Again, links.
A Baker’s Dozen Antidotes to “Meh” Writing by Holly Lisle and Tess Gerritsen’s blog, especially her top two entries on reading and reviews (link courtesy of PBW)
The X-Men are clipping along at a nice pace. I should be done writing Dark Mirror by the end of the month, which will give me two weeks to revise. It would be nice to have more, but I was on a tight schedule with this book from the start. I’ve also begun plotting out the third Dirk & Steele book, which promises to be a fun ride. Of course, Dean is the hero, so the shenanigans will be many. Much less dark, anyway, than its predecessor (which has the tentative title of Shadow Touch). Still tweaking my proposals, still hammering away at ideas. I’ve also begun reading Joseph Campbell again, and was struck by his advice on writing:
Writer’s block results from
too much head. Cut off your head.
Pegasus, poetry, was born of Medusa
when her head was cut off.
You have to be reckless with writing.
Be as crazy as your conscience allows.
It’s always good to be reminded what ‘letting go’ can do for you. It’s always good to open yourself up to the joy in your work, setting aside the censorship fear, duty, doing what people expect you to do. I think, sometimes, that is the key to finding your true voice while writing (and living): sticking your neck out for a story you adore with all your heart, and just letting the words pour from you without curbing or analyzing or being afraid. That will be the real you, your authentic voice. Of course, don’t forget to edit. Don’t forget that an authentic voice does not guarantee a good story. Inspiration still needs a red pen.