Sunday, February 20, 2011

Writing: An act of discovery

Robert Frost said, "I have never started a poem yet whose end I knew. Writing a poem is discovering."

I agree with Frost that writing is an act of discovery. I usually know how I'm going to start a book and sort of how it will end. And maybe some plot points in between. But the fun and exciting part about writing is seeing where my characters take me. Sometimes, I'm surprised. Things happen that I didn't expect or a twist of events leads me in a different direction or a decision turns out opposite of what I had hoped. I never try to force a piece to go in a certain direction. I've found that when I try to force it, it doesn't work.

When I sit down to write, I'm excited to see what will happen next. It's a thrill like no other. Honestly, sometimes I feel a bit weird. Is it normal to be so excited? I hope so.

What about you? Is writing an act of discovery? Do you ever feel weird or maybe a bit odd by how excited you are about your work?

4 comments:

  1. I always know the 'big' plot points. How the characters get there though, frequently surprises me :)

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  2. I get nervous when I start a new piece...Will it turn out good or will it be a practice piece???

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  3. oh, writing is always an act of discovery because no matter how much I have it plotted out characters change from how they are in the beginning to how they are in the end. It's like getting to know people whose lives I'm directing.

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  4. Nicole and Marcy, I agree with both of you.

    And Sharon, don't worry so much girlfriend. Just write. Get it down. The rest will come.

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