The Labour of the Danaides, John Reinhard Weguelin
Something to remember–we all began as cute babies–yes we were most definitely cute–peeing in our diapers. The journey from diapers to maturity and independence is fraught with physiological and psychological change, and the unpredictabilities of living day to day, year to year; chance and serendipity are constant companions.
Every day is a journey; forged on the anvil opportunity. Single minded purpose, considered on the whole a good thing, can shape us and set us on a path no wider than a sword blade, and we can become monstrous. Sometimes a multiplicity of purpose can fracture us, and we fall to pieces. Sometimes single-minded purpose leads us along a path of light and shadow–there is not one without the other.
We become what we become; life is all about that becoming. Always there is a moment of divergence where we choose a branching path, and it may branch and branch again. All the while, we forge the bridges we cross.
This morning’s light is dull. I’m going to work on Silk River. Yesterday morning I finished my critique and now I’m contemplating my next move in preparing for the rewrite. Don’t want to start writing too soon. Need more of the story to come together and unfold for me. During my critique I saw opportunities for development. I’m going to write a summary and see how much story I’ve got, see if the bones are strong, see what I can build upon them.
I’m contemplating present tense rather than 3rd person, and I know Jewel gets the first chapter and Rochelle the second. I know this will not be a long book. The story is not complicated; nor as complex as A Lamentation of Swans. I’m aiming for a straight run when I start the writing, and I think it will go quickly.
Insightful comments! Indeed, life is a journey, a process. We can’t influence everything. Some of it is up to us, our decisions. Some of it is beyond our control. These are interesting ideas to reflect on when contemplating the writing of a new draft. We need that singleness of mind to focus and get the job done. We also need to be open to the different threads within us that will come into play, the various strands of our lives, our experiences, the “stuff” that will ultimately go into the novel and make it worthwhile for us to write and others to read. Flexibility and vision are key.
Best wishes as you prepare and embark on your new draft of SILK RIVER! I’m also getting underway with my rewrite of THE REFLECTING STONE, and share the excitement, trepidation, and desire to work hard and make it a success.
Comment by Adrian Swift — March 24, 2007 @ 12:10
Good for you! Trust your instincts with SILK RIVER.
Comment by devonellington — March 25, 2007 @ 9:12
Interesting and insightful blog. Good for you with your work. I’m having fun with Roxana and Olympias. The sparks are flying. I’m on a roll!
Comment by wynn — March 27, 2007 @ 12:09