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8/06/2008

Wordy Wednesday

And the word for today is TERRIFIED. Well, not really terrified so much as really, really apprehensive. The next post on this blog is going to be the next episode of The Kid. And it's a bit scary.

It's one thing to write something from a moment of inspiration. Something tight and self contained, even though it takes place within the larger context of another story. I did it once with Yacob Vobescu. And that was fun. I gave voice to something that had been in my head for a long time. And it was well received and I thought it would be fun to do another. And I invented The Kid. I channeled Richard Widmark and created this character that I thought would live for the episode, and no longer. But I was wrong.

A couple of people suggested I do more with him. And I thought, "Okay." And a few days after the original story, published the second episode, which took place 'Earlier That Evening'.

And there came even more encouragement to 'keep The Kid alive'.

But now, now I have to go back and create him from scratch and explain how he winds up in an alley in Las Vegas, being nibbled on by a rat as he dies. This isn't inspiration. This is hard work. This is doing it over and over again until I think it's right. This is exploring a mental case where I have no supporting experience. This is creating sexual abuse where I have no supporting experience. This is creating a loveless, unemotional character where again, I have no supporting experience.

So I am going to tell you up front that whatever this turns out to be, it's the best I can do. I have a team of people who I am asking to review these episodes before they are published. They will look for inconsistencies. Errors. I was going to ask them for their opinions, but I realize now that that isn't fair. This is me. This is my work. I cannot ask them to choose between revisions, or what they think about this idea or that idea. It isn't fair to them. I'm just going to ask them to vet what I'm doing to minimize errors and inconsistencies within the story itself.

And I am going to ask you, my readers, to have fun. Because that's what I'm doing. Enjoy. Because that, also, is what I'm doing. Having fun and enjoying myself. And, hopefully, entertaining you, the reader.

Until tomorrow.

Peace.

19 comments:

Crimzen Creative said...

I'm sure it will be a great piece, but I can see how lacking the personal experience would make it difficult. I imagine there is not enough time to do much research either.

Crimzen Creative said...

Wait...was I finally first to comment here? Cool...guess I'm up too late and actually reading blogs again. Take care!

www.ayewonder.com said...

Character development is the best thing about writing. You get to explore places you haven't been before. Good luck with it, I'm sure it will be great. Here's looking at you, Kid.

Anonymous said...

Lou, stop tearing yourself up, I'm just glad you're writing it.

Looking forward to it so don't get nervous now.

Thank you, seriously.

Ndinombethe said...

Oh Lou, you mustn't worry. You're an excellent writer. I'm so looking forward to tomorrow's post.

And the duh brain that I am just realised that you post everyday at 12:01am - schedule posts much??? ;)

So until tomorrow - there's no need to be terrified. You're brilliant. I have no doubt it'll be great!

moneythoughts said...

OK, so you don't have any first hand experience. I guess I can buy that. Or, you really know more about life than you are letting on. Isn't it said that reading and books can take us to strange places we have never been. Your mind does all the work and we get to hitch a ride for the price of taking the time to read your thoughts. You need not make any excuses, we get the best deal. Good luck with your story.

Anonymous said...

Oh, crap! I hit the road early tomorrow and hope hope hope that I have some kind of internet access in the next two weeks.

Shadow said...

enjoy writing your story, and let it take you where you wish it too. after all, it's your imagination and yours alone. have fun with it, just like you say. and now i'm waiting....

Anonymous said...

I'm trying to find the right words here on half a cup of shamefully weak coffee... I love your courage to give this a go even though it's challenging, maybe even because it's challenging. I love that you wrote this post about writing another post (maybe because I did that this week, too, so I just kind of get the desire to do that sometimes). I love that you are letting us kind of "behind the scenes." I love that you will have some check to make sure there is continuity but that we will get YOUR story that YOU will have written, un-effed-around-with.

I think this whole thing is just awesome, and I look forward to the installments. Such a neat writing exercise for someone with your talent, too.

Elizabeth said...

I appreciate your cautions about the pills. I've only been taking one pill every four hours, and I'm reluctant to take anymore than that because of the very things you pointed out.

Good for you for finding the fortitude (sorry, that's the best word I can come up with at the moment) to keep writing about The Kid. You're a lot braver than I am in that regard. I think what keeps me from bringing to life some of the stories in my head is the knowledge that I would have some tough decisions to make. And I'm really lazy. ;)

Alice said...

You just keep working on your craft so when you're published and big time - you'll remember that my back yard is just SCREAMING for a pool. Thanks in advance!

Unknown said...

Do you ever read Richard Bach? I see him in you.

No need for 1000 page novels when the words come together so perfectly that it can all be said in a few hundred short pages.

He's one of my faves. And now you are becoming my fave.

Anglophile Football Fanatic said...

I love how much you put into development. You can tell you really think it through so clearly & rationally.

Also, loved the picture from the previous post.

Holly said...

Creating art of any kind is really a paradox, isn't it? It's often a lot of work, but you want it to be enjoyed and appreciated.

Expat No. 3699 said...

As Rob Schneider said in The Water Boy, "You can do it."

Momisodes said...

Once it becomes too much, let it go. You can always pick it up later. But as long as it's fun and you're enjoying the exercise, run with it! I just know whatever you write before hitting "publish" will be amazing.

Eric S. said...

Lou, I learned after my nervous experience, that it is a lot of work. But it is your work, and your soul, and your imagination, all poured into a well crafted vessel for delivery to you fans. That is something to be proud of, and you have nothing to worry about.

Your fans will support you, and will will be able to see and feel your vision. Trust your gut, and yes "You can do it"

Unknown said...

Lady language, mike, warriorwoman, tash, moneythoughts, witchypoo, shadow, maggies mind, elizabeth, alice, hyphen mama, AFF, holly, employee, Sandy, and eric: I didn't want to say "everybody", because I want you each to know that I've read and savored each and every comment you guys have made today. Thanks. Now I know even more about why I love you guys.

Theresa said...

I am grateful that you don't have the supporting experiences.