Self-censorship comes in all manner of shapes and sizes. Two weeks ago, I described one form in Censorship. Here's another you might want to watch out for.
My scenes usually start with dialog. I can hear the words that the characters are saying, but dialog isn't everything. When I start worrying about the other necessary parts of the scene, I slow down. My ears lose their focus on the matter at hand. I start thinking about how to write the words smoothly with no cliches. Stage direction, body language, and description become obstacles to the free flow of what I can see at the moment. The truth is, when I don't stop to think and let description flow naturally, others notice it and praise it as poetic prose.
So, what stops you in your tracks, slows down your words? Do you have a usual obstacle to your first words? How do you go back and capture the fire of the scene, that kernel that caught your attention at the beginning?
Zan Marie, we all have problems with this.Initially I will just write comes out of my brain and into my fingertips...most times it's dialog and then flows from there.
ReplyDeleteI mean think about it, what is more gripping than the simple words, "Stop. You are hurting me!" It grabs your attention. But like you said you don't want to open with dialog so you get stuck with trying to write the scene and then writing in that dialog.
Jeremy yanked her arm in rage after they got out of the car. He was furious at her confession of infidelity.
"Stop. You are hurting me!" Angela said as she pulled away with tears rolling down her face.
It doesn't have the same impact although intriguing. Sometimes you just have to write and then fill in the other bits much later otherwise you get stuck.
I think you're right. Write what comes and fill in the open spots later. ; )
DeleteMy obstacles are getting off the internet and writing!
ReplyDeleteWagging Tales
(giggle) You and me both, Charmaine!
DeleteLike Charmaine I need to blog less and spend more time on my novel.
ReplyDeleteDenise
If I could make myself write first then blog and do the other electronic connectivity I do everyday, I'd get more done. ; )
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