Words… Words… Words: My Writing Process Bloghop
Last week, Vidya Sury tagged me in her post On Writing
For me, the entire writing experience begins with words!
I LOVE words ! Words have feel… sound… nuance… texture…
I love the many facets of words ~ the push and pull… the ebb and flow… the literal and figurative… the foreign and familiar… clarity and ambiguity… evocative and provocative… I could go on and on…
Words have a life of their own! They can elevate you to dizzy heights and then drop you to the depths of despair. Such is the power of words!
Reading is also important. I was a reader LONG before I became a writer… and the two belong together. I've been wondering about the inextricable link between writing and reading. In the art of reading and writing is it:
a) the only people who read anymore, are writers… OR
b) today's readers are the undiscovered writers of tomorrow…
What are your thoughts on this?
Now on to the questions:
What am I working on/writing?
For this blog hop, I'm going to focus on flash fiction. I'm busy with a collection of 26 musically-inspired pieces/vignettes, posted during the 2012 A to Z Challenge
How does my work/writing differ from others in its genre?
I'm not too sure. Maybe those of you who are familiar with my writing can tell me in the comments below…?
Why do I write what I do?
For those of you who have NEVER attenpted flash fiction before – you have NO IDEA what you're missing out on!! It's loads of fun!
It's literary bungee jumping/ scuba diving (not that I've bungeed or had the deep sea diving experience…)
…an exciting, heady, addictive, adrenalin-pumping experience… for sure!
I think the perfect answer is best expressed in flash fiction form… And if you are a COFFEE LOVER (most writers are), then you'll identify even more…
"Imagine you are sipping coffee. Not cappucino. None of that froth. No flat whites: flatness is banned. This is espresso. In a teeny cup. All that flavour, darkness, fizz and jolt, smooth notes, a full scale — no less, no more. Finish your coffee. Put down the teeny cup. Sit and wonder. Sit and feel how you are altered. Stand up. Go on with your day."
–Tania Hershman (UK)
How does my writing process work?
These flash pieces have been inspired by prompts. I enjoy word prompts/photo prompts. First – read the prompt for the day. Second – allow my imagination to go off at a tangent, as I consider the connotation of the word.
I'll use an example from the five-sentence fiction pieces. The word prompt – ORANGE. Sometimes a picture accompanies the word… sometimes not. If there's no picture/photo, I sometimes look around for one, to enhance the entire process.
I toy around with all the words that come to mind – fruit, sunset colour, squishy and juicy, citrus family, sweetish acidic juice, lying between red and yellow on the colour spectrum, orange plants, aloes, etc. By the process of elimination, I try to get rid of all the ones that sound boring. This initial exercise gets the creative juices going. Then I turn to the unusual ways of using the word. Instead of using the normal 'fruit association', what about orange-ish coloured hair? I let that idea simmer for a day or so. I imagine that a person with orange hair would be bold/daring/risk-taker… more of an extrovert. I let the ideas simmer further…
As the piece begins to develop/unfold in my mind I try to make it exciting by incorporating the following:
~~ Sentence variation. This depends on the prompt and is also guided by my mood. It can range from five long sentences in one piece; or five short sentences in one piece; or long and short combined. I've discovered that use of a one-word, two-word or three-word sentence really packs a punch.
~~ I strive for a specific mood/tone in the piece.
~~ Use of the senses. At least one or two…
The topic of varying your sentence lengths was discussed in my previous post HERE
So the final product would look something like this:
ORANGE
The six-month-long search reached its finale.
Ten candidates strutted their stuff, with styles that ranged from downright ridiculous to over-the-top.
A little-known, pixie-faced girl, sported a riotous bulk of waist-length wild hair, interlaced with frizzy orange curls, like aloes in desperate need of attention.
Au naturelle.
Unknowingly, a trendsetter-in-the-making, blazing a new trail, leading the way on an unknown journey, taking the fledgling company to greater heights.
So there you have it! That's my writing process. What's yours? Have you written any flash fiction? Did you enjoy writing it?
* * * * *
I now have the privilege of tagging three lovely ladies, inviting them to talk about why they write and their writing process. Here’s what they will do:
Answer the four questions on their blog next week June 17/18 and then tag three writers/bloggers of their choice, to answer these questions on writing, on their own blogs the following week. (Because this bloghop has been doing the rounds for a long, long time, there may not be any bloggers left to tag)
The questions are:
1. What am I working on/writing?
2. How does my work/writing differ from others in its genre?
3. Why do I write what I do?
4. How does my writing process work?
The blogger buddies I am tagging are –
Trisha Farnan of Word + Stuff
Trisha was born in 1980 (everyone can do their own maths there) in England, not far from the border with Scotland. Her parents are New Zealanders but they all live in Western Australia now. She has a brother who lives in Canada.
