"Writing a first draft is very much like watching a Polaroid develop. You can't--and in fact, you're not supposed to--know exactly what the picture is going to look like until it has finished developing." --Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
I love this quote. And I'm adopting Ms. Lamott's approach this week as I continue on the first draft of my current project. I think the analogy to a Polaroid photo is a sure-fire antidote against writer's block. It takes the pressure off of having to line out the story in too much detail ahead of time, and promises to re-ignite the sense of discovery. Can't wait to see what picture develops!
Are you battling writer's block, or are scenes emerging? Any surprises coming to light? (photo: sxc.hu)
____________________________________
I do see Polaroid picture as a good analogy. (Used to have one of those. Didn't it seem like magic!) My plot never comes out exactly as I expected it would. On the other hand, it really irritates me when someone says a given book just "wrote itself." Even with the Polaroid metaphor, seems like someone still had to choose the subject, frame it properly, and push the button.:)
ReplyDeleteThis is such great advice! Thanks so much for sharing. :) Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd Peggy, the analogy does bring to mind the old "plotter vs. panster" debate--whether the writer leans toward plotting everything out before beginning to write, or winging it by the seat of their pants. I'm a combination. I've spent a considerable amount of time this year thinking through my story, doing character sketches etc trying to build the framework, now I'm in the polaroid's emerging stage, and seeing the story unfold. That's why this analogy struck a chord with me--turned a switch if you will. Given freedom to let the process have it's time, I'm "seeing" the picture emerge. I hope my polaroid has enough film to see this thing through!
You know, I don't have writer's block, but my current WIP is forming so differently from my past ones. Normally I'm an outliner, a planner. But this MS only allows me to see one small scene at a time. I describe it as writing through the fog...I write the scene that emerges as I plod through the mist. It's different, as I said, but I'm loving the story even if it comes out slower than others.
ReplyDeleteI think the Polaroid analogy is apt. Or my own--it's like the layers of a scrapbook layout. The bottom layer looks pretty ordinary, even boring. Then, layer by layer, it comes into focus, and achieves its full potential. Yet, it's generally only after it's done that I can make the judgment as to whether I like it or not. If I don't, it's usually not because of the colors or embellishments that I chose, but because of faulty design. Then I scrap it and start over.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, good luck in your writing! Changing approaches must be challenging, but rewarding. "Writing through the fog" is another good analogy. You might not be able to see clearly as you're going but you trust you will come out in the clear at the other end. Will be interested in updates on how it's going :-)
ReplyDeleteCathy, your scrapbook analogy is another good one and one I can identify with, too. Layering does bring out the best focus on the scrapbook page, and in writing the story. Faulty design? Scrap it. Faulty writing? Revise or in the worst case, throw it out and start over. But don't give up :-) Thanks!
Huh! I've read Bird by Bird three times, and someone didn't remember this tidbit! - was probably overwhelmed by all the other good advice and humor. i LOVE That book - this is yet another reason to love it and put it into practice
ReplyDelete