During yesterday’s perusal of Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, on page 85 (yes, I own a dead tree copy of this book) the following line jumped out at me: “On the other hand, in lieu of a plot you may find that you have a sort of temporary destination, perhaps a scene that you envision as the climax.”
This has little to do with the short story WiP, but rather a lot more to do with the novel WiP. I know something of its ending (bittersweet) and some of the scenes in the middle, the ones I saw in my head when this story first appeared in my head, those are clearer. This line from Bird by Bird is a minor epiphany, more like a reassurance of what I am already doing. Sometimes, during the bad days, I need reassurance that my storytelling instincts are not entirely off. I will just continue working my way toward the scenes I can see clearly and hopefully the end will come together more clearly at some point.
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That’s a bit true for me, too 🙂 Sometimes I sit down to write and I can see the whole scene beginning-end as if it’s my own memory.
Then other times I know what’s SUPPOSED to happen but my brain just isn’t quite sure how to translate it…But it works out, eventually, even if I’m not totally happy with it. All I know is at least it’s written and I can go back and revision it later 🙂
Yeah, it happens so often and knowing I can rewrite makes it possible to go one, otherwise I would be stuck with the one scene.
I would like to extend to you an invitation to be a part of my Blogger Interview series. I would love to feature your blog. 🙂
Oh um sure. Thanks! I am flattered!