Trisha loves to travel to far-away exotic climes, but she always loves to come home. Cats are her favourite animal, and she tends to talk to them a lot. She also talks to inanimate objects. She is an animal lover in general, and greatly admires ants' ability to carry burdens MUCH heavier than themselves. Other loves of Trisha's include the Smashing Pumpkins, wine and Bailey's, Asian food, and thunderstorms.
Trisha writes songs, plays guitar, and sings. Her band's debut album was released in 2013.
Jen Chandler of The Cup And Page
Jen Chandler has been writing since she was first able to clasp her grubby little hands around a pencil. Jen chisels words out of thin air on a dialy basis, hoping soon they will fall into some semblance of pattern and produce a novel. She’s tried her hand at many different genres but calls fantasy and magical realism home.
When she’s not writing, Jen can be found reading, gardening, drinking copious amounts of tea, sewing, drawing and singing ridiculous songs to her cat. Her favorite sport is falling down rabbit holes and she has been known to see dragons in the vegetable garden. Jen blogs at The Cup and Page and ensures that there are gluten-free brownies for all who wander by for a visit.
Marie Abanga of Marie Abanga
l have 3 boys for now and they are my musketeers. I have a gentleman in my life right now but it was not always the case. I have a good job now but I do not intend to stop at that no, I am working myself towards leaving a mark on this earth when I depart. My principles are D, D and D- Determination, Discipline and Dedication! Life has not always been easy, it still is not. The truth now is, I am much more tougher than I was years ago and so all the more ready to live courageously and fiercely till the end. I am hungry, I am brave, I am not giving up and it ain´t over until I win or die.
* * * * *
By the end of a long evening working as a special set of eyes for the presidential security detail, all Kat Marengo wants is to kick off her shoes and stash two not-really-stolen rings in a secure spot. Plus, maybe sleep with Dave Krizak. No, make that definitely sleep with Dave Krizak. The next morning, she wishes her new top priorities were so simple.
CAROL KILGORE |
Lovely Flash Fiction, Michelle! I like to write it in my journal. It's always great to find the gems and not so gems later and wonder what prompted them.
Thanks Lee! I really LOVE my flash fiction. And yes, there are plenty of not-so-gems too!
Wow! Love the sizzle in your words . . . all just from orange. Thank you. I like to write some flash, and I've even been experimenting with "hint" fiction lately. Hint fiction is 25 words or less. It's like just taking a tiny sip of explosive fiction. (sorry, I don't think I can match that awesome quote you have up there, but I thought I would try). I'm going to bookmark this post – love it and your thoughts on flash!
Tyrean, I'm sure I read one of your 25 word fiction pieces. It was published in an e-zine recently? Something about Nailpolish Stories…?
A tiny sip of the explosive fiction? Sounds about right. Nice way to describe 'hint' fiction. I must give it a try.
Aw Michelle,
I waited up late to read your post and be sure l will be up to the task. Sure l will just do it my Way and l think l will survive just like l did the A to Z challenge. Thanks for tagging me and let's see what l put up come next week. l may go out of line but heck, that's my own writer's journey right?
Kind regards, Marie author of My Unconventional Loves
Marie, you'll definitely be up to the task. I have no doubt. When it comes to a writer's journey, there are no rules/regulations because we are all individual, with our own unique challenges/experiences. The only way you can do it is – your way! 🙂
Even though I write sparsely, I've never been happy with the flash fiction I've tried. It's very impressive 🙂
With regards to our own writing, I think it's very difficult to be objective.
But you're good with the short stories. 🙂
I think your flash fiction is amazing. Mine is truly pathetic. I love your writing proces and the amount of thought you put in constructing your work. You make everday things into art.
'Make everyday things into art'… what a wonderful compliment. Thank you, Murees! 🙂
I did some flash fiction for Siv Ottem's book release, The Ash Tree. I wrote a quick story on Freya. It was super fun. What I liked best about it was just writing and not editing much. Just get the story out. Set up the problem, add a little drama/action, and wrap it up. I like the espresso coffee description of flash fiction.
My writing process – I practice "Thinkology" like in "The Music Man." In other words, I daydream a lot!!
Great post.
