marius

giraffe has a very good point. (See what happens when you go to your room! snicker)! However, marius is still sure mouse has treasure-troves!

What about the time you were driving and the handsome police man stoopped you? (Yeah, yeah, we know you weren't speeding.)
What about that little gold box your grandmother owned?
And, oh, the first time someone called you grandma? called you Mom?
Then there's the time you visited Egypt and stayed up too late eating chocolates with Qsilv that your husband got worried and had to call the Consulate?
Not to mention when you tried to exchange all that underwear at Walmart on a Saturday morning of all things... yep, you've HAD experiences. ; )

Qsilv

Marius! ...pff... girl... you weren't spozed to TELL that bit... and hey I'm still not convinced we were totally over the border into Egypt proper anyway... (but ooooh... I do remember those chocolates.... even with the bloom on 'em from that awful heat, they were delectable.... and there's really something to be said about licking remnants from under long fingernails til you're utterly sure every molecule is cleared... 'cept the aroma still lingers so you're NEVER wholly sure...)

Qsilv

1. How do you write?
Same way I talk. It just happens. I come from a story-telling family. Everything reminds us of something else, and the hard part is remembering to shut up now and then. Luckily we have good manners drummed into us from an early age too, but at my family gatherings you’d really be lost if you couldn’t hold your own in at least two ongoing conversations while concurrently eavesdropping on two or three more.

2. What is the process you go through when taking a list and count and turning it into something else?
Well I’m visual, so I just see the things… rather like a curious cat going window shopping, I begin following one… turn my head a bit and watch out of the corner of my eye for the possibility of one of the others being used there…

3. Where do your ideas come from/what inspires you?
My mind never ever shuts off. It’s like living inside a kaleidoscope. But some things feel more important to me than others… and in the end it’s all about feelings.

4. What's your editing process? (maybe I'm just a little too curious)...
Oooh I love and respect curiosity!
I do a number of things, but back and forth, like braiding, so it’s hard to say which comes first. Obviously I’m keeping an eye on word count even while I’m simply spewing forth tons of verbiage…. When I think I have it down to about what the total should be, I start making trade offs. And as I go along I’m supremely aware of the tone I’m setting overall, AND the progression. Usually there is a progression, even in the shortest tales, from dark to light or the reverse… setting up a mysterious feeling from what started out cheerful and innocent… perhaps leaving it hanging at the end… or resolving it ..but I need to have control over its progress, so I’m constantly nudging it. And I may sacrifice even a jewel-toned truly beloved line if it just won’t cooperate. Finally I read it aloud to myself (even if silently) because that part of my mind is a slightly different part. Usually all parts of my mind work together in a fairly integrated way, but it’s always worth double-checking that. But it really matters to me that things sound rhythmic when said aloud… or that any jolts in the rhythm have the effect I want. It’s exactly the same process I use in drawing/painting!

giraffe

Qsilv. I studied music theory and composition. They made me analyze Bach, musical geometry, etc. so much that I got a musical writer's block. So I took one semester of acting workshop, playwriting, printmaking along with orchestration and theory. It unplugged me. Point is that switching gears can sometimes get one over a creative blockage.

Qsilv

nodding.. absolutely, giraffe! Altho' for me, drawing and writing are so similar (I paint with words and tell stories with pictures) that to truly change gears I need to go work in the business world or do science or mess about with (no marius, not boats) machinery or carpentry or gardens or some-such!
;>

Doug

Here are my answers to “the corner girl’s” queries… (By the way, you’ve been in the dark long enough. Come out and play!

1. How do you write? Without going into a lengthy history of my writing or non-writing skills as a youth (I was quite fond of a journal of scary stories and probably several hundred love poems), oh heck…then I went on to college with dreams of becoming a journalist and became a better drinker than a college student. I did have several articles published in the town newspaper and of course the college newspaper. I was quite proficient and wrote many a term paper for the poor unfortunate “student athletes” as they are called these days. I did not do them for them; I taught them how to write. Remarkably a few actually learned very well. My writing kind of took a pause for married life and kids. I’ve always wanted to write again and this has started me off again. I usually scribble in a notebook just letting the words flow then transfer them to “word” and go from there.
2. Process with word list and count…see above. Some word lists inspire me all at once. Often a thought just jumps out at me. That is probably why you all see varying styles and subjects in what I write. It is not uncommon for me to take a list and the count and turn it into all shapes and sizes of verbiage.
3. Where do you get your ideas/inspiration? Awwww…isn’t this the question of the year. Some of it comes from real life experiences, but if I really got into my big bad world, it would be very scary with some true sadness with a glimmer of hope. So I usually don’t go there unless someone enquires. I am perfectly fine with being honest. I do enjoy horror, scary, gore, mystery and mayhem, and just about anything down right spooky! I also enjoy trying to write comedy, which is where the hillbilly girl came from, and the Dear Santa letter. Sometimes the word count doesn’t let me get on a roll. I really enjoy trying to make that “word tangle” waggle the ears of the reader and I am an alumnus from the alliteration allegory administration.
4. What is your editing process? Depends on the word count. I could turn many stories into 1000 word diatribes with lots of color and perspiration (or is that inspiration). With short word counts, I have to be more cautious and choosy. I hate losing whole passages that I think are fantastic to a low word count. (I like to follow the rules)

