILL forget. All those funny, quirky little things that add so much to a story.
And remember that you need to verify your research. Wikipedia is a powerful starting point but facts are what you need not opinions or things that might be correct. It is a brilliant starting point but please, for the sake of your writing, make sure you're on the right track.
And yes indeed, get your work out there. Get friends to edit your work, work mates who have an interest in the genre you are writing. Get critical, get it as good as you can get it, get feedback and get it out there. That is the best way of all to improve your work and to reinforce just how seriously you take the craft.
In closing this particular part, Ogre eludes to something I have spoken on before : writing is about the senses... not just what you see, but the smells, the sounds, the feelings, and what you literally feel. You need all this storing up of experiences, yours and others, to properly put this across in words. With practice this becomes an extremely powerful thing. Your audience just won't be able to put down your works if the words have the ability to impose those concepts into their minds.
Over the last few days I have just finished editing a friend's short story. It helped to remind me just how valuable it has been for me that others have stepped up to the plate, taken so much time and energy to do the very same for me over the years. That your writing is yours, but it involves so many others, from those who literally edit your work, those from who you gather your research material, to your eventual audience. To edit another's work is something which helps you to remember and to learn, keep hold of the basics (and not so basics) of the craft. And hey, its virtually impossible to edit our own work because you see what you want to see, what you expected to be on the page, not what is actually there. And for those whose work is on the receiving end - never forget that the work is yours, the vision is yours. You came up with the idea, the world, the characters, those critical elements which make the story come alive. The editor gets you on the right track, helps you to see the bits you missed, only because you were busy working on bringing the world your work. Those people you discuss your work with are a springboard for ideas, a brainstorming session, a means to giving your works validity and substance. Only you can write your creations.
Thanks to K and N for my most recent experiences in assisting the process of the creative production of new worlds. It is only due to the great support I have been shown over the years that this is even possible. And both of you have been a huge part of this. Anyway, one needs to get out of one's own world often and get into someone else's every now and then otherwise you just go nuts.
With this sort of feedback we make things really happen, improve. Our works become more than a mass of dusty leaves on a forgotten shelf somewhere. They become a reality for more than just ourselves.
Speaking of the value of others contributions, the last few days have been great. Three of my mates locally have got back to me on a former (though well drafted) version of the initial chapters of Trails. All very positive stuff which is encouraging. I have a few things to seriously consider, and if nothing else it reinforces some prior thoughts. Thanks lads.
And the very first chapter will still appear somewhere down the line, most likely in the sequel.
In recent days research has been a big part of what has been going on. For HoA I had to find out about travel from the Troy area up into Canada, and quickly discovered that Greyhound does the run from Albany to Ottawa. Without the research I wouldn't have known it was impossible to take bus from Troy into Canada. Now I can e-mail Greyhound and find out which actual route they take.
Now, can someone tell me what the scenery is like on that network of roads?
See how research goes?
Getting down and doing it - all about personal discipline. It is really hard to get through the hard bits sometimes. Its also hard to get back into working away after time departed. Sometimes its a good idea, like the editing routine I have suggested in the past, to get that chapter and read it from start to finish, whatever you may have written, to refresh your memory, remind yourself where you planned to go. Treat any adjoining work in a similar manner to get back in the swing of things.
Have had to, yet again, break up the Troy chapter into three parts. Better management, making it easier to write, which will also make it easier to follow. Most important. Like any project, it is often better to break it up into more manageable portions. It allows you to better remain focused on what is directly in front of you. Much like the issues of having the vision of some great work, but never getting anywhere near victory because the goals seem insurmountable.
I was going to say something about script writing for TV but I'm sure I've done my dash here today. Another time maybe.
On a sad closing note, without notification from anyone in our organisation, I've discovered that Skribblerz is no more. Really unfortunate. Have no idea as to the circumstances of it, but perhaps in due course another group could be formed.
Never give up. Never.
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