Comments | mariko_writing: “I want to write about …”

mariko_writing

“I want to write about …”

Jan 22, 2009 20:07

The way this exercise works, said my sixth grade teacher Kirsten, you put your pen to the paper and write “I want to write about” and then you keep writing until the whole page is filled with things you want to write about. It didn’t really work for me - I find most writing exercises to be boring huge swill-generators - but since I apparently am ( Read more... )

on writing, southern writers, comps, the environment, california writers, characters, place and space, global warming, oikos, free-writing, plot, essay, california, ecology

Comments 5

maxiekatt2 January 23 2009, 03:18:39 UTC

I can't wait to see this all unfold and I just know you're going to create something fantastic. I love your writing style and can't wait to see it with original characters - though, I find your Sandy to be completely original.

I hate plots, lol. I totally make things up as I go and ... well, we see how that's going with my one fic.

And whenever I think of California, I think of L.A. Confidential and the retro vibe and the slick, cool, sunbleached veneer, and the crime and corruption running under the surface. I know that doesn't help, but that's just what popped into my head when I read that part of your post ...

mariko_writing January 23 2009, 16:47:06 UTC

Thanks so much for saying that, Laura. Right now I feel completely overwhelmed by everything that I need to get done, but I'm also incredibly excited for it! I'll try to keep "Mobile Soul" going, too -- there's not too much more story to tell, so I really should just sit down and finish it. Just like you and Come Down, right? ;)

Ooh, I love L.A. Confidential. That's actually what I think of, too, when I think of Southern California. Northern California, though, is a different beast altogether!

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mariko_writing January 25 2009, 19:57:53 UTC

Aw thanks lady.

Where you been anyway?

the_sly_wink February 3 2009, 04:44:34 UTC

I love your statement; it got me inspired to work on my own "what I want to write." The goal to tap into sweeping, regional themes without succumbing to genre fiction is something I can appreciate, though I don't know what might characterize the Great Californian Novel. (As opposed to Southern Gothic, which is easily diagnosed by the presence of a dead mule.)

"I want to write a love story but not a 'romance.'" really got my attention. I'm not a fan of typical romances, but something about that sentence is very appealing. It feels like I understand what you're saying, but I can't articulate the difference between the two. Will look more into this when I get out from under these hellish exams.

mariko_writing February 4 2009, 16:51:27 UTC

LOL I just read the part of Their Eyes Were Watching God with the dead mule. Good times!

I don't know if I can articulate the difference either, other than I know I want that difference to exist -- if that makes sense. Good luck with your exams!