Rev Your Writing Engine

I’m in the midst of revising a manuscript, one that I haven't looked at for a while, and I'm quite tickled with it. I'm delighted at how fresh it sounds when I read it. I've chuckled several times at the humorous dialogue, and I've smiled at how engaging the characters are. I excitedly turn the pages, as if I don't know how it ends. I'm really happy with my efforts, telling myself, "You know, it doesn't need as much revising as I thought".

And that's when I stop dead in my tracks.

Whenever I think something like that, all of a sudden Endora the muse swoops in, with a clipboard filled with rules and regulations. She cackles with way too much glee as she reminds me of how I need to keep this in mind, and keep that in mind, and next thing I know I can't remember why I thought this manuscript was worthwhile. She's convinced me it should be totaled, thrown onto the junk heap, and smooshed into oblivion.

Thankfully I stumbled across a great post by George Angus, where he talks about a time when he was an auto claims adjuster and had to take pics of a stolen car that had been recovered. On the back of the car was a bumper sticker that said "Drive It Like You Stole It".  He says:

In a lot of ways, I think the best kind of writing happens this way.  I know that when I’ve been inspired, the adrenaline kicks in a bit. I rip out the turn indicator and rear view mirror and toss them on the side of the highway. Don’t get in my way ’cause I’m on a mission and I’m treating the ride like it don’t belong to me. The rules of the road matter little and I’m cruisin’ with no particular destination in mind.

This is exactly how I drafted this manuscript, with my foot planted on the accelerator, dodging the rules like they were pylons in an obstacle course, zooming to the finish line with a grin on my face. I could sense that unbridled sense of joy when I first started reading the manuscript. That devil-may-care attitude permeated every single scene.

But then all of a sudden fear crept in. It threw a huge roadblock in front of me, one that had warnings and caution signs and all kinds of penalties for breaking the rules. I slam on the brakes and yank the steering wheel to the side, bracing for a horrific crash, the mournful strains of "Last Kiss" playing as I wait to see the manuscript engulfed in a fireball.

Miraculously I somehow steer around the roadblock. How did I manage such an amazing feat?

I remembered why I loved this story, and why I felt compelled to write it in the first place. I didn't know as many of the rules then as I do now, blissfully ignorant to anything but how much I enjoyed the characters and the situations they were in.

I was reminded that the rules aren't meant to impede your forward progress, as you merrily zip from Point A to Point B. They are meant to guide you around trouble spots, to help you avoid massive plotholes that could derail your entire journey. They are designed to get you to the end of the trip so you don't drive around in circles or follow every detour and forget where you were headed.

So let 'er rip today.

Rev your writing engine.

To hell with limits.

Go as fast and as far as your story takes you, and then spin around and do it again. 

 The joyride of writing awaits you. 

Comments

[Quantum]

Ignoring the rules in most other activities would get you dumped in the 'sin bin' but writing is unique. You just have a cranky old witch to worry about! LOL

** I'm quite tickled with it. I'm delighted at how fresh it sounds when I read it. I've chuckled several times at the humorous dialogue, and I've smiled at how engaging the characters are. I excitedly turn the pages, as if I don't know how it ends. I'm really happy with my efforts, telling myself, "You know, it doesn't need as much revising as I thought". **

This reminds me of one of my favourite after dinner pastimes. I relax in a favourite arm chair, a glass of sauterne by my side, and read and admire one of my own papers or stories. It's the ultimate form of indulgence.

Donna, have you forgotten to share your wine with Endora. If so, I'm not surprised she gets a bit pissed!

Like Luke Skywalker,best to let the force take over, ignore convention and muses, and write yourself to 'The End'.

Then let Endora take a peek, after plying her with wine. *wink*

[Donna Cummings]

Q, I should have thought about plying Endora with wine, but that completely escaped me. In fact, I should probably keep her away from the coffee pot. Maybe part of her crankiness is the surfeit of caffeine in her veins. LOL

I like your form of indulgence. :) And I think it's a necessary one, admiring our own words, since we spend a lot of time NOT admiring them, especially when we're in the midst of revisions. I also agree with your advice to just write yourself to "The End"--that way the story can take over and you get swept up in it. Next thing you know, it's time to get some more wine!