A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
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I have completed the first draft of my manuscript. This should be cause for celebration, but it is not. You see, it just isn't quite right. There is a lameness to it. A certain so what? feel that I get when I think about it.
The past few days have been spent -- when not mangling birthday cakes -- constructing plot lines for my characters, people whom I love most dearly. It is the least I can do for them -- to ensure that they arrive in a place that flows logically from whence they have been.
In a parallel universe (while I was doing something completely unrelated to writing), I stumbled upon the mention of Story written by Robert McKee. It is one of those books that days ago was unknown yet, since hearing of it from one source, have then found it referenced everywhere I looked. I have just begun to read it and have been swept up in Mr. McKee's passion for storytelling.
Robert McKee -- if like me, the name to you is unfamiliar -- is a former Fulbright scholar and has written television and feature films. He teaches Story classes around the world and is a consultant to film production companies.
In his introduction, he presents the following:
- Story is about principles, not rules.
- Story is about eternal, universal forms, not formulas.
- Story is about archetypes, not stereotypes.
- Story is about thoroughness, not shortcuts.
- Story is about the realities, not the mysteries of writing.
- Story is about mastering the art, not second-guessing the marketplace.
- Story is about respect, not disdain, for the audience.
- Story is about originality, not duplication.
Wish me well; I'm about to have my mind stretched.
Colleen
6 comments:
Good luck! I'm glad you've found an interesting new source for reading about writing; I might just have to look into STORY myself. I'm sorry that your first draft doesn't feel the way you want, but hopefully you have the skeleton of what you want, at least. Hopefully your second and/or third drafts will craft your story into that which you desire.
Chris
Thanks for the support. The draft isn't dreadful, but I believe it can be better than what I've written. Onward and upward! C
Well glad to hear you are beating yourself up over something potentially meaningful, positive and fulfilling today rather than reliving old fudge wounds -- why did you do that to yourself?
When you told me you were making fudge I thought well good luck -- I didnt realize it also involved so much dysfunction (and Gladys!!) Come on girl, next time buy a Baskin Robbins and spent the extra time in a hot bubble bath.
Becca:
You're too funny. Old wounds are what they are -- hidden under the scab, unseen until it is picked off. The substitute icing was incredible. We're eating off the dry pound cake one fingerful at a time!
C
Don't you mean Robert McKee,the author of "Story: Substance, Substance, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting"?
Ray Rhamey
www.floggingthequill.com
You are so right... I have made the change accordingly. Thanks! C
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