Posted on 08/17/2006 8:36:45 PM PDT by Number57
I've had this story worked out in my mind for going on twenty years. 1989. But now... I am stuck. I started a book based on it, but I'm no writer, obviously. I constantly re-read and edit, and re-read and edit more.
Probably because I've posted part of the story on sites that critique writing.
Anyway. I've hit a wall. A large brick wall. I've since stopped editing my own stuff, but try as I might, I can't write another chapter that I'm okay with. How do you, in your experience, get past it? I'll appreciate any help anyone can offer.
That really happened? What a belly laugh I got from your post. Thanks.
If it's any consolation, Frank Capra had a devil of a time finishing an ending to the film "Meet John Doe". Capra shared how he and his writer, Bob Riskin,wrote themselves into a corner; they filmed several different endings.
One audience member, (signed "John Doe") wrote to Capra and related that he had seen the different endings and wasn't pleased with any of them ("all bad"). He told Capra "the only thing that can keep John Doe from jumping to his death is the John Does themselves...if they ask him..." This spurred Capra to call everyone back in to film a FIFTH ending. In Capra's opinion,even that ending was still a letdown.
Really, this IS supposed to be consolation and encouragement! You CAN finish your story!
Note to self, take off italics.
Allow me, JRios1968. "Yes, those fateful words, uttered by her, with a poker face, without any hesitation, because that was never her style."
"Are you my father?" the voice asked, warily but with a hint of excitement. "I don't know, am I?" he replied. When he turned around, nothing could have prepared him for the sight his eyes beheld. For, right before his eyes, which were red like the blood running through his tired veins, red like the cape held by that bullfighter he dimly recalled seeing in Tijuana many years ago, red like the traffic light he had run at age 17, setting in motion the chain of events that landed him at this very precise spot in time, stood his mirror image, but one from what could only be called an alternate universe.
Thats close to how hot it got here. lol.
But just think how valuable that experience will be when you need material for your next novel!
ROFL! I do believe I've read that before! I used to do the story "game", so to speak, with our sons when they were growing up. Their stories became more and more visual as the years past by. We had such fun building characters and trying to out-do each other.
Supposedly. :-)
The story has been around a while.
LOL!!
That may be, but I only look like that on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
It's Friday!!! Yay!!! :)
;)
For added motivation he can visit local soup kitchens to a glimpse at his potential future...
I would enjoy being the evil genius (or even a wet blanket) in a good story. :o)
I know! But my husband walked in the door tonight, took one look at me and said, "Damn, it's only Thursday?!"
| He looked down into her sad eyes which were gazing back plaintively. He did not know how he could do that which had to be done. The weight in his hand seemed to grow ten times heavier as he hefted the ax to his shoulder. At first she seemed almost unconcerned, faintly fighting the metal keeping her pinned. When the ax raised above his head she let out a loud squawking noise and struggled mightily to escape. A brief instant later as the feathers drifted down and the blood dripped he knew it was all over. Henrietta the chicken was dead and would soon be in the oven for dinner. |
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