18
Feb
Feb
The Other Me
Filed in Writing Thursdays
I have a favor to ask you today. 
I was asked by the wonderful folks at FreshFiction.com to do a guest blog on their site (neat huh?). So, I did…and I had great fun writing this post!
It talks a little bit about the unexpected road my writing took this past year and how I’m now walking two paths at one time. Oh, and you’ll see a picture of me…with a different name. But don’t worry, the blog will explain why (and besides, it’s still me).
If you’d like to post a comment there…that would be great ( I imagine they’d like to see lots of traffic). If you’d prefer to come back here and comment, that’s great, too!
So, without any further chit-chat, go here: http://freshfiction.com/page.php?id=2307
~Elizabeth
February 18th, 2010 at 9:12 am
Don’t you just hate it when the people in your head won’t do what you want them to? I’m joking, of course. In your case, I’m really glad that they didn’t – more disobeying voices in your head, means more good reading for me!
February 18th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Thanks, Shel! I will say they sure take on a life of their own at times. They love to speak mostly in the shower and the car. So if they’re being uncooperative or driving me batty enough I avoid both.
Just kidding.
February 18th, 2010 at 10:23 am
Like I said at Fresh Fiction, this is an awesome premise for a story. I think what you’ve demonstrated is that writers shouldn’t box themselves in. In other words, write the story you want to read, and tell it in the way it wants to be told. You’re an example for others standing at the same crossroads. Nicely done.
I’m curious, when you were teasing your story idea from the radio report, did you go home and write the letter longhand on paper? Did you age it and rough up an envelope? Or do most of your props and set pieces go directly from thought to page?
February 18th, 2010 at 11:08 am
I love the premise and it worked beautifully in your story. Great article.
February 18th, 2010 at 11:13 am
Joe, I’ve certainly learned to listen to the story rather than make it listen to me. The work is ALWAYS better when I do.
As for your question, in this particular story, the letter was written as the story went along. I knew who it was from but didn’t know exactly what it said until I started writing.
In contrast, there’s an “essay” that kicks off my one of my earlier mysteries, Marked by Fate. I wrote that piece before I wrote anything else. The story unfolded around that piece.
Hmmm. I hadn’t really thought of that before until you asked. Great question, Joe!
And Dru, thanks!!!
February 18th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
I’ve already told you I loved the blog. I think you opened your thought process for readers and writers. Joe’s comment about a prop for the story remindes me that I don’t have my picture of the house I’m basing my current WIP up in my new office. I need a bullitan board — I’m very visual.