In college I took three creative writing classes, two for short stories and one for screenwriting. For the most part I enjoyed all of them. It gave me the opportunity to do what I really love, a chance to write. Sharing however was always nerve-wracking. It was only in screenwriting class that I actually enjoyed sharing. We read aloud our scripts to the class and it was the first time anyone had ever read/heard it. I was getting first hand the initial reactions. I especially enjoyed getting a few chuckles (sometimes at parts I didn't even think were that funny). I would make the notes on my scripts (this part got laughs, this didn't read as I expected). It made it easier on me as writer. That is one thing I am definitely going to miss about college. I am no longer a part of a community where I am one among many similar people. I am now a singular person (as isolated as I want to be and then some).
About a month ago, I was having polite conversation with a complete stranger talking about my writing and my far off dream of wanting to be a novelist. I made the off-handed comment pertaining to my inability to stick with one idea to the finish. (I have about 3-4 novels "in the works.") He suggested I send part of what I had written to a publisher just to see if there was any interest in what I was writing. (I don't know much about the publishing business, but I'm not sure that's how it works for first time novelists.) But instead of that idea I have merged it with another and come up with this. How about I post a scene on this blog every Saturday. If you like it, hopefully you'll comment or maybe if you know me away from this blog you will tell me that you do. I'm also hoping that it will help me to get back to writing because "my public" is waiting for the next scene. This is just a tentative thing on the blog. I'm just testing it out but if I don't get any feedback, then I'm not sure I'll continue posting. (I am not going to set a certain date for me to decide by at this time. It is just going to be a constant wait and see.)
I do hope you will enjoy my "Scene Saturdays" as much as I will enjoy posting. Some scenes will, of course, be longer than others. If you do comment, please be kind. I do not mind constructive criticism, but please remember I am only human and my work is very dear to me and something I take pride in. I would not be sharing it with you if I was not passionate about it.
Resolution #5: Share a scene of my story every Saturday.
On another note, my brother and some of his friends came up from Oxford to go to Memphis in May (Beale St. Music Fest). I finally got a picture for my mom. I am so glad I just learned how to properly bounce my flash so I can get awesome pictures like these.
Title: "Ten Thousand Words" by The Avett Brothers
Labels: Creative Writing, Fiction, Music, Resolutions, Stories
