I had so much fun this weekend, talking and sharing
with folks who all had one thing in common: writing.
We had a Great Lakes workshop and, of course, plenty
of wonderful food…thanks Kathy Rouser for organizing, but most important was
being in a room full of writers.
We can all appreciate our spouses at home eating
leftovers again when a deadline is looming, or missing an evening out with
friends because we’re behind—again—and have to catch up. Or watching Dancing
With the Stars all the way to the end and then having to miss the
confetti-filled finale because of a contest you’re expected to judge at the
last minute.
Bouncing ideas off spouses is wonderful if you’re
prepared for the answer you might get, “Stilted!” My husband must have been
told that in college on a paper, because it’s his fave expression when I ask.
And while they try to help and make suggestions, it isn’t the same as asking
someone who also writes. Why?
Because other writers get us. They understand all of the crazy! And let’s be honest,
there’s plenty of crazy in a writer in spite of protestations to the contrary. It
is that very crazy that translates to the page, making a writer who he or she
is. The voices in one’s head that will not be quieted until their story is
told. The looks a writer gets when walking down the street for exercise, but
who is talking to themselves working out dialogue for a scene. (Hint: always
have a contraption on your ear so others think you’re talking to someone on the
phone when you scream, “Kill him! Grab a knife. Whatever you have and kill him,
now!!!”) See what I mean about someone who gets you?
It is so important to meet with folks who understand
you, at least occasionally, because writing, in spite of the crazy folks
milling about in your head, can be a very singular experience. Lonely for some,
a joyous celebration for others. But whichever category you fall into, you need
to be with those folks who, once in a while, sit behind a computer and let the crazies
out. Let a world be created which only seconds before didn’t exist.
Yes, times with other writers are special, to be
celebrated, because only with other writers can you truly find a place called
home.
6 comments:
Yes, it takes a writer to enjoy an exciting talk about POV, great dialogue, character development, etc. My wife enjoys having a car that takes her places, but she's not interested in talking about the cylinders, spark plugs, timing chain, and other under-the-hood necessities that make the journey possible. Same with novels. She loves the journeys they provide, but has no interest in discussing all the engineering that makes them work. ;)
What a great analogy, Rick. Thanks for sharing. I never thought of that from my husband's pov. I guess if the story involved guns from the CW, we'd have a great conversation. :)
Oh ain't it the truth? I jump at the chance for these small (and inexpensive) gatherings because I know it will be months before I see another writer face to face. I simply cannot discuss Amish Vampires with my wife. She just doesn't get it. I do hope the Great Lakes chapter will grow. As much as I love those little gatherings, it would probably only improve if we got a few dozen more people involved. Especially if another male type person shows up.
You poor thing. You are SOOO outnumbered, aren't you?
I know exactly what you're saying. I was running through scenarios trying to figure out how to start my antagonist was going to dispose of bodies. When it hit me, I was like, "Of course. Cut up the body, throw it in a hay grinder, and feed it to the cattle."
I must have said it too loud though. They asked me to leave the church service.
Yup, that'll do it every time!
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