How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Chapter 12 "The PHASES of CREATING"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
45 total reviews
Comment from Ulla
Jay, First I have no six left or you would have got one. This is well written as usual, but more important a very useful guide how to execute a days work and the planning of the same and that most important book.
The editing is as important as the writing if not at times even more so.
Alas, my other life always impose on me, what with building a house and farming the land, but I do my best to find some time every day to work on my writing.
I enjoyed reading this essay and learning from it. All the best. Ulla
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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Jay, First I have no six left or you would have got one. This is well written as usual, but more important a very useful guide how to execute a days work and the planning of the same and that most important book.
The editing is as important as the writing if not at times even more so.
Alas, my other life always impose on me, what with building a house and farming the land, but I do my best to find some time every day to work on my writing.
I enjoyed reading this essay and learning from it. All the best. Ulla
Comment Written 24-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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Bless you, and thank you, Ulla. I'll accept the virtual 6 stars. I love the "poetry" behind building a house and farming the land, but I know I'd be dead, or wishing it, in a week. I'm glad you're enjoying the critting series. I've got more to come.
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Jay, I am looking forward to read more crittings. To me it's so useful. Yes it is hard work what we are doing but the most satisfactory I've ever done in my life. And then the passion of writing! I so want to learn. All the best. Ulla
Comment from sweetwoodjax
this is an excellent write, jay, you did an excellent job writing this essay about the creation process. when it comes to poetry, I don't plan. something sparks my interest and boom out it comes. I used to write "scripts" for my own fun. I go back and look at them now and think how stupid and childish they sound. of course, I was eighteen when I started writing them.
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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this is an excellent write, jay, you did an excellent job writing this essay about the creation process. when it comes to poetry, I don't plan. something sparks my interest and boom out it comes. I used to write "scripts" for my own fun. I go back and look at them now and think how stupid and childish they sound. of course, I was eighteen when I started writing them.
Comment Written 24-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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Glad you found this essay helpful, sweetwoodjax. I've got more to follow.
Comment from barkingdog
Don't edit your voice out completely, just the getting carried away parts.lol We all have those moments when we jabber forward with non-essential word and phrases that we find clever; too clever to discard? Hell, no.
I enjoyed you one-on-one tone with this one.
Editing is Writer's Hell. Step away and write something enjoyable while you snip at the other.
:) ellen
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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Don't edit your voice out completely, just the getting carried away parts.lol We all have those moments when we jabber forward with non-essential word and phrases that we find clever; too clever to discard? Hell, no.
I enjoyed you one-on-one tone with this one.
Editing is Writer's Hell. Step away and write something enjoyable while you snip at the other.
:) ellen
Comment Written 24-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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I'm an all or nothing guy, Ellen. When I get into editing, it's all editing. If I tried a new creation at that time, it would be cerebral and dry. Thank you, So much for your loyalty in reading this, Ellen. I'm really happy to have you aboard.
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I'm the same way. I hate what editing does to my creativity.
Comment from mfowler
Oh, boy, you've just about convinced me a novel may be a yard too far. Discipline. Man, that's not a word I understand very well, not personally. Of course, in my profession I work hard to convince each new generation that if it's worth doing, it's worth doing well. Maybe, one day.
Back to your chapter. I thought you captured the creative process very well; I liked the introduction and the reflection on your friend's experience which sounded very real and very hard to swallow.
The stages you outline are just about right and you've acknowledged that it will vary from person to person how it plays out. However, essentially we all go through envisioning, planning, executing and the big oh-oh of editing/revising. I liked how you linked the first two as they are integral. I think I like the dreaming part best as the idea forms, festoons, morphs and settles. I hate the planning, but the creative elements of the writing/creating switch the mind to the pleasure zone of the right brain and compensate. Some people adore the editing as the excess is chipped off or rubbed down to reveal the beauty of the final piece. Maybe, it's THE most important thing, especially if you don't want end of year disappointment. The calendar sounds like a sensible and workable tool. I've often read about creative people who work like any other worker, logged in times, set disciplines etc. On the other hand you read of the dreamer who wakes in the night and chisels a masterpiece created in dreams or writes an award winning play spilt on the pages in twenty four hours. Song writers knocking up Emmy awarded songs on napkins in a moment of inspiration at a restaurant. I want to be one of those, but sadly inspiration rarely equal perspiration and your wisely noted stages of creativity probably do apply in most work lauded or sold. You've employed that 'musket' metaphor very well through the 'stage' discussion and this adds interest and relevance to your points.
Really enjoyed the chapter and the musing.
