In my last post I described the rule-breaking writing exercises I'm working on with my writing group. I promised to post an example: Don’t write a tight plot. Sounds easy, right? But here we want to focus on how to write a story with multiple trajectories that don’t quite add up. How might this work? … Continue reading Going Plotless
fiction
Rule-Breaking Writing Exercises
I'm in a writing group that's been going on for years now. Normally we follow a certain schedule (if you're interested in how our Garden Group operates, see this), but recently I've decided to shake things up a bit. I asked everyone in the group to tell me a rule he or she generally abides … Continue reading Rule-Breaking Writing Exercises
Building Character Profiles From Pets
I like to think of what Geordie Bear would be like if he were human. I know most pet owners think of this from time to time, but I wonder if anyone takes it to the extremes that I do. In my defense, there's very little to think about while I'm walking Geordie around the … Continue reading Building Character Profiles From Pets
Blind Spots
I was inspired to write this post after reading Nannus' Turning the Other Way which explains what blind spots are and how they apply to all thinking. It's directed toward everyone, artists and non-artists alike. It's beautifully written and a quick read, so please check it out first. It might inspire you to take a stroll … Continue reading Blind Spots
The False Note: Small Decisions in Writing
I found a nice excerpt from an article in the NYT which I think applies to all writing: Here is Amos Oz on writing a novel: "It is like reconstructing the whole of Paris from Lego bricks. It’s about three-quarters-of-a-million small decisions. It’s not about who will live and who will die and who will … Continue reading The False Note: Small Decisions in Writing
