Semi-serious thoughts

[rosiphelee]

When I did my first degree, my tutor had a number of watchwords he used to frequently remind us of (much in the same way as Mad-Eye Moody 'reminds' people of the need for constant vigilance). His favourite was 'intellectual adventure.' Whatever we did, whichever options we chose, we were supposed to approach them in that spirit. At the time, like most students, I didn't appreciate it. It's stayed with me, though, and I find myself using it as a standard from time to time.

The lack of intellectual adventure was certainly one of the factors in making me look towards teaching. I was thinking about it again this morning, when Becca posted about why she wrote. The following suggestions all result from where my brain went next. I'm trying to start a discussion here, so please argue with me, make suggestions, etc.

I've given up wondering why I write. What interests me more is how. I've been thinking about it more and more over the last few weeks, with a certain amount of dissatisfaction. I'm not complaining or looking for sympathy here. It's a very nice rut, and I can steer along it competently, but it's still a rut. Where, in all this writing I churn out, is the adventure? Where is the passion and the challenge? What happened to the impetus to push myself into improving?

In this context, I've been thinking about fanfiction. I'm not interested in starting a debate about the pros and cons of what they write over there. What interests me is how they write. The immediate sense I get from fandom is of energy. People write for the love of it. They challenge each other; spark off each other; mess about and experiment. Why isn't this happening with original fiction? Where are our prompt communities? Where are our challenges? Our writing memes? Drabbles? Timed contests? Crack fests? Why are they having more fun than us?

I realise the virtue of steady writing. Being able to keep going in the face of writer's block and lack of inspiration is one of the things that seperates the potential professional from the amateur. The flipside of that, though, is the risk of getting stale. I also understand that it's easier for people to take risks in fandom, where they're not hurting their own characters, or messing up their own worlds.

Which all comes down to the simple conclusion that I'm going to start messing about. Does anyone else feel the same? Are there other things we could be doing? What about book discussions? We all have overlapping taste in fiction - could we organise a book group of some sort where we nominate a book a month and all set aside a few hours at the end of the month to join in a discussion? Thoughtful reading is, imho, one of the most useful skills for a writer. Or technical discussions? I know we're all pretty good at constructive criticism (yes, I know I've been lax, but you all know how ashamed I am) but what about more general discussions of how to tackle character or world-building or similar broad topics?

It seems, and this is a general observation, not an attack on anyone because I know that different people approach things differently, that we're not using livejournal widely enough. We've got the amazing advantage of a group of like-minded writers and their expertise, and a forum which allows multi-thread discussions. Why don't we use it a bit more? At the moment my LJ bears more resemblance to a primary school news' book than a writer's blog or interactive space. It seems a waste.

Does anyone else think it might be fun to make a mess?

Comments

[saiena.livejournal.com]

So, how did all of you lot get to know each other.

-Well, it started with reading stories really.

I see.

-And then there was a cactus...

Hmm...

-And some shelves, a cardboard cutout of a paladin, a gingerbread selkie, and custard.

Custard?

-*ahem* Yes, custard.

As in the yellow dairy product, sometimes made by Ambrosier (Devon knows how they make it so creamy) type of stuff?

-Er... yes.

Okay *frantic panic button pressing* Please, continue.

-Well, there then came a lot of boats -

Boats?

-And canoes and kayaks, you know, to get through the custard.

Riight... I have to leave now.

-But this is your office.

That's fine. Please, let yourself out. Bye!


And me, high maintenance? Wherever would you get that idea from?

100 word drabbles... 15 minute challenges... you do know I will be unable to succeed on either. I mean, look, this is just a reply. It'd be like chopping my fingers off.

;) Come on, Ms Morgan, get into full teacher mode.

[rosiphelee.livejournal.com]

*snickers*


100 word drabbles... 15 minute challenges... you do know I will be unable to succeed on either. I mean, look, this is just a reply. It'd be like chopping my fingers off.

I dare ya.

[saiena.livejournal.com]

What, to chop my own fingers off?

I say, that's rather unsporting of you.

[rosiphelee.livejournal.com]

*innocent blink*

But you don't need to chop them off yourself. Isn't that what Ima's for?

[saiena.livejournal.com]

Thank you, you have just given Ima ideas.

If I disappear in a few days and no longer take part in your games, then you have no one to blame but yourself...

And now I've got vision of the ripper boggarts in Joseph Delaney's Spooks series, where they trap their victim somewhere, chew off a limb or something (just a couple of fingers) and slowly suck all their blood out...

Mmm, on that cheery thought - Happy Friday *salutes*