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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Oh, boy, you've just about convinced me a novel may be a yard too far. Discipline. Man, that's not a word I understand very well, not personally. Of course, in my profession I work hard to convince each new generation that if it's worth doing, it's worth doing well. Maybe, one day.
Back to your chapter. I thought you captured the creative process very well; I liked the introduction and the reflection on your friend's experience which sounded very real and very hard to swallow.
The stages you outline are just about right and you've acknowledged that it will vary from person to person how it plays out. However, essentially we all go through envisioning, planning, executing and the big oh-oh of editing/revising. I liked how you linked the first two as they are integral. I think I like the dreaming part best as the idea forms, festoons, morphs and settles. I hate the planning, but the creative elements of the writing/creating switch the mind to the pleasure zone of the right brain and compensate. Some people adore the editing as the excess is chipped off or rubbed down to reveal the beauty of the final piece. Maybe, it's THE most important thing, especially if you don't want end of year disappointment. The calendar sounds like a sensible and workable tool. I've often read about creative people who work like any other worker, logged in times, set disciplines etc. On the other hand you read of the dreamer who wakes in the night and chisels a masterpiece created in dreams or writes an award winning play spilt on the pages in twenty four hours. Song writers knocking up Emmy awarded songs on napkins in a moment of inspiration at a restaurant. I want to be one of those, but sadly inspiration rarely equal perspiration and your wisely noted stages of creativity probably do apply in most work lauded or sold. You've employed that 'musket' metaphor very well through the 'stage' discussion and this adds interest and relevance to your points.
Really enjoyed the chapter and the musing.
Comment Written 24-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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Thank you once again, Mark. You are so exhaustive (Now, I didn't say exhausting) in your crits. That means you take a lot away with you. You have an amazing mind. I could sit and watch it work for hours.
I really do appreciate you, Mark. You are a distinct asset to me and my writing.
Comment from Chris Tee
This is a very interesting write here Jay and also another good lesson. I always say "procrastination is the evil thief of time." "just do it and the target will be met!" Great to read your piece here.
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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This is a very interesting write here Jay and also another good lesson. I always say "procrastination is the evil thief of time." "just do it and the target will be met!" Great to read your piece here.
Comment Written 24-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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Thank you, Chris. I'm so happy you're taking away something of value from my chapter.
Comment from Eigle Rull
My friend, there are so many times when you have written something like this, that I think it was aimed directly at me. Although I know it isn't true, it is a good thing for me to think about.
I understand what you mean about Phase One: Envisioning! As you know, I've started a new story. It is fun to think it out and envision the entire story. In my head, it will be a best seller. I plan to go over it paragraph by paragraph to get it right.
Phase One-and-One-Half: Planning! I need not worry about planning since I do nothing but write and study writing notes (mostly from FS). I take a break about once per hour to get out of my cramped room for some fresh air and a cigarette?
Phase Three: The Big Oh-Oh! I will have a problem with this phase. I can only go so far with the knowledge I have about writing. That is why I'm here at FS. I NEED the readers to tell me where I've made mistakes, what they are, and how I can fix them. It seems that no matter how hard I try to find all of my errors in writing, I seem to miss some. I'm still trying to get the first story written that passes through each reader without any errors.
My friend, this very well written post is so helpful, as is the past ones you've written like it. I learn from your writing. I always do, without exception. That is the main reason I love to read your posts. They are always relevant and interesting to me. They always hold my attention very well. And ones like this, I copy and paste in my writing notes so I can go over it again and again later. I must say THANKYOU. SINCERELY, THANK YOU, my friend.
Always with respect,
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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My friend, there are so many times when you have written something like this, that I think it was aimed directly at me. Although I know it isn't true, it is a good thing for me to think about.
I understand what you mean about Phase One: Envisioning! As you know, I've started a new story. It is fun to think it out and envision the entire story. In my head, it will be a best seller. I plan to go over it paragraph by paragraph to get it right.
Phase One-and-One-Half: Planning! I need not worry about planning since I do nothing but write and study writing notes (mostly from FS). I take a break about once per hour to get out of my cramped room for some fresh air and a cigarette?
Phase Three: The Big Oh-Oh! I will have a problem with this phase. I can only go so far with the knowledge I have about writing. That is why I'm here at FS. I NEED the readers to tell me where I've made mistakes, what they are, and how I can fix them. It seems that no matter how hard I try to find all of my errors in writing, I seem to miss some. I'm still trying to get the first story written that passes through each reader without any errors.
