Finding my voice
How do I start? Writing, I mean. For one, I'd tell myself to stop having excuses. Start with short stories, those should be manageable enough. What do I write about? Based on my past diaries, I can be quite a psychotic person and I'd rather not have my debut story be about a psychotic character. Do I write like a drama queen, something along the lines of the shopaholic Kinsella? Do what I enjoy reading reflect my tendency as a writer? Oh, I'm getting ahead of myself- I'm not yet a writer but I would very much like to be... wait, I should speak 'into existence', as if I'm already a writer- that's part of having a goal, see?
The first excuse needs to be moved OUT OF THE WAY. I'll tell myself to FINISH MY THESIS NOW! Next is to re-look at the unfinished manuscipts and continue them. Find a quiet spot (not exactly easy in a household of 3, soon to be 4, children...) or a quiet time (e.g. in the wee hours of the morning) to write something, anything... Poetry is one option, but I have to admit that hubby is much better at it than I so shall we leave that (i.e. poetry) to another day?
I don't like writing about work, but the personalities of the people I have worked with are very diverse and interesting; I have collected plenty of materials (can I use the word 'fodder' somewhere in here?) for my work as a result. I can work on the basic mannerisms and either speculate or research into these types of behaviours to create my loveable characters. Now, that's another question- do I make my characters loveable (cuddly?) or should my readers despise him/ her? Or is he someone who one should accept and not judge? He/She is what he/she is, no apologies or qualms about it... but the thing is, these characters (or personalities) exist once one reaches a certain age of maturity. Am I assuming again? Shouldn't I explore it? Should I be idealistic (or even political?); should I be very involved in my characters' emotions or should I take the fly-on-the-wall approach?
I wonder if a book full of questions would be interesting- why would people buy it? I have supervised too many business projects and I kept asking the same question- is it useful? will the businesses buy it? why?
One other thing- which language should I write in? My mother tongue or English? I'd have to improve on my grammar (and polish my vocabulary) if I choose the latter, and I would have to improve a lot more than grammar and vocabulary if I choose the former. Usage of 'bahasa pasar' on a daily basis may have been unhelpful in boosting my own first language skills.
Summary: FINISH YOUR THESIS! and start writing short materials for local publication- I should be able to manage 1000-2000 words a day (or at a time), as I always have lots to say (and I have the habit of digressing too...). In short, just DO IT!
The first excuse needs to be moved OUT OF THE WAY. I'll tell myself to FINISH MY THESIS NOW! Next is to re-look at the unfinished manuscipts and continue them. Find a quiet spot (not exactly easy in a household of 3, soon to be 4, children...) or a quiet time (e.g. in the wee hours of the morning) to write something, anything... Poetry is one option, but I have to admit that hubby is much better at it than I so shall we leave that (i.e. poetry) to another day?
I don't like writing about work, but the personalities of the people I have worked with are very diverse and interesting; I have collected plenty of materials (can I use the word 'fodder' somewhere in here?) for my work as a result. I can work on the basic mannerisms and either speculate or research into these types of behaviours to create my loveable characters. Now, that's another question- do I make my characters loveable (cuddly?) or should my readers despise him/ her? Or is he someone who one should accept and not judge? He/She is what he/she is, no apologies or qualms about it... but the thing is, these characters (or personalities) exist once one reaches a certain age of maturity. Am I assuming again? Shouldn't I explore it? Should I be idealistic (or even political?); should I be very involved in my characters' emotions or should I take the fly-on-the-wall approach?
I wonder if a book full of questions would be interesting- why would people buy it? I have supervised too many business projects and I kept asking the same question- is it useful? will the businesses buy it? why?
One other thing- which language should I write in? My mother tongue or English? I'd have to improve on my grammar (and polish my vocabulary) if I choose the latter, and I would have to improve a lot more than grammar and vocabulary if I choose the former. Usage of 'bahasa pasar' on a daily basis may have been unhelpful in boosting my own first language skills.
Summary: FINISH YOUR THESIS! and start writing short materials for local publication- I should be able to manage 1000-2000 words a day (or at a time), as I always have lots to say (and I have the habit of digressing too...). In short, just DO IT!
posted by elya at 5:19 pm
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