As November is quickly winding down, the fact that I am a NaNoWriMo failure is becoming clearly evident. Twenty-two days in and my number remains at the 3,000 I was previously so proud to have completed. I still am, although that pride is now joined by a twinge of disappointment. Disappointment that something I was so excited about lost its luster so quickly. The hypochondriac in me considers getting tested for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder.
But seriously, I think the problem is more of a self-disciplinary sort. This isn't the first time I've begun a project and failed to finish. It's sort of my thing. I do it often. My past is littered with dreams and ambitions hanging incomplete.
In light of my complete lack of self-discipline to write a novel, it was suggested that perhaps the short story was more my speed. Perfect, it seemed, as I had no problems getting to 3,000 words. So last night I sat down to create my first short story.
It went well at first, I got the entire story down on paper, well up on the screen really. Then I stopped and went to bed. This morning I went back to it and proceeded to basically destroy the entire thing, except the ending. I love the ending.
I'm currently delaying my return to the little project by doing this blog post. Procrastination is a friend I know well. But this time it feels a bit different. Instead of feeling as though it will likely remain just another unfinished beginning, it feels like I can and will go back to that short story and finish.
Perhaps that's a sign that short stories really are my perfect creative outlet, even if they can be just as frustrating.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
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2 comments:
The only rational explanation is that we are in fact, the same person.
Hey Robin! Had trouble leaving comment on previous post but I see you've fixed it.
Anyway, don't worry about editing your short story to death. Also know that a short story is not a story that is short! Sometimes it's harder to write a short story than a novel.
With the latter, one has the luxury of length. Many plot lines can appear and writer can amble here and there in telling the story, and use as many characters as can be skillfully weaved into tale.
But a short story usually presents a single significant episode or scene involving a limited number of characters. One needs an economy of setting and concise narration; character is disclosed in action and dramatic encounter but seldom is fully developed.
Also, sometimes a writer may just create a mood rather than the telling of a story.
Not easy. I know. It's a struggle for me.
But you're correct in knowing that writers need discipline. To sit in the chair and just write. Whatever.
Then one edits, as you did. And if you only have one sentence left after the blitz, use that one sentence and add to it, then add another, etc.
I just realized that I'm writing a very wordy bossy post.
But I wanted you to know the best part of writing: it's the having written!
You didn't fail at NaNo. It brought you to here, right?
I'll be quiet now :)
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