Monday, November 10, 2008

A Few Words about Writing

I never realized how much work writing is.... It has recently been brought to my attention that my grammar, punctuation, verb usage, composition and style needs some serious overhauling to be accepted by a publisher. My writing teacher, Phaedra Greenwood (author, "Beside the Rio Hondo"), has been editing some of my writing and has recently suggested that I get a copy of the high school familiar classic, "Elements of Style" by Strunk and White. Little did I know that I would be traveling that road again. I have been reviewing the book and becoming educated about passive vs active verbs, avoiding the use of words that end in "ing", when to use apostrophes and the universal sage advice to writers, "show don't tell".

I'm also learning about "fictional techniques", when and how to use dialogue, description and how to avoid the dreaded "purple prose". My usual sequence is to transcribe an interview, type up the notes in outline form, and then transform it into prose. Then rewrite the first draft after letting it sit for awhile. Then I bring it to class and read it outloud to the group while providing a copy to Phaedra. The group gives me constructive feedback about what they like and what needs improvement. Phaedra uses her red pen to correct phrases, highlight areas needing rewriting and recommnend style changes, including punctuation and formatting.
Then it's back to the cafe for more rewriting and the loop begins again.

I've decided to view this a job and keep regular writing hours. I hear that's how writers practice and get better. My general format is to write all day Mon, Tues, & Weds; writer's group is on thursday and then that leaves time of the weekend to do some rewriting. I'm also on the lookout for other classes and recently found out about the winter writing series at S.O.M.O.S.(Society of the Muse of the Southwest) which hosts readings by well know authors, poets, screenwriters, etc. in the region -
Natalie Goldberg of "Writing Down the Bones" fame has been a previous presenter - as well as James Nave, of the Writing Salon, friend and cowriter with Julia Cameron(The Artist Way).

But now I'm off a massage - my first in New Mexico - a benefit of volunteering at the Wellness Clinic by a therapist that lives in Valdez, the valley to the north of Taos and same area that Julia Roberts has a home.

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