ERIC PRASCHAN
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Writing Tips- Part 2

2/28/2013

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Continuing with our topic of writing tips, here's some more Q&A from recent writing workshops/events in which I was able to participate:

Question #1: How do you develop characters? 
    I usually have a general picture in mind of the character when I introduce him/her (physical appearance, general disposition), but I try to allow the growth from scene to scene with that character dictate how the character develops.  I make an effort not to pre-determine too many facets of the character, so the character can surprise me and be as real as possible in the world of the story.  Because of this, scenes often take crazy turns that I never saw coming.  The character might develop in an unexpected manner or reveal something about his/her internal motivations that is shocking, endearing, or appalling.  I picture character development like a giant pinball machine, where the characters are pinballs dropped into an environment of challenging objects which they bounce off of, becoming changed by the collisions.  The objects in the pinball machine are setting, internal motivations, conflict, goals, and other perils.  Once I place the characters in the pinball machine for each scene, I have no idea what kind of mess they’re going to make or how they will end up looking when the ricocheting is finished.  I generally don’t outline and I try not to pre-plan scenes in too detailed of a fashion, so I am open to how the characters want to propel the scene based on their unanticipated interactions.  This keeps it fresh for me and allows me to keep my hands off as much as possible, allowing the characters to tell the story without too much authorial interference.  The characters are living the story, so it needs to feel organic and real.

Question #2: How do you get your story ideas?
    Abstract thoughts, as well as real life experiences.  I strive to be a keen observer and listener, taking constant mental notes (as well as physical notes when my Post-It notes are close by!).  The seeds of scenes are planted everywhere in conversations, images observed, and feelings perceived.  Any encounter has the potential for story, whether it is a movie, a song, a meal, a party, a traffic stop, or a sidewalk stroll.  Story lives everywhere, so I make every attempt to keep my eyes, ears, mind, and heart open to what it wants to tell.

Question #3: How do you develop plot? 
    I usually have a general sense of where I think a story might go, but I’m open to the path winding in various ways.  Plot is organic for me; that is not to say I don’t make copious notes about potential plot developments, character interactions, and conflicts.  I simply want the story to breathe on its own, so I take my hands off its neck and give it room to inhale and exhale.  This method lends itself to drafting a myriad of diverging scenes which may not end up being used, but the practice of it enables me to gain a clearer picture of the best possible path for the plot in the end.  Without the practice of starting a scene and seeing where it goes, I would undoubtedly try to perfect the scene without allowing it freedom to develop fully.  Everyone has his/her own writing process: some outline in detail, knowing every outcome and scene before putting pen to paper; some make no notes at all and write to see what happens; I fall somewhere in the middle.  I lean, however, on the side of writing to see what happens because it is the best way to break the snare of my perfectionism and to enable my creative muscle to flex itself and show me what it can do if I just get out of the way long enough. 

More to come next week!  If you have any questions, opinions, or observations about the writing process, feel free to share!



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Writing Tips- Part 1

2/19/2013

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Writing is a mysterious process.  Well, mysterious and practical at the same time, which makes it...mysterious.  Discussing the writing process is fascinating, because everyone who picks up a pen or plucks away on a keyboard to pound out words on pages has a different process.  I have always found it inspiring and encouraging to read blogs and articles by authors, taking in their insights, challenges, and ideas.  Along those lines, I thought it might be helpful/intriguing/encouraging to give some of the question/answer raw material which has come out of writing workshops and book club discussions I've had the opportunity to be involved with in the past few months.  

With that in mind, for the next few weeks, we'll visit questions which readers/authors had about the writing process, followed by my honest, I-don't-have-all-the-answers answers (as biased, bizarre, or bewildering as they might prove to be!).  We'll touch on book publishing and marketing later, but, for now, it's all about the writing.  So, without further ado, here's Writing Tips- Part 1:  


Question #1: Writers are often encouraged to bring out their personality and/or their personal experiences in their work.  What advice do you have for writers who maybe think their personal traits have much to be desired? 
    Answer: Our lives are filled with story ingredients, even in the mundane moments.  Hilarious or heartbreaking conversations, dark or quirky memories, and even behaviors we witness while walking through the grocery store can all be fodder for story.  Don’t underestimate your power to observe and create something compelling out of what may appear trivial.  A good story is in the details, so pay attention to body language and facial expressions, both in yourself and in others—these can be used to enhance a character.  Perhaps you believe your personality is a little dull to fashion a lively character out of it, but don’t feel inferior without reason and don’t feel you must pigeonhole yourself into trying to script your entire personality onto a page.  Instead, take bits of yourself and embellish or dress them up in a unique way.  All of us feel that we’re not as riveting or noteworthy as we might like ourselves to be.  That’s often why we write and read: to explore the lives of those we sometimes wish we were.  A story character is usually a mixture of personalities, motivations, and behaviors which we have witnessed in real life, so don’t believe for a moment that you have nothing to offer in terms of your personal experiences, perceptions, and dreams.  You are a writer, after all, so you’re already a creative, artistic person by virtue of your craft, and there is nothing at all lacking, inferior, or boring about that! 

Question #2: Describe your writing process. 
    Answer: I write in spurts seasonally.  When I am inactively writing, the ideas are still germinating in my mind.  I gather story ideas or scenes on Post-It notes over time, and then connect single scenes together to form a plot line.  I used to get frustrated over spells of inactivity, but I soon learned I needed them to recharge me so I could revisit the scenes with fresh eyes and an open mind.  I also struggled with perfectionism, wanting each word, each paragraph, each page to be polished and perfect from the first effort.  I’ve slowly learned over several years to allow myself freedom to embrace the drafting process.  The first draft is the spaghetti draft, where noodles, sauce, and uncooked meatballs go flying all over the walls, smearing and staining everything.  But at least there’s something to work with, even if it’s messy.  The second draft is meat cooked rare, where there’s some flavor present, but it’s not quite ready to serve.  The third draft is a hearty helping of meat and potatoes, where the dish is prepared and ready to be plated.  The final draft is a perfectly seasoned meal served with a decadent dessert. 
    The polished quality of writing comes by rewriting, so I allow myself liberty to revise, rinse, and repeat.  Revising is about quality, not speed.  When I begin a scene, I might have a general idea of where I want the scene to end up, but I allow myself the opportunity of total exploration as I begin, so the characters determine where the scene goes based on their interactions.  It keeps it fresh and exciting to see what happens; I feel like I am a reader as I write, holding my breath, laughing with glee, or cringing with trepidation as the characters engage the story full force.  This approach enables me to take my hands off and not interfere with the story being told.  It keeps me flexible and removes the perfectionistic rigidity of pre-planning and pre-determining everything ahead of time.  

More writing process Q&A to come in the weeks ahead!


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