"Like stones, words are laborious and unforgiving, and the fitting of them together, like the fitting of stones, demands great patience and strength of purpose and particular skill." - Edmond Morrison
Amen, brother! I have always loved that quote. It helps me to keep things in perspective. I'm at a place right now, (in my revision) where there can be a fantastic surprise, if you will. Another unexpected twist. I know it's there. But, I've not figured it out yet. I refuse to go on until I "get it." It's gonna take some patience and skill to work this thing out. It's hiding in the shadows just waiting for me to call it out and expose it.
This is what thrills me about the writing process. We as the writers can be just as surprised at times by the turn of events that happen in our stories as those who are the readers. Then, we must fit everything together, smoothly and seamlessly. Authentically. It all has to make great sense. It has to be real.
I do feel as though I'm laboring on a great stone wall at times. Each stone, large or small must have it's place. If it doesn't, then it must be thrown to the side for another time, maybe. I may love the stone, I may think it's beautiful, but if it doesn't fit, it doesn't fit, period. Then, there are the spaces of wall that need that special stone. That standout one, that lends to the overall beauty of the work. It may be the stone that has the hue of a gray mist amidst the otherwise beige tones of the soil. Or the dusky red of a mid-west sunset. Either way, you know it belongs among the mass of other stones in order to have a beautiful and completed work of something special. Something that sings.
It is difficult, arduous, and daunting at times. But, when it's all finished, and we can stand back and look at the completed work, hopefully, it will sing.
XOXO CJ
Amen, brother! I have always loved that quote. It helps me to keep things in perspective. I'm at a place right now, (in my revision) where there can be a fantastic surprise, if you will. Another unexpected twist. I know it's there. But, I've not figured it out yet. I refuse to go on until I "get it." It's gonna take some patience and skill to work this thing out. It's hiding in the shadows just waiting for me to call it out and expose it.
This is what thrills me about the writing process. We as the writers can be just as surprised at times by the turn of events that happen in our stories as those who are the readers. Then, we must fit everything together, smoothly and seamlessly. Authentically. It all has to make great sense. It has to be real.
I do feel as though I'm laboring on a great stone wall at times. Each stone, large or small must have it's place. If it doesn't, then it must be thrown to the side for another time, maybe. I may love the stone, I may think it's beautiful, but if it doesn't fit, it doesn't fit, period. Then, there are the spaces of wall that need that special stone. That standout one, that lends to the overall beauty of the work. It may be the stone that has the hue of a gray mist amidst the otherwise beige tones of the soil. Or the dusky red of a mid-west sunset. Either way, you know it belongs among the mass of other stones in order to have a beautiful and completed work of something special. Something that sings.
It is difficult, arduous, and daunting at times. But, when it's all finished, and we can stand back and look at the completed work, hopefully, it will sing.
XOXO CJ
Shoe Mood:
I want my work to sing and dance! Kareoki anyone?
9 comments:
It sounds wonderful. Good luck with your revisions! :)
Ah...lovely! And what strength! Enjoy the revising. It truly can be wonderful...if the excitement of it all doesn't swallow you whole!
There are singing sands too. Good luck with those revisions!
Thanks! You gals are always such an awesome encouragement to me. I really appreciate all of you. I'm still processing, but I think I may have it. XOXO
That quote rocks! (Get it, stones, rocks...:0)
Good luck with your revisions, and OMG what gorgeous high heels!!!
I love the analogy. But then...I love stones. I hope you enjoy building your rock wall, your cairn, your caslte.
Thanks Kelly and Bish. I love stones as well. Maybe it's the Irish in me, who knows? I love those heels, too! They have shiny stones all down the front...I didn't realize the irony of it, until now. LOL! XOXO
Beautiful post! Good luck with your revisions...:)
Love the wall analogy. And the surprise of things twisting and turning as we write. And we rejoice: the story's alive! Also love the challenge of making everything seamless when that happens. I guess I love the whole process!
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