I love your word "Thinkology"! I call mine 'simmering'… 🙂 I like to let ideas stew… bubble away on the mental backburner…
I am in awe of your process for flash fiction. I don't even think that hard for my novel work. (Maybe I should…?)
You're in awe of my process? Well, thank you kind sir? That makes me feel good.
I love flash fiction, so I enjoyed your post. Thanks for participating in my cover reveal, too. Much appreciated!
Thanks Carol! 🙂 (I LOVE your cover… and your cover lady resembles a very young Michelle Pfeiffer…?)
I love coffee., too. Have a cup for me since it's on my no-no list.
Here's to a virtual cuppa, Shelly!
Hey Michelle,
Good grief, what a long post! Yikes 🙂 You know, I agree with you on the varying length of sentences. Mix it up a bit. It's good. Of course, a really long sentence can also have the impact of making you wonder if the sentence will ever end and you start to realise you've been holding your breath reading the overly long sentence.
Thanks for your FLASH fiction. Now that I know it's not something rude. LOL
A worthy notation of links. Thanks for that.
Gary 🙂
Now you know what flash fiction is. 🙂 …and have you heard of hint fiction? Now what do you think that means?
Impressive. I need to try more prompt writing. Maybe if I do it the way you do, it will be easier.
Thanks Diane. What does your FF process normally involve?
Cute graphic! I have to say though, I know a lot of people who read and don't write. The two are definitely not entangled.
I love your flash fiction pieces! You make it sound so exciting. I should do this more, just for fun. No wonder yours are so good though. Makes sense now. ^_^
It IS exciting. And yes, you should do it more. Not only for fun, but also because it's great practise in working towards tight, concise writing. So it's a win-win situation! 🙂
While I was blissfully asleep, you were busy, Michelle! Love your post. And I love flash fiction – my English teacher would be so proud! Similar to 55, right? Mmm.
What I love about your writing is is instant connection you make with your reader and leave them smiling!
So glad I tagged you on this blog hop. Such a great topic, right? Hugs! Love the "badge" for your writing process. I enjoy picture prompts too because they leave so much to our interpretation. I also like the idea of looking for a pic to match a word prompt to get the creativity flowing.
Thank you! I am now looking forward to reading the posts of those you tagged!
Thank you for tagging me, Vidya! I enjoyed the topic! 🙂
Hi Michelle .. love your Orange take … I can see that a new frothy beginning … while the process can mull around in the head can't it … interesting three you've tagged – I know Trisha .. but the others are new .. I must get over to meet them ..
Carol's book – shines out so brightly … like her photo … and I sure hope does well … cheers Hilary
I love the "mulling-around-in-the-head" part of it. At that stage, you never know what weird/ wonderful ideas may pop into your head! Carol's book is gorgeous!
I love the way you ponder a word before you write.
Congrats to Carol.
I enjoy the pondering moments. They're lots of fun, and the creative juices are running riot at that stage.
Michelle – I'm in awe of your disciplined and obviously effective process. I learn so much from you, and you connect us with so many others in the blogging community. This is truly an inspiring post!
Thank you, Sammy! If you've been inspired, then my job is done. 🙂
I've written my share of flash fiction and it was an exciting challenge. Writing it is so different from writing novels. The thrill of actually finishing and revising in a day or two is almost addictive versus the loooong plooood of novel writing. I enjoyed your post – have a great week!
So right. Maybe that's why I seem to be struggling to complete an outline for a longer piece. My brain is 'wired' to write, revise and wrap up a piece in its entirety, from beginning to end, in a short time-frame.
I've never tried writing flash fiction, but it sounds like fun!
It's lots of fun. You should give it a go.
Flash fiction. In one of my writing classes in college we worked on it and we read books full of it. I had never paid attention to it befire, but I really liked it, and it encouraged me to write some. It was such fun. I might start up again 🙂
You should try it again. Maybe when you take a break inbetween writing longer pieces. 🙂
My picture didn't work 🙁 Boooo.
Thanks for tagging me 🙂 I'm trying to find people who I can tag now in turn. 😛
Which picture… your avatar?
If you can't find anybody to tag, then don't wory. Just post without tagging. 😀
I find flash fiction very intimidating. I like how you explain your process. It gives me hope I can try it some day.
Intimidating? I've never thought about FF in that way…. 🙂
To me, writing a full length novel of 100 000K is daunting…
Wow, what an inspiring legacy. I think your approach to writing is very impressive. About reading, my husband reads on average 10 books a month. His love of reading inspires me on those not so productive days.
Great post! Flash fiction, eh?