My friend, this very well written post is so helpful, as is the past ones you've written like it. I learn from your writing. I always do, without exception. That is the main reason I love to read your posts. They are always relevant and interesting to me. They always hold my attention very well. And ones like this, I copy and paste in my writing notes so I can go over it again and again later. I must say THANKYOU. SINCERELY, THANK YOU, my friend.
Always with respect,
Comment Written 24-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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Elgie, your sincerity brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for telling me. It's really good to know my experience is helping someone who is serious about his writing. I have seen such vast stylistic improvements since your (very funny) farting post. You have a unique voice and need to guard it jealously. Fight like the devil to keep from being artsy. God Bless and thanks again ... and for the six stars. I didn't think I would get any this late in the week.
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Jay,
I've been waiting for some more of this. I know you aren't posting them as often. Not disappointed. I really like the analogy of the musket to the writing process.
I find I am too easily distracted. Having a four year old running around will do that, I guess! Things (let's call it life) always seem to get in the way, but I am getting better.
I am working on my first novel, finding it hard going at the minute. All guns blazing for the first couple of months, now I worry the gunpowder's gone damp.
Anyway, another great piece with good solid advice within. I need to implement the calendar and be honest in my appraisal of 'time well spent'.
Great stuff, Jay. Thanks
G
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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Hi Jay,
I've been waiting for some more of this. I know you aren't posting them as often. Not disappointed. I really like the analogy of the musket to the writing process.
I find I am too easily distracted. Having a four year old running around will do that, I guess! Things (let's call it life) always seem to get in the way, but I am getting better.
I am working on my first novel, finding it hard going at the minute. All guns blazing for the first couple of months, now I worry the gunpowder's gone damp.
Anyway, another great piece with good solid advice within. I need to implement the calendar and be honest in my appraisal of 'time well spent'.
Great stuff, Jay. Thanks
G
Comment Written 24-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2015
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Thank you, GMG for your kind words and generous rating. I tried to download that calendar today and they seem to have made it more difficult. If you figure out how to do it, let me know. It IS still free, and believe me it is helpful.
Comment from Gloria ....
Whoa, Jay. Is that a cannon in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? Ha, sorry, I just had to steal Mae's line because I haven't written a better one yet.
The trouble with books is they're like lottery tickets. Sometimes you win the big one, but most times you don't. But, you keep right on writing anyway, because it's what you do. Ha, another little lifted quote.
You know it though. There's a lot of work involved in writing a book, then of course comes along the hard part, selling it.
A succinct and easy to read crit again from you Jay. Actually I think this critting book is the one that would sell quite easily, especially with drawings like that cannon.
Great job, my friend.
Gloria
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2015
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Whoa, Jay. Is that a cannon in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? Ha, sorry, I just had to steal Mae's line because I haven't written a better one yet.
The trouble with books is they're like lottery tickets. Sometimes you win the big one, but most times you don't. But, you keep right on writing anyway, because it's what you do. Ha, another little lifted quote.
You know it though. There's a lot of work involved in writing a book, then of course comes along the hard part, selling it.
A succinct and easy to read crit again from you Jay. Actually I think this critting book is the one that would sell quite easily, especially with drawings like that cannon.
Great job, my friend.
Gloria
Comment Written 23-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2015
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You know I'm always happy to see you, Gloria, but I thought you liked me for my sparkling wit. LOL, I do thank you for reading this, and finding something of value in it.
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I guess you were like what they call, wrong. :)
Comment from c_lucas
It is Life's curve balls that has left me disappointed. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very interesting read. This is one way to get passed the road blocks.
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2015
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It is Life's curve balls that has left me disappointed. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very interesting read. This is one way to get passed the road blocks.
Comment Written 23-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2015
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Thanks, Charlie. Appreciate your reading this.
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You're welcome, Jay. Charlie.
Comment from Curly Girly
Oh, yes, I think I know your spiritual friend.
This was a good chapter, Jay. It is true--we must make specific time goals. I liked your 'wobbling' analogy. That is a pit fall which wastes much time.
These are all true, good points.
Best wishes with your novel.
Nicole
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2015
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Oh, yes, I think I know your spiritual friend.
This was a good chapter, Jay. It is true--we must make specific time goals. I liked your 'wobbling' analogy. That is a pit fall which wastes much time.
These are all true, good points.
Best wishes with your novel.
Nicole
Comment Written 23-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2015
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Many thanks, Nicole. Glad you enjoyed it. I've gotten away from my time goals. Now I've gotta take my own medicine and get back to work.
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True, I tend to wobble--but since going back to college, I'm having to be more disciplined, otherwise I would get nothing done.