The world is currently in the middle of a global pandemic and we’re under a stay at home order from the government to “socially distance” ourselves from others.
Not to be surly, but I’ve been training for this all my life…as a writer.
Growing up I spent a lot of time alone, reading and writing. But I was never lonely thanks to all of the characters I read about in books by my favorite authors, and then eventually, when I started creating my own.
This current environment we’re in has granted me the time I’ve always hoped for. Hours upon hours, even as I continue to work my full-time gig, to focus on my novel. Especially on the weekends, when I am usually always running to the store or going out to concerts, movies, and such, are now available.
Currently, the folks at National Novel Writing Month are hosting Camp NaNoWriMo, so I’ve thrown my project up on the website, tracking my progress as I go. Using my editor’s notes on act one, I’ve been able to really tighten things up, and can now focus on act two. Having the additional time, I’ve also been able to find some great resources to plot out the rest of the story. I have a lot of ideas, and even have scenes written, but it’s important the story moves forward and isn’t just “this happened then this happened then…” That defeats the whole purpose of telling a story. I’ve shared this before, but South Park writers Trey Parker and Matt Stone advise connecting your scenes with the idea of “therefore” or “but.” Here’s their video.
This has also been a good time to brush up on my skills. I’m always interesting in learning new techniques that will help me become a better writer. I’ve watched a handful of YouTube videos on plotting, such as “How to Outline” from Katytastic. Her video breaks out a story into nine “blocks.” Each block has three scenes or chapters, which include descriptions of what needs to happen. I got out my white board to try it, and it was eye-opening. Having a roadmap to plot out some of the scenes I’ve already written, and which ones to strike, will be so helpful.
Additionally, my hubby and I have gotten memberships with Master Class. This is an online education platform where one can access tutorials and lectures from a variety of fields. The likes of Martin Scorsese, David Sedaris, and James Patterson wax poetic about process. Even Gordon Ramsey, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Anna Wintour weigh in and there are a variety of topics. And right now they have a two-for-one membership.
I started my first class last night, and of course, it was Judy Blume.
I read Judy as a kid. Even read her adult novels, which were equally as wonderful. Summer Sisters is probably my favorite. It was the highlight of my life when I had the chance to meet Judy at The Carl Sandburg awards dinner in 2018. I remember walking away, going back to our table, and bursting into tears. I’d met one of my heroes, and she was the sweetest person. So supportive when I told her I was also a writer. So genuine and sincere. She’s a national treasure.
Her master class session opens with her saying “don’t give up.” Cue the tears. I can count on two hands how many times I’ve considered giving up. Writing is hard. If you read my blog, you see how frustrating it can be. It’s much easier to open someone else’s book, or watch a movie, but that doesn’t stretch any sort of creative muscle. And, as I said in my last blog, it’s important to stretch physically. Well, it’s equally important to stretch creatively too.
I’ve started Aaron Sorkin’s masterclass on screenwriting this evening. I find screenwriting resources immensely helpful and Sorkin is one of the greats. His work on The West Wing alone is inspiring. And he uses the same techniques to build character and write dialogue that one would use if they were writing a novel. He recommends focusing on two key elements when crafting your story - intention and obstacle. You character wants something, maybe to get from point A to point b, and it is up to you to keep them from being able to do that.
Overall, what I’ve taken away from all this time that I have is that I can’t not write. I started this website because I wanted a creative outlet. I wanted to share my ideas, stories, frustrations, personal journey with the world. Having others read my stuff was never that important, but I’m glad that you do. Mostly, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to drain my brain. There are so many stories swimming around my skull, even if it’s “lighthouse owner falls for a man who’s washed up on her shore” or “rescue dog coordinator falls for fireman looking for station dog” (and yes, those two ideas are saved in my notes app on my phone), I’m always working through scenes. Always casting the lead actors, researching the professions, and putting myself in the scenery.
It’s what writers do.