Reader + writer under one roof… sounds like a great match. His love of reading inspires you on those not-so-productive days, and your love of writing inspires him to read…? A mutual inspiration?
Have you tried flash fiction? I just assume that every writer has, at one stage or another…
I'm embarrassed to say I've never tried flash fiction. Probably because I'm lazy, or I don't understand the concept. I've done free writing. Not same thing, right?
Flash fiction and free writing are different BUT you can free write and then edit/polish it to create a piece of flash fiction… 🙂 You should give it a try.
You know, I used to love FF… I did a lot before. Several a week for challenges on a writing forum. But I've not done any for a couple of years, if not longer. That's shocking of me. I've book marked this. Great post, and scintillating FF. I love how you highlighted sentence length, too. Never thought about it consciously, but I do it instinctually I think… kind of move stuff around until it hits the right beat in my head. Would be better to do that consciously though, come to think of it. 🙂
I don't think you can do it consciously in your initial draft when writing lengthy prose. Because FF is short, sentence length can be constructed almost spontaneously. 😀
Wonderful flash fiction! Ive tried shorts before but nothing like that! You paint such lovely word pictures and it is obvious you love each word you choose :). Thanks for sharing your process with us and thanks for the tag! My turn? Yikes!
I do love my words. 🙂 And yes, it's your turn. You'll do an amazing job. I can't wait!
I love your flash fiction. I would like to write more of it. I usually do them for blog hops. They're fun and challenging.
You should write them when you take a break inbetween the longer stories. They're good for stirring the creative juices.
Flash fiction is a lot of fun and a great way to practice writing as well. I know I wouldn't be the writer I am today without writing so much flash fiction and other shorter works.
Cherie, you're an amazing writer. So if FF worked for you, then there's hope for me yet. 🙂
Wahoo! I love Carol's cover. Seriously. And flash fiction is a pet love. I haven't written any for a while, but I do adore it. If I put my mind to it, I could be good at it. In the meantime I'll stick to my novels. =)
Crystal, you could be good at it, definitely. Actually, you could be good at anything. You have that kind of mindset.
*blushing* Michelle, you're too awesome. Here's to living the dream and defying the odds, eh?
I'll toast! And thanks for providing the cheese… 🙂
Hey, MIchelle,
I like the idea of toying with words and trying to do something different with them. No doubt, that's why you create such interesting short fiction.
I do try and make it different all the time. Now to apply this technique to my longer writing… maybe there's a way…?
I know plenty of readers who don't write.
Words can be so powerful and it's so irritating when I can't think of the right one. Quit hiding, I tell it. Does it listen? No. So I'm grateful for the online thesaurus
Yes, quite often there's a particular word that belongs in a particular sentence/context. It's so gratifying when you hit on the one you're searching for…
What a great flash piece prompted by orange. As you know, i love prompts, but I haven't tried them for flash fiction yet. Maybe someday. 🙂
Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com
Yes, you are very good with prompts, Debbie! 🙂 Give the flash fiction a go. You have nothing to lose.
I haven't done much flash fiction – even less now that I'm out of the classroom and working in Spec Ed. I find my stories tend to take over and soon they're not flash fiction any more 🙂
There's a time for everything. But then, I suppose we're not all meant to write FF all the time 🙂
I do enjoy writing flash fiction. It stretches your writing ability to be able to tell a full story in brief. Fun example you posted!
It does stretch those writing muscles! Thanks Shannon.
Great answers! I know plenty of people who read with no intention of ever writing. Maybe secretly they dream of it? I don't know…they just seem content reading, and some are near retirement with still no mention of wanting to write.
I suppose there are plenty of people who have no intention of writing. But we'll never know if that's because they feel too incompetent?
I suspect there may be many people near retirement, who have a hidden desire to write a memoir…? But then the "how can I write at this stage of my life" and "where do I start" and "maybe I'm too old" may kick in….?
I just love posts like this where I can learn a writer's process – I figure the more of them I know, the more mine will gel. Also, I get the chance to meet some of your friends!
Also, it's so good to see Carole's book everywhere! I wish here the best of luck.
Tina @ <a href = "http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com/">Life is Good</a>
On the Open Road! @ <a href = "http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/2014/05/whos-ready-for-4th-annual-post.html">Join us for the 4th Annual Post-Challenge Road Trip!</a>
That's a great perspective – the more writer's processes we learn about, then the more ours will fall into place… 😀
A huge part of me wishes I hadn't become a writer, LOL… because it's ruined reading for me!!!! I wish I could just get swallowed up in a book like I used to…
And LOVE the Carol highlight and the other three gals. So great, Michelle. And also, thank you for your kind words on my blog today. They certainly help. 🙂
Confession time. Since I started writing, reading has also been ruined for me! I also find it difficult to just lose myself in a book.
