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Pink Think: "Use a make-up table with everything close at hand and don't rush; otherwise you'll look like a patchwork quilt." - Lucille Ball
Photo from what-me.com
First of all, just in case you are wondering, I am not doing National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) this year. (Are you? How is it going?) That's because I have a story that has taken a hold of me and wouldn't let go, and I started it well before this month.
It's been several years' worth of work, as it turns out.
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I was looking for an old manuscript of mine called The Spanish Exile, which is a historical swashbuckling novel set in Spain and the Philippines, my first real attempt at a novel from four or so years ago.
I can't find it. Which worries me because as bad as first novels go, it was a finished draft. I must have gotten rid of it at one point - several points? - in my writing career when I was very discouraged.
Instead I found various attempts of the same multicultural YA story that has gone by different titles and in various states of polishing. It's about as organized if I had tossed these papers in the air and piled them together.
Hodge podge. Mishmash. A patchwork quilt. But it must be an important enough story to me I've tried to get it out to the world numerous times.
Can this manuscript be saved? Stay tuned.
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Do YOU have a story or project like that? One that wouldn't let you go?
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Patchwork Quilt
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10 comments:
yeah i do that but instead of the written word (i wish i had that talent) it is with cleaning and decorating my home. always in a state of flux, never finished for me.
"But it must be an important enough story to me I've tried to get it out to the world numerous times."
Indeed. So don't worry if it's patchwork now. It will come together if you continue working on it.
Good luck!
Oooh, good luck, Jewel! I have lost stories, and it drives me crazy. I had to buy one of my older works, because I didn't have a copy!
NaNoWriMo isn't going as well as I'd like, but I'm back to working on it!
Multiple stories like that.
I just put aside one story after 66 pages because once again I'm a little bit stuck on how to complete it. I know the ending I want, the problem is getting there to that proper ending.
Another one I started a couple of months ago, and I keep it nearby so that it perpetually mocks me for not working on it.
I am not a real writer, so I don't have anything in the pipeline. But I love that patchwork quilt analogy.
My lousy excuse: I don't have time. Which is kind of true. Though if I cut out my Facebooking, I would. Hm....nah. Friends over ride NaNoWriMo. :)
I've tried writing longer works (by my standards) about computer technologies, but between my other responsibilities and the constant changes in that field I end up setting those things aside for endless revisions and restarts. But the nice thing about writing is that no work is ever completely wasted, there will always be a theme, idea, or just a phrase than can be used elsewhere.
I can definitely feel you sister! In my case, my craft projects. So many WIPs. Work in Progress.
Just keep going Jewel. It would really feel great once it's WD (work done). I'd be one of the first ones to read it.
I don't think I can play along here. I have never written anything therefore I actually admire you for having something so far along even if it is in some cosmic disarrangement. I don't know if your MS can be saved but the idea most certainly can.
Lynette: My daughter I think finally gave up on waiting around for me to organize our home. She (on her own accord) organized our linen and game-board closet.
Gypsy: Yeah, what have I got to lose if I see this project to the end? I can always set it aside but at least I will have something.
Natasha: How funny, to have to buy back. Good luck with NaNo. You can do it!!
G: Yes, I've heard a mocking voice, too :-)
Lynn: I think you are a "real" writer in every sense of the word :-)
Georgie: Darn you, Facebook! :-)
Ed: Right...not a thing goes to waste. My problem is trying to discern what stays and what goes.
Settie: How nice of you to say that! You should consider writing a craft book someday. You will be very good at it, I bet!
LeSan: I feel like I have come to the last leg of this journey with this idea. Either use it or lose it. So I will persevere to the end, is my goal. :-)
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