I am enjoying your articles. I especially liked the one about languaging or unlanguaging. So much of my writing involves mixing Arabic and Italian meaning which is often poetic and like a song. I love how it enriches my writing. The languaging you so beautifully describe resonated loudly with me.
Oh, that's so nice to hear, Cindy. There are so many great writers who blend languages. Jhumpa Lahiri, I know, writes in Italian (English is her first language).
Thanks, Drew. And ... gosh, doesn't that question apply to so much? I think the only way to answer it is to experience it. Follow the romance of the idea, see where it leads, and if it leads to good places, keep following it. If it leads to bad places or places that aren't nourishing or exciting, then you have to start wondering if another book is better. But ... I think you've got to give it time, do a trial separation, try to come up with ways to renew the path. Every writer hits many points where you either question or even hate your novel. It's all a series of existential challenges, I think.
Apologies for the self-promotion. I post prompts on Mondays that are based on having fun--we are playing over there. That's the concept--having fun. Of course, no one's revising a novel--just short pieces. My hope is that people will loosen up a bit, let their fears drop away, and have a good time with their writing. And then, maybe such a feeling will cross over to longer works. Again, I'm sorry to self-promote in your threads. But this spoke to me today. (I will understand if you read this and delete!)
Play is a must for all writers! Especially for those who are plodding along with their current writing project. If a writer thinks by stepping away from the seat is a disconnection, it isn't. Writers are always working through their projects in their head; it's always with them, whether staring at a computer screen, or skipping along a path through the woods during playtime. At least for me, anyway!
I am enjoying your articles. I especially liked the one about languaging or unlanguaging. So much of my writing involves mixing Arabic and Italian meaning which is often poetic and like a song. I love how it enriches my writing. The languaging you so beautifully describe resonated loudly with me.
Oh, that's so nice to hear, Cindy. There are so many great writers who blend languages. Jhumpa Lahiri, I know, writes in Italian (English is her first language).
“Play at play.” I will remember that, Grant. Thank you.
Thanks for writing this Grant! It’s already helping! And I’m looking forward to what else you’ve got to say about finishing!
Extending the writing = a relationship metaphor even further, I just had a conversation with myself that went something like:
Fearful Drew: “If writing a novel is a marriage, how do I know if I married the right book?”
Spunky Drew: “Well, how would you feel if you never married any books at all?”
Thanks, Drew. And ... gosh, doesn't that question apply to so much? I think the only way to answer it is to experience it. Follow the romance of the idea, see where it leads, and if it leads to good places, keep following it. If it leads to bad places or places that aren't nourishing or exciting, then you have to start wondering if another book is better. But ... I think you've got to give it time, do a trial separation, try to come up with ways to renew the path. Every writer hits many points where you either question or even hate your novel. It's all a series of existential challenges, I think.
Apologies for the self-promotion. I post prompts on Mondays that are based on having fun--we are playing over there. That's the concept--having fun. Of course, no one's revising a novel--just short pieces. My hope is that people will loosen up a bit, let their fears drop away, and have a good time with their writing. And then, maybe such a feeling will cross over to longer works. Again, I'm sorry to self-promote in your threads. But this spoke to me today. (I will understand if you read this and delete!)
Sounds great, Mary! This doesn't sound like self-promotion so much as providing a helpful, fun activity.
Thanks, Grant. That's my goal. So far, so good!
Play is a must for all writers! Especially for those who are plodding along with their current writing project. If a writer thinks by stepping away from the seat is a disconnection, it isn't. Writers are always working through their projects in their head; it's always with them, whether staring at a computer screen, or skipping along a path through the woods during playtime. At least for me, anyway!
Exactly!