Today’s 750 Words, rather satisfyingly, was the rough outline for what will probably be a longish short story (or maybe a shortish novella). I plan to use the next few days to do outlines (or maybe redo outlines, depending how things go) of four to five other stories, all of which I expect to be linked by themes, characters, and/or settings. After that I intend to write draft versions, using the daily speedwriting process that Clam discussed here (maybe they need a name, like “tweetdrafts”, but longer than that implies, or “spewtext”, but less gross-sounding).
Those will need an editing polishes outside the 750 Word process – it’s not exactly conducive to careful consideration of the subtleties of tone, theme and dialogue. Not that I can make reasonable claims to subtlety, as you would know if you had read the outline I just textspewed.
I have some plans for what I want to do with them once I have something to show for the process. I will keep them under my hat for a little while, but not too long. Part of the purpose of this little exercise is to get myself writing again, out in the open where I can’t hide…
Cool brother. I had one go at the 750 words task, but having limited access to this machine (ie only at night in the freezing cold after all chores are done and children in bed) I went old school and wrote three pages in an A4 pad. After a page and a half of (creative) self abuse I managed another page and a half of pondering self reflection. Not sure if this counts but I felt really good about it afterwards. It really does give the subconscious a bit of a flush out doesn’t it? If I can manage to get into the routine of early rising now that school is going back (Thank the Lord!!) I could probably pump out three pages before I need to get the day going… in theory. Who knows what I’ll manage when we get that laptop… one day. Save on paper at least.
Comment by Versache — July 19, 2010 @ 6:47 pm
If only I actually followed it up with something else, I’d be happier. Still, i am doing more writing than I have in a while.
Comment by lexifab — July 20, 2010 @ 1:10 am
Me too!
Comment by Versache — July 20, 2010 @ 2:05 pm