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?
Showing posts with label self-censorship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self-censorship. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Censorship
(While I'm not attempting the A to Z challenge, I'll try to match the letters when I post, so C is for censorship.)
No. I'm not talking about the perennial battles over books like Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, I'm talking about self-censorship.
In my attempt to be either fish or fowl, I've become neither, and have stopped the free flow of words. My current work in progress is women's fiction and my main character and many of the other characters are Christian. While implementing new ministry for foster children at their church, they run headlong into the carnage of abuse.
The two main book markets are the American Booksellers Association (ABA) and the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA). In the ABA, voiced prayers and church references, even when they flow from my characters' cores, might not be saleable. While in the CBA, most publishers will not accept swearwords and no graphic violence or abuse--physical or sexual. And yet, that's at the core my main storyline.
I've decided that instead of limiting myself to either mindset, I'm going to let it all out--prayers and curses--and stop censoring myself before I start.
Okay, words, come on in. ; )
There's lots of other ways to self-censor yourself, but I'll save those for other posts.
No. I'm not talking about the perennial battles over books like Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, I'm talking about self-censorship.
In my attempt to be either fish or fowl, I've become neither, and have stopped the free flow of words. My current work in progress is women's fiction and my main character and many of the other characters are Christian. While implementing new ministry for foster children at their church, they run headlong into the carnage of abuse.
The two main book markets are the American Booksellers Association (ABA) and the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA). In the ABA, voiced prayers and church references, even when they flow from my characters' cores, might not be saleable. While in the CBA, most publishers will not accept swearwords and no graphic violence or abuse--physical or sexual. And yet, that's at the core my main storyline.
I've decided that instead of limiting myself to either mindset, I'm going to let it all out--prayers and curses--and stop censoring myself before I start.
Okay, words, come on in. ; )
There's lots of other ways to self-censor yourself, but I'll save those for other posts.
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