I read somewhere that some writers have learned how to switch between their 'readerly' and 'writerly' personas. I'm wondering how they do it.
Very inspirational post! This is why I came back 🙂
Rose, I'm so glad you did! Welcome back and next time you take a break, try not to stay away too long… 🙂
I like your writing process. It's nice to read how others work, because it helps me with my own stuff. Great post, Michelle. 🙂
Thank you Mina! Good to hear from you. Hope you're well? 🙂
Hi Michelle, I simply LOVED the flash fiction. It was super. And I also enjoyed reading about your writing process. I fell in love with words as a kid and the love for words made me want to write my own stories.
Thank you Rachna. Your story sounds similar to mine, in the sense that my writing stems from a love of words.
I struggle with flash fiction. Sometimes I think my mind just isn't geared for stories that short. 🙂
I feel the exact opposite. 🙂 Different strokes for different folks? But I am attempting a short story/novella/novelette… we'll see…
Have I mentioned lately that you're the Queen of flash fiction?! It takes a lot of patience, and skill to make each sentence sail smoothly onto the next.
Thank you Julie. You're too kind. I really love my FF! 🙂
Flash fiction is a lot of fun. Thanks for the reminder that as writers we can give ourselves permission to play with words. I am encouraging folks to write about their life stories on my blog for the next few weeks and one of the exercises is to write about your life using only six words. There's a prompt for ya'. Thanks for explaining how you go about writing your flash fiction. Great info here.
Thanks JQ. Your six-word exercise sounds like something I'd have a go at!
That's a lovely piece of Flash, Michelle. I've been asked to be tagged on this bloghop too, but with everything I need to hold down, I just haven't said yes, yet. Great job with yours, and I know all the authors you tagged– would enjoy getting to know them even better 🙂
I was a little apprehensive when asked to participate in this bloghop, simply because I hadn't given much thought to my writing process.
Because I write mainly flash fiction, I wasn't even certain that I had a process. 🙂
I'm sure you'll do a great job with yours Damyanti. I'm very interested in learning more about your process.
Interesting post.
I write flash fiction, specifically drabbles, every Tuesday for the FB3X Drabble Cascades. I know what you mean about words, and short fiction does really put them into perspective, because every single one counts. I feel a lot freer in drabbles to experiment as well, play with grammar (and in some cases ignore it).
I thought your approach to developing your fic was interesting, letting it simmer, a considered approach. I find with drabbles I'm a lot less considered than I am with longer work – I tend to jump in where angels fear to tread ;P. I think it's because I know I have time to write another one if another idea occurs to me and I'm like a kid with a new toy, I just wanna try the idea out. That has led me to write a whole drabble and then practically change or rearrange every word in it before I was done with it though :).
Flash fiction does lend itself to a writing style that's more carefree… and I do try to let my mind run free when it comes to the content. The strictness is reserved for the actual word choices.
You sound way more adventurous than I am. I try not to change/re-arrange every word in my short piece. I think that for me, the simmering period is the experimentation/mental editing phase…? Mmm, you've got me thinking now… 🙂
wow, mish! jam packed and seal wrapped!
i enjoyed it all! and you are the queen of flash, able to write about anything and make us feel it in so few words!
Tara, you are too sweet!
P.S. And I love that phrase… jam-packed and seal wrapped… (love my sandwiches that way too… with peanut butter…) 🙂
Flash fiction is fun! For years I was unable to write short stories, and I thought I would never be able to, but then I got the idea for one, wrote it, and since then several ideas have come to me. I'm glad they have, too. 🙂
Well, since I struggle to write longer pieces, I hope the opposite will happen for me.
At the moment, I'm busy with the outline for a longer story/novella/novelette. I'm taking it a step at a time. 🙂
I really enjoy flash fiction (reading and writing) although I haven't done any for too long! The challenge of working with prompts is fun because there are so many ways it can go. You really did a great job of creating an intriguing character in just a few lines with this story.
Thanks Nick! I've discovered that I respond well to writing prompts. I think the fact that you can take it in any direction you choose tends to boost my creativity.
I love that your process starts with straight words. Each one packs a different emotion, and when you've got the right combo it makes for a powerful piece – like the one you posted here!
Thank you Nicki! I've learned the power/potential of a single word. We sometimes just don't realise it.
(I'm always excited to see the pink Mary Jane's here…)