tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679631342517586283.post2067429879908662813..comments2023-10-29T09:22:45.796-04:00Comments on Thora Florence: Failed Writing Exercise #1Thorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04564924243186464304noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679631342517586283.post-5892940456725374242009-09-09T16:20:19.298-04:002009-09-09T16:20:19.298-04:00One of the reasons your blog is so wonderful Thora...One of the reasons your blog is so wonderful Thora is because you have such a fun way of looking at life and you share your experiences. I know some of your experiences may seem like fiction to some people - like medieval quests - why not write a fictional story based on some of your experiences like those quest? Use your memories, kids, neighbors, etc. to give you inspiration to write - if it's like your blog and like talking to you I know people will enjoy reading it! ;)Tabithahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08021887034051587618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679631342517586283.post-6744538578830290972009-08-21T01:01:52.917-04:002009-08-21T01:01:52.917-04:00There are lots and lots of great writing ideas on ...There are lots and lots of great writing ideas on the web (as well as recommendations for books with more great ideas.)<br /><br />I took the same approach you did to writing papers--just made myself write something, and then honed it. I've tried to recommend that approach to blocked research-paper-writers but haven't seen anyone take my advice, so I'm at least glad to hear that I'm not the only one who did it that way.<br /><br />Perfectionism sometimes gets in my way of enjoying sewing, too. In fact, I picked up a mantra from an online sewing friend that I rehearse to myself: "It's only fabric." Of course, unfortunately it's not always just fabric, but sometimes it's also very precious free time and perhaps my one shot at having something I need for some occasion. In those instances I try to tell myself that the educational value of the failed project is worth a lot more than the cost of the wasted time or fabric. (It does get frustrating when I have a lot of wadders, though.)<br /><br />You do need a better sewing machine (eventually, if you want to enjoy sewing.) Permanently messed-up tension would make anyone crazy. (I'd recommend getting it serviced, but it depends on what it is--the cost of repair might be better spent towards a better machine.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679631342517586283.post-14863681377253876762009-08-15T20:54:03.472-04:002009-08-15T20:54:03.472-04:00Try starting with something simple, write a childr...Try starting with something simple, write a children's story. There simple, easy, and do not require loads of detail. Then as you become more comfortable with it you can then move on to bigger and more detailed things. Plus they can be stories that you read to your girls, so you have an audience to read them to.Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08431834447625075815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679631342517586283.post-18051561376840695842009-08-15T19:31:58.472-04:002009-08-15T19:31:58.472-04:00one of the saddest realizations of my adult marrie...one of the saddest realizations of my adult married life is that I am medicore is most things, if not below. Not only do i not sew well, i dont know do it all. I like to dable in cooking and scrapbooking but I am just your average woman dabling. I find that as a young child i felt like i did nothing good enough, then i went through a phase where i felt I was amazing and could do lots of things with talent.. then i becuase a full fledged stay at home mom with a messy house, grilled cheese for dinner, and nothing to really show for myself other than the children i created. <br /><br />I personally think you are an outstanding writer and I wish i could put to paper my thoughts like you do. Maybe you could start by writing one of those stories that you and avram made up while washing windows. Just the practice of writing it would help you move to the next level of what you want to do. <br /><br />oh and by the way i want to read your short stories!Camillahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16222505107451912209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679631342517586283.post-7963100736853935012009-08-15T19:06:11.997-04:002009-08-15T19:06:11.997-04:00I am so much the same way. I hate to undertake an...I am so much the same way. I hate to undertake any task at which I may prove mediocre. Practicing is difficult for me, because the trial and error phase of learning something new seems far, far too full of errors. I do not like it.<br /><br />Writing fiction is so much that way though. Practice. Trial and error. Constant rewrites. Even if the idea comes out write, the actually words need tweaking. Mulling over and then more tweaking. It's hard and all kinds of humbling.<br /><br />For me, the key was how badly I wanted it (sometimes I forget and stop writing for awhile - so, so damaging to my sense of self). I wanted to write badly enough to go through the humbling and suffering and above all, learning that would be required. I still falter. I still avoid it at times because of the many fears interwoven with the process, but ultimately I want to write more than I want to be perfect.Kimberly Vanderhorsthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01653757517652257445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679631342517586283.post-2236878303991256622009-08-15T17:48:40.881-04:002009-08-15T17:48:40.881-04:00"The Art of Fiction" by John Gardner giv..."The Art of Fiction" by John Gardner gives great insights into creative writing, and he has some very useful exercises listed in it as well. Check it out.Troop 152https://www.blogger.com/profile/09749496209093652295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679631342517586283.post-15529632879317233822009-08-15T17:08:50.714-04:002009-08-15T17:08:50.714-04:00One thought I've loved about writing is that i...One thought I've loved about writing is that it is never done. Sometimes it is due (like a college paper or a publishing deadline.) Writing is a discipline that hones the mind but for it to be focused, you need to go somewhere with it. I'll always read what you write.Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03152419247914244251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679631342517586283.post-34033251557054555102009-08-15T11:50:45.536-04:002009-08-15T11:50:45.536-04:00You're right about sewing. I've made plent...You're right about sewing. I've made plenty of "wadders" in my day (good for nothing but wadding up and throwing in the trash). I don't wear anything that I made when I was a teenager. Somehow I stuck with it and it got better, but I even occasionally make some bad ones today.Aleatha Shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00392415295910123120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679631342517586283.post-34425009934440713642009-08-14T20:51:57.683-04:002009-08-14T20:51:57.683-04:00I know exactly how you feel. One of the reasons I...I know exactly how you feel. One of the reasons I think academic writing tends to be better is because there is some oversight, and you have to show to someone, perfect or not.<br /><br />Writings for your own benefit don't have that and stay in your head. And, as you say, it's always better in your head than on paper.Veiltenderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03412531353831549320noreply@blogger.com