Writing is a journey, not a destination.

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Cannibalism

Hmm. If I don't complain, whatever will I write about today?

Here's a funny thing. Funny ironic, not funny ha ha.

I have only recently begun to think of my ability to write as a marketable skill. That sounds weird, but it's true.

I just write stories. I try to write the best stories I can.

I used to stare at people who would say to me, "You write it. You're a writer."

Okay, stare is being kind. I glared at them. My usual response was "I write fiction." Not the nicest response.

Hey, I'm selfish. I'm trying to get over it. Cut me some slack.

This notion of sequels has me thinking. Can I write something without "inspiration," as it were? Could I use some kind of formula to develop a story where no story existed in my brain?
Isn't that what I do all the time?

No. My stories generally arrive in my brain with a beginning and an end, and something huge in-between. I flesh them out, but I don't just "make stuff up."

That may not be a clear enough distinction for a Normal. Suffice it to say, when the story strikes, I'm along for the ride. My characters tell me what to do, not the other way 'round.

Example: I don't see another book involving Dyana and Glorya as main characters. I can see them as cameo appearances in a book about their brother, but I don't see a book-length continuation of their stories.

The question is, if my ability to write is a skill to be applied, could I not "force" a story where no story previously existed? Would it work? Would it be fun to write? Would it be fun to read?
That was more than "a question." Sorry.

This leads to another line of questions. If I try to force this story, could I cannibalize other, unwritten stories and use their dramatic parts?

This is a huge jump for my turtle brain. My stories, though connected, are separated by the characters who inhabit them. Could I take a scene originally planned for...Past Ties and altar it to work in Elementals part 2?

I don't know. I don't know if I would want to.

So there's something to think about on a Thursday.

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