For the seventh list of Christmas, my true love gave to me… seven paragraphs about zombies.
OK, this isn’t really the seventh list, but I had to link to Randy Ingermanson’s critique of my first six paragraphs over on Advanced Fiction Writing. I met Randy at Mt. Hermon last year, and he is a pretty incredible guy.
Also, some of you have heard about my top secret zombie project. Well, this is your chance to see the opening paragraphs of my current draft.
Christmas is always better with zombies, I say.
{ 13 comments }
Motivation at last? I have to know what happens to Odie, you know…
Yes, yes. Motivation at last. For other readers, my frau here is referring to a recent malaise I've had about finishing the book. I only have 5000 words or so left in the draft, though there are some rewrites that will need to be done as usual.
Just read how Randy rewrote the first five paragraphs. Now multiply that by 95,000 words and you can see how the motivation to work alone on a project can dwindle somewhat.
Malaise in finishing a book is normal [says she who has now had malaise about finishing two books : ) ] The first time around I took a month off. This time around, I'm taking what feels like time off for months on end (but which is really a whole different process of putting tedious little notes together so I don't have to write but also so I will be able to do nothing BUT write within a few months).
I'm all for making oneself sit down and write, but I also think the malaise is part of a deeper process one must welcome and probe.
Yeah. But you're taking breaks — with the intention of finishing
eventually. I've had several breaks where I wasn't sure I was going to
bother finishing. What with publishing the way it is, it's hard to get
motivated to write and write and write with no assurance that anyone will
ever read the stuff.
But then I remember. I'm not writing to get published. I'm writing with that
possibility in mind, of course, but not with that as my motivating factor.
But then, of course, when you're writing your memoirs for your grandchildren, the motivation to write because you think you'll be read is pretty strong. But you have to be over 60 to do that…then your biggest problem is what to leave out..then the motivation issues get much more complicated.
Your zombie stuff is fun…very you.
Thanks, Grammy. I'm honored to see you here!
True. (How is it to be right most of the time? What does it feel like? : )
You are a silly person. : )
As well you should be–I can see how this could become addictive–not sure how much of an addict I'll be–still prefer the narrower focus of email–another generational thing, I guess. At least I can say I'm toe-dipper blogger. We'll see…
Not familiar enough with this medium to know if the LL comment refers to goodword's brilliance or mine–I'll assume mine because of my venerable experience.
Grammy, I believe you could claim it either way, if you have genetic connection (or perhaps surrogate genetic connection). And of course venerable experience never hurts. : )
Zombies for Christmas, eh? I always knew you were one strange cookie, Marcus!
Zombies for Christmas, eh? I always knew you were one strange cookie, Marcus!
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