Ekphrasis

Me, in a poetry class? What the hell? But yes, I went to the Loft on Saturday for an ekphrastic poetry class taught by the amazing Jude Nutter. For a long time I've found myself inspired to write after viewing art, so I thought I'd give this a try.

Here's the painting I used:



The Suicide of Dorothy Hale, by Frida Kahlo.

I roughed out the organization of a poem. I'd like to find the time to craft the language. I'll do that in my spare time, ha ha!

It actually felt good to change gears for a few hours, to take a break from memoir revision. Like changing up your exercise routine gets new muscles in shape, changing up your writing routine can clear out the cobwebs.

Screenplay by Syd Field

I just finished SCREENPLAY by Syd Field and I'm brimming with ideas for how to shape my story. Comments from several helpful agents (so, so pleased with those who took the time to comment!) were starting to sound the same: strong writing, distinct voice, but no real narrative arc to draw it all together. It hit me one day that I should seek information on the three-act structure. I really think this might be the form that works. Of course, I'm not going to adhere to it rigidly, but I think the basic ideas might apply. I can fit the story into an Act I, Act II, and Act III, and I have the all-important plot points. I'm actually excited to revise--who would have thought?

I know I feel better after reading this

Saw this on Janet Reid's blog.

I'm in the middle of this process now--it all sounds so familiar! Except for the actual publication part, of course.

I think I'm going to print it out and share it with everyone who asks, "So when's your book coming out?" :) I wish I had kept my mouth shut all these years, because it's hard to explain what a long and demanding process it is to those who haven't been through it.

Writing vs. editing

Why would I rather work on something brand new than edit? I think it's because the new piece is fresh, it has potential, no one has rejected it or critiqued it yet. I have two pieces right now that need editing, but a new essay is calling. I only have a couple of hours. What to do?