Carpal Tunel and Conclusions
So I didn’t post anything yesterday — but I do have an excuse. I was trapped at the doctor’s office, then at work, and then on the phone.
However, I did write. Why I was able to in the claustrophobic waiting room next to a very large man who stunk and kept brushing my shoulder with his finger I’ll never know. I went old school — I wrote in a notebook.
I think there are some distinct merits to writing in a notebook prior to dumping it all on th computer. For starters it forces me to go back and look over every detail. Which, I don’t really mind, but a push in the right direction never hurt. And other than the fact that I always feel like my hand is going to fall off after a marathon notebook spree, there’s something strangely satisfying about looking back and seeing my story, penned, in my handwriting staring back. Besides, if the writing thing actually works out I can sell the notebook on Ebay.
I really think this blog is going to follow my personal journey — more my thoughts than what I’m doing. There’s actually a lot of logic to this. See my biggest challenge to getting published is, me.
But I came to a conclusion yesterday, as I was driving in my car and singing along to Linkin Park. I’m going to write for me. What’s the point in spending countless hours writing a story if, at the end, I wouldn’t read it myself? Not only that, but life has taught me that when I’m passionate about something, it’s contagious. People buy into my enthusiasm — what better way to get something on the bookshelves?
But it’s more than that. There’s that chance I may never make it big — let’s face it, the chances of becoming the next Stephenie Meyer or J.K Rowling are slim to none — but that’s not why I’m doing this. No, I’m trying to get published because I love my characters and their stories. I’m doing this to prove to myself that I can. I’m doing this because as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to. How cool is writing? Books last forever. They pass hands and the same story is shared with friends. A book creates a magical world full of imagination and wonder. You get to make people love and hate your characters. I could ramble about this for hours …
But in the end, I suppose it’s my passion for the craft that will make me keep trying.
Current Song: In Pieces — Linkin Park
I completely agree about the notebook thing. In fact, if I had to choose between notebook writing and Microsoft I’d definitely choose good ol’ Carpal. The gritty feel of actually WRITING and not the smooth processed action of typing makes you think about your words in a heavier way -and like you said you have to reread it and analyze it more closely afterward. My old story was written 90% by hand (during German and Math class mostly) and it’s the best thing ever. You could keep a little notebook with you to jot down random convos that you think would be good for stories. Im going to start doing it too now.
…and yay for Linkin Park.
<3