Writing a novel is an endless process of discovery. You believe the end is near when suddenly a new crop of problems emerge, problems that can't be ignored, and it is back to what seems perpetual tinkering. Possibly every writer goes through this but I can only speak from my own experience of infinite regression. One issue crops up more than any other: blindspots. The manuscript has blindspots to spare, so many I could sell them on eBay. They arise from plot/character conflict, when one demands superiority over the other. That is almost all I see now, as if I were working not on the document itself but an x-ray of it: rather than tissue the bones are exposed and I read not words but plot or character and the undying tension between them. Makes for a special kind of blindspot, points of black that show up on the page like signs of disease.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Blindspots
Writing a novel is an endless process of discovery. You believe the end is near when suddenly a new crop of problems emerge, problems that can't be ignored, and it is back to what seems perpetual tinkering. Possibly every writer goes through this but I can only speak from my own experience of infinite regression. One issue crops up more than any other: blindspots. The manuscript has blindspots to spare, so many I could sell them on eBay. They arise from plot/character conflict, when one demands superiority over the other. That is almost all I see now, as if I were working not on the document itself but an x-ray of it: rather than tissue the bones are exposed and I read not words but plot or character and the undying tension between them. Makes for a special kind of blindspot, points of black that show up on the page like signs of disease.
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3 comments:
It can drive you nuts. I wrote three revisions of a novel and then put it in the drawer. I had so much input on it that I felt that it wasn't mine anymore.
I lived with the characters morning, noon, and night.
I love your description of the pitfalls - blindspots. Ain't that the truth.
Hello James, I love your work. Looking forward to getting caught up on your past blogs. I noticed you joined my " know your world blog site " Please note all my current work is on my other site. I keep know your world up only for those who are left brained. For a more comprehensive and current version of my work see my other site. There are over 300 videos to choose from and regular blog updates.
Regarding your comments about writing a novel. I very much enjoyed your sentiments. I am in the throws of penning a three book series titled, Dancing With God. The focus is to establish pathways to unconditional love. I mentioned to my wife the other week. It's like taking a dragon for a walk. Just when you think you have a chapter under control it runs wildly amok leaving you scratching your head. Keeping the trilogy in perspective as the chapters unfold is neigh on impossible.
I very much look forward to following your prose.
Namaste, my brother, in a world of fear love sprouts from manure...
Lauren, I know what you mean. I'm ready to find another writer and hand them the manuscript: "Here, I think you wrote this."
Christopher, chapters really have a way of running away with themselves, but I think that's part of the draw, yes? I like the title "Dancing With God" and anticipate seeing more from your trilogy. Here's to keeping up the writing that won't let us rest.
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