Finally, another response to mouse similar to giraffe’s. It’s not always life experiences. We all have innate life capabilities and we have more experiences and sensory aptitudes than we could even imagine. The next time you are stuck for a story: Close your eyes! Put yourself in a happy place! Pick one object in that happy place and start writing. Just a suggestion. I have seen your work improve so much and it is a joy to share space with you in this forum!

Sorry this is so long (can’t have marius and Q having all the fun!).

midnightpoet

Just sticking my head in to make sure you're all behaving yourself. I'm on my way out the door for opening night of the show...I promise I'll catch up with you all tomorrow.

midnightpoet

(took me at least a dozen tries to be able to post that...)

giraffe

Break a leg, Midnight.

Nylecoj

My turn to answer the four questions!

1. How do you write?
Most the time I just pick up a pen/pencil and start going, probably why I end up with a lot of doodles on my notebook paper as well as incomplete sentences. I also talk to my pets, especially if I have an idea that I just can't get out, because most of the time if I can say my idea, I can write it.

2.What is the process you go through when taking a list and count and turning it into something else?
I start by looking up the words, even if I know what they mean, and then coming up with all the different ways I could use them. I also watch once I start writing so that I don't get to far above the limit on the word count, its kind of my marker on where to stop writing. If the word count is higher I usually write longer sentences, if its shorter I concentrate on making my point quickly.

3.Where do your ideas come from/what inspires you?
Everywhere. Usually it comes from whatever emotion is in my head at the time. The word list also helps pick the topic a lot of times, and I like fantasy, so even if whatever I write about isn't about fantasy it usually started as it.

4.What's your editing process? (maybe I'm just a little too curious)
I try to stay below the word count because it is a lot easier to add words than to take them out. Then I look for places I can add a little more detail about something till I have the right number of words.

mouse

Doug-- Thank You. I will continue to try . I really do enjoy this.

giraffe

Word count? I type a story into an email draft. At the end of each paragraph, I note how many words it was. 23

Then I add the next paragraph up to figure out how close I'm getting to the word limit. +17=40

Once I can see that there are 44 words left and 3 'list words' unused, I can usually finish up with little or no editing. That's a different approach I guess, but it works for me. +36=76

Doug

Here is my final story for this edition of ThinkWrite. (maybe) lol....123 words and no title (artistic lisence I'll call it)

A bird perched perilously on a kiosk’s spire spying crumbs dropping from passerbies. Her extravagant thoughts were swirling madly. She spreads her wings with an apathetic yawn ruffled by the muse of a million eyes peering endlessly, but not seeing. The culmination of her thoughts was fraught with danger as she prepares for fast flight and her prey squeaks; helplessly trapped in a windmill.

She remains frozen… ostensibly invisible and not wanting to project her malicious intent through sensorial appearances. With eyes like strangled daggers the time had come. With a nosedive reminiscent of a synchronized air-show, she reaches her quarry and plucks it.

Her triangular tongue vibrates as she enjoys her tasty treat with little vestiges of garland mincing with the meat.

marius

Have so enjoyed reading about writing processes. Thanks to all for sharing!

Qsilv, re post #165, haha ... no messing in boats! ; )

giraffe ... "musical writer's block?" Is giraffe a composer and if so, composing for what? does giraffe play instruments? which? marius was a music major and got all credits but the last three hours, then switched majors. LOVED, adored music theory. So neat and tidy, and then ... all the rules to break the rules and the other rules that broke those rules. Form and analysis was my favorite.

Doug - love raptors and your story fits well with actual raptor hunting/feeding I've seen. Very nice.

marius keeps getting busy, so probably no more stories on this one from me either.

