WARNING! Bystanders may end up on my page

just thinking on paper

Glancing out my window I spy the red and black warning sign that sits on my sill. "WARNING! Novelist at work, Bystanders may be written into a story." I cannot fight the urge to smile as I think of all my family and friends that have been assimilated onto the page. Some killed without mercy, many left abandoned on snowdrifts.  So many of my life's events translated in the third person. 

Indeed, I think writers hide bits and pieces of themselves on every page. It may not be evident to the reader, but there is great satisfaction in revealing one's soul in word. I'm not saying writing is grabbing the moment and pasting it on paper. The art and craft of creating is finding the right mix. Taking facts, passions, and imagination mixing it together until it sings. 

Personally, I am not a note taker. I may write down a chain of words I want to capture, but for the most part, all I need is the opening line. My mood sets the tone, and my imagination feeds the story to me line upon line. Most times I will go back and flesh out the details. I read it out loud wanting it to have a natural air. If it is a longer piece, I try and make each chapter like a short story. Making it a stand-alone moment within a larger work. This works really well for children's stories, and it is my preferred way of compiling my tales. Anyway, all I was saying is bystanders beware you may end up on the high-seas or stranded on the moon.

Reviews

[roarke]

Some times when one of my characters isn't quite working out, needs something, etc. I turn to someone I know and BAM... there it is. Happened just recently. I concur with this snapshot of your writing process Cherrie. For me, longer writes are problematic, and I have to let them sit for weeks, month, years, touching them from time to time until they are "readable". lol I also sew bits and pieces together, not originally conceived as related, but then perceptions change, and it's like finding a lost puzzle piece under the table. Sometimes parts of a concept, story, or character doesn't reveal itself sequentially, and other writes have to be written and moved out of the way for the next bit. Put the two bits together and ya got a hunk... and so on. I'm not saying this is proper process, probably far from it.. it's just mine. Thanks for sharing your voice in this piece.

[Cherrie Palmer]

I think it's good for us to just air out our process and hopefully everyone tosses their 2 cents in and we might come up with a dollar. :)

[roarke]

oh-oh... a dollar... then whadda we do? lol I appreciate you sharing your process Cherrie.

[barleygirl]

It's helpful to the newer writers when an "old hand" describes the writing process so interestingly. We all do it differently, but it's good to show writers about finding a process that produces good results. The detail I relate to most strongly: finding a good balance between fiction & non-fiction. One thing I enjoy the most is developing my style of "embellishing" my true stories! I also love the advice of making each chapter read like a short story. Great tips! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Lyn Anderson]

Tee hee. Yes. Amalgamations of personalities we've met become our characters. Very nicely done.

[NotUsinganymore]

Very nice haha When I dod write poems or stories that I include my friends or girlfriend, I show it to them haha. Usually my girlfriend likes it, but one of my best friends hate it. Haha. He wants me to write him as 'cool' lol

[Chris Shaw]

Cherrie, it is interesting to read how you approach your work. We all have our own way, but finding that first line is so important. You also acknowledge that. I'm sure many writers include some of their own personal circumstances in their writing and find characters from everyday living. Good luck with your writing and Happy New Year to you.

Chris

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you Chris and happy new year to you as well:)

[alanwgraham]

Good Cherrie. The process of creation and inspiration is so interesting and it's facinating to learn how it works for you. I tend to get inspiration from everyday life and an idea can gestate for ages until I get writing.
Thanks for sharing your own experience.
All the best.
Alan

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you, Alan. I've left floaters swimming around up there also.
I hope you have a happy new year.

[Einstein Noodle]

thank you for sharing you "style" of writing ..got such a chuckle from the "Warning" ..believe it or not, Cherrie, i awoke this morning and among other things thought about how bits and pieces are there for all to put together if they care to .. bits of me-self ... right here at the Cafe' ..i agree that there is something very satisfying to reveal our pieces on the page ..i am sure everyone does it ... thanks for sharing Ms. Palmer!
E.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you, E.
I thought others would relate to this , if not be amused.

[Neville]

If you ever consider pinning me to one of ya pages, would you make sure the doors locked but leave the curtains and window open...

what a super bit of self disclosure you have gifted to us here Cherrie, its good to know I'm not the only one...

[Cherrie Palmer]

You know that's what I think. That we all feel like we are the only one.

[Neville]

crazy innit, even tho we know it's not true, we still have those doubts every now and then... N

[Cherrie Palmer]

Well I personally think it's the voices. Lol

[Neville]

then I'm ya man....

[wordman]

one line and the mood is set,candle light not needed,warning poet at work

[Cherrie Palmer]

You can never go wrong with candles, fireplaces or rain.
And thank you:)

[wordman]

you`re welcome,and you`re right

[Coyote Poetry]

Us writers need the family. I was the bar-room poet for twenty years. Lawyer too. I have a lot of story to be written. I tell the kids. Travel, have fun and test life. Only young for a second. Wonderful words and thoughts dear Cherrie.
Coyote

[Cherrie Palmer]

You got that right I've already been 10 5 1/2 times

[Cherrie Palmer]

And we need a support group more than cheerleaders (which we need) but raw ideas from one another.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree. I read non-stop to keep the mind working.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Yes I try to always have a book at hand I just finished Aldo Leopold, Sand County Almanac. Which was written in 49 I loved it.