My First DraftWhat makes a great novel? A complex, dynamic, seamless piece of work. A theme, a mood, and a style of writing that lasts the whole story.
However, one thing I've noticed when I edit my first draft is, because I write over a period of time, the writing takes on various moods. Mainly because I'm a moody person. One second I'm happy, the next I'm yelling. My husband has a saying: 'Wait ten minutes and her mood will change to grim.'
Well, actually, he doesn't say that, and if he does, it's not to my face. And rarely do I yell. More likely, I'll probably ignore you.
Kidding aside, you will notice that after watching a romantic movie, you'll be more likely to write romantic lines into your scene...even if it's a mystery novel. Or, if you've had a fight with your kids or spouce or mother-in-law, you'll tend to be more testy with your writing.
Also, even if you have an outline or a way you think the novel is headed, as you write, you discover new links and connections and you learn more about the characters as you go along.
If you like improving your writing skills as you write, you will find the ending in better form than when you started. That's why if writers want a solid, uniform piece of work, writers need to edit.
Does anyone else notice that their mood affects their writing?
_______
Thank you Clarissa for joining us today. Incidentally, Clarissa recently landed a publishing contract for her first Evans/ Blackwell novel, with the publisher showing an interest in the rest of the series also. Yeah!!!
5 comments:
I noticed that the mood and tone of my writing changes also. I have one work in progress that starts off with an ominous tone and mood. However, about three pages later, the tone is happy and carefree. I was scratching my head on that one.
But since reading your post, you answered my question as to why the sudden change in writing. I'm writing over time and as my mood changes, my writing changes.
Excellent post!
Sometimes I have a REALLY HARD TIME being as horrible to my characters as I ought to--I wonder if instigating a fight with the hubster before hand might resolve that *shifty*
Okay, maybe not, but maybe if I note that when one happens naturally, that is the best time for the REwrite...
I think though, my mood is more stable than most... I periodically get silly (oh, I hear you, Burrowers--periodically?) and then my characters become real smart alecs... I try to just build in one or two to the story to channel that, because it will appear no matter what.
Oh, believe me, I get back a lot from this wonderful community of writers. That's why I love giving back. Thank you for posting this blog. I really appreciate it.
Now, back to NaNo...
CD
I think mood does affect writing sometimes without the writer even realizing it. I can't image an author writing a happy scene when they are depressed or angry without bits of that finding their way in. Great post.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
I think you're exactly correct. I try to put on music or a movie to fit the type of scene I'm working on. I have a few favorite movies I play over and over again. I listen more than watch and work through the scene.
Post a Comment