This is mainly a shout out to my fiction buddies, Kendra and Kate. I've never had something like this before, a small group of people as devoted to the craft as I am, people who are willing to spend hours hashing out the details of our stories. My Friday was extremely productive, even though I hardly put anything down on paper. Elmaz suggested a way for me to visualize my plot: writing a letter from my main character to "her best friend Rhonda in Connecticut" about everything that has been happening to her. I've only just started this exercise, but I already have a cleaner sense of the way and the why of how all my characters came together. Kate and Kendra likewise helped me see a character that previously was only growing more and more amorphous. Talking about him out loud with my group helped me to see what I did know about him and what I needed to know; plus, Kate and Kendra had great suggestions and advice to offer. It was also just so nice hearing about the pieces they're working on. Sometimes the most inspirational thing is to see your peers hard at work--it makes everything you need to do look that much more possible. And I truly am excited to read what this little group is going to produce. It all sounds so enticing. I can't wait for our first workshop when we actually get to share our work with each other.
So, for the first time since this semester began, I'm feeling inspired again. The rain helps. Something about the cadence of the rain hitting my window happens to match the tone of voice of my main character. But it's also talking with the people in this class. I'm seeing things clearly again and, what's more, I'm feeling excited. I'm writing things that I'm instantly mailing to my grandmother/number-one-editor because I'm so proud I can't contain the words. I have scenes that I am reacting too, that are creating new scenes without my bidding. It's finally happening again.
And, in other news, I'm re-reading some of my favorite bits from Oscar Wilde. Very excited for the Inspiration Presentations. Very excited to see who y'all bring to the table.
I'm just so happy and excited for you and your happiness and excitement for your project. Our group work was so fantastic last week, and I'm glad you feel the same and are diving into your story with so much to write!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read it, and I can't wait for the inspiration presentations as well. I feel like picking up The Picture of Dorian Gray too just to prepare myself.
Totally agree that working with and seeing the progress of your peers helps inspire! I love reading the class blogs to see how everyone's projects are going and getting advice and suggestions from my group members about my own work! Its invigorating and inspiring and makes me feel more confident about my project, despite the occasional doubts about it! Also YES TO THE RAIN. I've never understood why, but I love to just sit and write when I hear the rain tapping on my window...its a weird calming effect..Glad you're feeling so inspired!!
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