The Insecure Writer's Support Group
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month in Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group--a forum of writers who gather to talk about writing and the writer's life. For a complete list of participants visit Alex's Blog.
The co-hosts for the August 7 posting of the IWSG are Renee Scattergood,Sadira Stone, Jacqui Murray, Tamara Narayan, and LG Keltner!
August 7 question - Has your writing ever taken you by surprise? For example, a positive and belated response to a submission you'd forgotten about or an ending you never saw coming?
I can't say that my writing has necessarily taken me by surprise at any particular time other than when I've gone back to read writing from 30 or 40 years ago that actually sounds pretty good to me. But then, I've got strange tastes. For me, since high school and college, my writing has gone rather dormant. If not had been for blogging and a couple goes at NaNoWriMo, my writing of the past decade might have been insignificant as in none to not very much.
Thanks to blogging I at least feel compelled to write certain things, but it's more like a homework assignment these days than any overpowering desire to write. It's almost like I've sealed myself in a cocoon and am waiting for some exultative release from an inner funk.
Waiting could take forever and I ain't got time for that now...
Thanks to blogging I at least feel compelled to write certain things, but it's more like a homework assignment these days than any overpowering desire to write. It's almost like I've sealed myself in a cocoon and am waiting for some exultative release from an inner funk.
Waiting could take forever and I ain't got time for that now...
I figured my recent Battle between Harpo Marx and Robert Maxell performing "From the Land of Sky Blue Water" would be a sweeping win for the zany harp player from the Marx Brothers. He was my vote (after all, it was his clip that made me search out a competing version for a Battle of the Bands match) and I just kind of assumed that most voters would be inclining toward Harpo over the more obscure Robert Maxwell.
Boy! Was I wrong about that!
Boy! Was I wrong about that!
Final Vote Tally
Harpo Marx 5 votes
Robert Maxwell 11 votes
Next Battle on Thursday August 15th!
I'm getting to the point that I don't have time for waiting either.
ReplyDeleteAlex, waiting is the option that most of us don't enjoy or want to do most of the time.
DeleteLee
I'm pleased you continued to blog Lee otherwise I would not have had a wonderful time in LA when we met up. I think we all get to an age when we write only when the mood takes us.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, I've become rather moody of late. Writing is apparently not a priority for me at the moment.
DeleteLee
I can identify with those homework assignments. That's all the research I have to do for DLP.
ReplyDeleteL.Diane, certain research is not fun, but necessary.
DeleteLee
Standing the test of time? No, I think that means your writing as always been compelling. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Anna, I'd like to think so.
DeleteLee
If nothing else, blogging is good practice in creative nonfiction, eh?
ReplyDeleteSandra, and nonfiction is what I prefer to write.
DeleteLee
My blog posts do at times feel like homework, too. I spend most of Saturday on a week's worth for three blogs. But, I always leave feeling good.
ReplyDeleteJacqui, getting something done almost always feels good, but getting started can be a challenge at times.
DeleteLee
Maybe your passions are just leading you elsewhere, beyond the realm of writing?
ReplyDeleteLoni, you are correct on that deduction. Writing is still there for me somewhere, but not the immediate priority.
DeleteLee
"Forever" definitely takes on a new meaning after a certain age.
ReplyDeleteC.Lee, now it becomes more of a matter of how much more time is left in this world.
DeleteLee
My mind is pretty straight forward most of the time. BUT sometimes a character or place changes course.
ReplyDeleteSusan K, changes are what keeps things more interesting.
DeleteLee
Blogging is a great motivational tool for writing stories! :-D
ReplyDeleteRenee, I've been motivated on occasion, but lately it's been difficult to do much of any writing. Now that my vacation is over maybe I'll get back in the spirit of things.
DeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Good luck!
DeleteYep, sometimes my writing feels like a homework assignment too. I need a swift kick in the writing seat.
ReplyDeleteDolorah, life in general has seemed like a homework assignment lately to me. I think I need a rocket backpack.
DeleteLee
Hi Lee - my posts can take for ever sometimes ... and I wonder why I put them up - then the compliments come in - and so I know ... it's a way of life - I miss it, if I'm not thinking about a few subjects ... and have hated when I haven't blogged - funny old life - take care and cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary, you've done some pretty complex posts over the year. I can see why they would take time. Those nice blog comments seem to make the effort so worth it though.
DeleteLee
I hear you on the waiting part. Sometimes I just wonder if I've missed the boat. But then, I just keep rowing...
ReplyDeleteLiza, I'm too tired to row anything of late. Just floating along that lazy river of life.
DeleteLee
Hi Lee!
ReplyDeleteWell, I missed an especially good battle. The video presented magically soothing harp and flute (?) music while the second conjured mystical visuals of raindrops and twitching grasshopper legs at sunrise. Both delightful!
Living in each moment is always time well spent. Consider it gathering, rather than waiting. No story ever ends without the author’s bidding, and even then it lives on :- ) Write when you’re ready.
Happy August!
Diedre, hopefully you'll drop by for my next Battle on the 15th.
DeleteThe stories are there, but the motivation to write them has been lacking.
Lee
LEE ~
ReplyDeleteI can't say that your BOTB outcome surprised me much. I suspect there are a lot of people out there who, like me, find that a little harp music goes a long way. I mean, it's a pleasant, soothing sound but, truthfully, I'm good for about 30 seconds of it, especially if it's the primary instrument, front and center.
I've often heard people say that they don't want to go to Heaven because they couldn't stand listening to angels playing harps all day. Obviously, that's just a cartoonish idea of what Heaven would be like, but I do get what they're saying.
Now, me, I don't want to go to hell because I don't want to hear demons playing bagpipes all damned day! ;^D
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
STMcC, I'd definitely prefer to have massive doses of harp music over bagpipes. At least the calming harp music would be relaxing over agitating.
DeleteLee
It's a bit of a relief to know that I'm not the only one with my foot on the break while the next novel is urging me to hit the green light. My mood has been on the blue side so I'm blaming that rather than laziness. I'm wondering if a mountain retreat with other writers, amply supplied with wine and goodies would help. No pressure, but maybe their enthusiasm and the Baby Duck might get the juices flowing again. Have you tried that?
ReplyDeleteFS, a mountain or some other kind of writing retreat sounds like fun, but I think I would be more distracted than inspired to write. Haven't tried it yet, but then I need to focus my financial resources on other life things.
DeleteLee
It must smell funky inside of that cocoon. Before you start writing you might need a bath.
ReplyDeletePTM, when I break free I'll be a butterfly and I can take an air bath.
DeleteLee