Have enjoyed this TW! Midnight, hope you tell us about your play. Are you acting, doing stage crew, directing, what?

midnightpoet

You guys never fail to make me smile...keep it up!

Don't have much time for lengthy replies right now...gotta get my hair and make-up done before I leave for night 2 of the play, but here's the story I promised about the play...123 words, not counting title...

"The Accusing Parlor"

Ostensibly, the building was a flower shop. A garland of roses hung in the window. But if you knew the password and said it to the dame at the kiosk, you could enter the parlor and soon be toasting it up with a couple of hard drinks brewing in some guy's bathtub.

The speakeasy was not extravagant, but the flappers kicked their legs in a synchronized routine that made the patrons whistle. Waitress served plates of lasagna and beer cost three dollars.

I don't know what muse inspired her to kill her father and the other boss, and then strangle the hostess. There was no malice – it was more like apathy.

The terrifying yet hilarious evening culminated in shaky partnerships and betrayal.

midnightpoet

brewing -ing +ed = brewed

giraffe

Doug, very poetic and visual. It's an example of a good story that could be made perfect by editing out some uncomfortable words and making it sound more natural. It could soar.

Marius, I've written a lot of music - none of it very successful. Now I just play solo piano or guitar and sing my origs at coffee houses and bars in Denver. I like theater sound design etc. It's not my main job. What did you change your major to?

giraffe

Midnight, If that's the theme of the play it sounds like a gas. Was it a student playwright or an obscure one?

ladyhwin

Okay, I'm back with two pieces. I'm putting them both in one post because they go together. The first one is 123 words and the second is 321 words. The first is not very good and I'm considering rewriting it, maybe later...


Dearest Ithon
I write to tell you that our trip must be postponed. A large caravan has arrived which means there will be kiosks all around the inn for the ostensible reason of not disturbing us. But I know better. They really wish to sell their wares and steal from us. How I wish I could strangle every one of them. Why is it that everyone unknowingly seems synchronized in keeping us apart? My heart seems so full of malice that is fast reaching culmination. I so wish I could show more apathy in these situations.
I am sorry I must close now. I must about you every night, holding the garland of roses you gave me.

With all my love,
Your Siella

***********************************************************
Dearest Siella,
Do not worry yourself. I understand your frustrations. After all, I must concern myself with the princely duties I am burdened with when I would much rather be galloping towards the inn to see you.
I am sure that you are perfectly able to strangle any caravan peddler and if they are a threat to your mother’s business, feel free to vent your malice. That is not very sound advice so perhaps you will be wise and not pay any attention.
As for my own affairs, I have become very involved with my father’s political ventures. We have been trying for years to train an army worthy of our country. However the people seem to have no interest in protecting their homes, they think the peace will last forever. What they do not know is that two weeks ago, we received a message from the power-hungry Arostan requesting an alliance. It seems they wish to invade Zaracor.
Father immediately refused and made plans to aid Zaracor. But our people’s apathy is becoming infuriating. If only they would agree, but they ostensibly believe they are completely safe.
Why am I telling you all of this? I ought to be telling you of my progress with Father and Mother. Father has told me many times that choosing a wife is to be my affair, but Mother is set on the fancy women Doraith has to offer. Do not worry, time will prevail.
Remember the clearing we found in the forest? I have built a sort of kiosk there where I often sit and muse. I try to go at least once a week, for there I can speak and write the culmination of my feelings. My thoughts seem synchronized with yours there.
I was pleased to hear you still have that garland. But I must leave you now, sweet Siella, before I am missed.

Your loving friend,
Ithon,
Prince of Aircer
**********************************************************
Just so you know, all names and such are mine and belong to the book Rebellion.

mouse

Well, I finally came up with something. I found this word list difficult as well. I know I could have expanded the story with a longer word count but 321 words would probably been to many & 132 was not enough. Oh well--go with the flow I always say. ( I am 1 word over the count -title not included) . Enjoy.

A Call To Arms.

Lindsey and sons were farmers living in Missouri when in 1865 the American Civil War broke out, with all its malice.

They were not apathetic about the rebellion but had deep concerns for their families. They enlisted but they worried who would plant & harvest the crops. The women had enough to do with taking care of the home. Ostensibly the responsibility would fall to the younger boys.


Their regiment meet at the Kiosk near the county courthouse. Here they would learn to synchronize their formations and drills. This would culminate in confusion for they were farmers not soldiers. At times Lindsey felt if they didn’t get moving he would strangle someone.
.
At wars end, many a black garland would hang from farm house doors to mourn those who did not return.