I just finished reading the collection Sudden Fiction. I was very happy to have received this as a recommendation from my partner. I found that the bulk of the narratives were actually of interest to me. I was appreciative of all the craftsmanship that went into them and was inspired by many as well. My first stab at this style; I Watch the Morning, is close to completion. It was an exercise and I feel happy with what I learned. My second attempt, We Will Be Here Forever is more challenging as I was becoming more aware of the actual goal of many of these short short stories; build a small novel. This is much more difficult than I imagined. Even with a four page story.
I am learning what I often am reminded of about the creative process as it flows through me - I can get many many miles out of shear inspiration, stream of consciousness and raw enthusiasm, but when it comes to craft I am still a student. Very much of a student. Fortunately, I have a friend who has “trained” as a writer and they are able to offer me texts that are both inspirational and educational. These accompanied with the traditional art of “reading is the best way to become a writer” motif have allowed me to begin to really grow.
The growth is bittersweet though, I am learning what it takes to do something well. I have many stories that lend themselves to the short, possibly long form, but once I get them on paper I realize that there is so much work to be done. I love work. I truly love the hard work required, however, I need to actually DO this hard work.
I have brainstormed with myself about some additional stories that I have drafted, but not developed over the years:
I Don’t Know What Any of This Means (A boy meets with Social Services, circa 1972)
House Hunting (Scavenging old houses in the country)
Trailer Tragedy (Drunk at the gravel pit in the mid 1980’s)
Rectal Cats (A business man discovers that he has two cats living in his intestines)
I am not inferring that all of these actually have merit, but I am particular interested in exploring the first two and seeing where my newfound knowledge and skills take me.
I am learning what I often am reminded of about the creative process as it flows through me - I can get many many miles out of shear inspiration, stream of consciousness and raw enthusiasm, but when it comes to craft I am still a student. Very much of a student. Fortunately, I have a friend who has “trained” as a writer and they are able to offer me texts that are both inspirational and educational. These accompanied with the traditional art of “reading is the best way to become a writer” motif have allowed me to begin to really grow.
The growth is bittersweet though, I am learning what it takes to do something well. I have many stories that lend themselves to the short, possibly long form, but once I get them on paper I realize that there is so much work to be done. I love work. I truly love the hard work required, however, I need to actually DO this hard work.
I have brainstormed with myself about some additional stories that I have drafted, but not developed over the years:
I Don’t Know What Any of This Means (A boy meets with Social Services, circa 1972)
House Hunting (Scavenging old houses in the country)
Trailer Tragedy (Drunk at the gravel pit in the mid 1980’s)
Rectal Cats (A business man discovers that he has two cats living in his intestines)
I am not inferring that all of these actually have merit, but I am particular interested in exploring the first two and seeing where my newfound knowledge and skills take me.
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