~ Tiffany Madison
It all starts with a thought. This thought could be anything, as are most thoughts, but when trying to cohesively track the though from point A to point B, there needs to be some sort of rationale. Some sort of reason. As I'm not the pen-chewing, lackadaisical type, I'm left with nothing but the sound of silence to help me along....an echo in my head.
****
Nothing more is taking place. I sit idly by, helplessly inclined to start something...anything. The need to finish weighs on me like a nice pair of concrete shoes, circa 1930. The mental prohibition bleakly forcing my cognitive functions into a sleazy speakeasy, where every move is paranoia and everything that comes out is watered down.
****
I stare blankly into oblivion. The wading pool of potential becomes overrun with kelp and crocodiles; a place unfit for a thought to stray. The atmosphere is rife with insects, the air is heavy with moisture. Surely nothing can survive in this humidity, as the moving becomes lethargic. The floundering of land-drawn fish.
****
Finally, inspiration strikes like a a spear through a mammoth hide, and I can relax in the fact that everyone in my mental tribe sup well this evening. As victory surges through every part of my being, I drift into a state that is very much like a plane on auto pilot; my fingers mindlessly pirouetting across the glossy black of the keys with a grace that is majestic and serene. The words flow forth like water from a cracked dike and.....
The writing process.
(This is for the Chained Vignette portion that I was missing)
Desperate writer's block, eh? So, you found a vehicle that allowed--in fact, insisted--that you keep the writing completely within your own mind, only allowing metaphor and simile to spice the dish.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. For some odd reason, I've been sitting down to write lately, and I get a good paragraph in and then....It's almost as if I have TOO much to write about. I also find the writing to be a little less honest than what it could be. There are also just things that I want to write about that don't exactly fit the bill. By that, I mean that I'm having more and more issues with the prompts. It's hard for me to place any life experiences into the prompts, as they're either completely "out there," or far too....specific.
DeleteUse the prompts--they are clay to be shaped as you like, not chains and cuffs. I will never come back on you and say, 'You didn't stick closely enough to my prompt! I'm pissed!'
ReplyDeleteFact, if you have an idea for a piece, write the piece, then write a prompt to go with it--back-engineering is the phrase, I believe--and post it. If it's a good piece, great!
I mean: you use the prompt, don't let the prompt use you. You're the boss of it!
ReplyDeleteI'll see what I can do. I know it's not your issue to deal with as the instructor, but I'm old. I had been out of school for so goddamned long before coming back, that I think everything is an "assignment." I mean...I realize that these are assignments, but they aren't as cut and dry as those of other classes. Still, I'm having trouble finding that niche. What I need to also try is taking a step back from it. I'm looking at it like it's work and that's not good for me. It isn't work...not really. I thoroughly enjoy writing, and need to try to get back to that part of it.
DeleteAny advice in the "I'm having issues" department would be much appreciated.
Take a month in Hawaii and call me for assignments when you're tanned, rested, and returned to Maine. Alternatively:
ReplyDeleteI see that game-thingie in your template. Thing of the course as immortal combat with a difficult but possibly wise Priest of the Writing Mysteries. Your every word has to challenge, has to drive him to his knees in surrender to your ScribblePower--and yet you constantly have to stay alert for the tricky hints he offers about the next move in the game.
Or, maybe Hawaii works better. You decide.