Comments on: one thing leads to another

By: So Inspired - The Theatrefolk Weblog

So Inspired - The Theatrefolk Weblog — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:03:27 +0000

[...] example, I read this post over on the catching days blog. It talks about Henri Matisse who said a rather remarkable thing in terms of process: “…I [...]

By: cynthia

cynthia — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:41:46 +0000

Linda, you’re right. Reading partners are so helpful in noticing those details that are in our head but don’t make it to the page. Clearly, it’s a balancing act–saying just enough but not too much.

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:48:08 +0000

I have nothing to add to this conversation. I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the post and the insightful comments that followed. Much to think about.

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:46:36 +0000

This is why I so value my critique partners. Since I see my story playing out as a movie in my head, I sometimes fail to see that I’ve forgotten to convey some important bit of information to enable my readers to “see” it too. I’m always grateful when this lack is pointed out to me.

By: cynthia

cynthia — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:23:54 +0000

Lindsay, it is exciting, isn’t it? I’m actually looking forward to finding my next “breach.”

Also so true that the weakness becomes a door or a window into the work–a new way of looking at it. (And Matisse loved doors and windows.) Now instead of just “fixing” the problem, I’ll ask myself more questions: if this isn’t right, what is that saying about what precedes it OR is this not right or is what comes before it not right.

And again, I don’t know why I didn’t see the possibilities for life. A weakness of mine, apparently. And what is that saying to me?

By: cynthia

cynthia — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:06:29 +0000

I do too. It’s almost a new way of thinking. It takes me above the small thing to looking at the whole in a new way. The breach becomes possibility rather than problem. And I hadn’t even thought about applying this to life….

By: cynthia

cynthia — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:30:08 +0000

Yes it does make sense. I have a problem with this as well. It seems I either go on too long or don’t say enough. And we do want the reader to participate by doing some of the work–finishing the shape so to speak. I think I’m finally making a little progress, though. As I read these days, I’m starting to notice when I “get” something and the writer is still going.

By: Lindsay Price

Lindsay Price — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:44:29 +0000

The whole concept of finding one’s way in through weakness is rather exciting. It means the weakness is not a wall but a door into the work. In writing, and for heavens sake in life, weakness to me has always seemed like a wall. Hmmm.

By: Emily

Emily — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:36:47 +0000

I love the idea of reentering through the breach, of the weakness as an opportunity for re-conceiving the whole. Something I’m trying to apply in my own life at the moment. Thanks for the lovely entry.

By: jenniferneri

jenniferneri — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:32:35 +0000

“not needing to show the whole shape of something in order for the viewer to grasp what you’re creating”. Hmm. very interesting. Something I struggle with at times – the balance between giving away to much, and leaving a reader confused by assuming they are where I am. Does that make any sense at all??