Monday, June 11, 2012

Real life = great ideas

Considering writing is such a solitary endeavour, there are many times when I just want to unplug the phone and not have to go anywhere, or see anybody.

...but I swear, every time I throw off my antisocial tendencies, I end up with fabulous new ideas.

I was at someone's house watching the fourth Stanley Cup final game (not that I'm really a hockey fan... yeah, I know... blasphemy coming from a Canadian... get over it) and overheard someone tell a story of something... I never knew was physically possible.

...and since it's both hilarious and alcohol related, it's SOOOOOOOOOO ending up in 'Brake Fluid'!

Those of you who have been hanging around a while and reading first draft tidbits of 'Brake Fluid', might remember a scene with a 'one year older than dead' joke. Coincidentally enough, from a party at the exact same residence as the other night. Different person though ;)

As much as I think it's important to read, watch movies, listen to music, get outside, hike, run, try new things, etc. (because they both re-fill the creative reservoir and give the mind/body a much needed break) I think I often forget the importance of getting involved in social situations.

I'm not a wallflower, I'm not especially timid around new people, or get nervous, but I do find groups of people to be somewhat exhausting. I function better on a one-to-one basis. Quality over quantity.

...but you do miss something... a whole other dimension that isn't possible to experience when you compare a one-on-one hang-out to a crowd of people all laughing, telling stories and jokes, intermingling, etc. It's a vibrancy, an energy, and I think, especially for writing 'Brake Fluid', that I need a reminder to throw myself in a little more, drink in the chaotic noise, revel in it, and above all, remember it.

Because so much of 'Brake Fluid' happens at a crazy party...

Do you find it's difficult to capture the energy of different social situations in your writing? Any tips on tapping in/recreating all the different highs and lows that are running wild within the same space/time?

Which do you find easier, writing scenes with a limited number of characters, or those big battle-like crazy-energy scenes with a ton of things/people?

Any writers you can think of who are particularly masterful at recreating that kind of energy?

2 comments:

  1. hi - am still here. today someone useless came over to fix my wp - new theme and jenna has posted a good review and now I have nother write to do for her. And it's hotter than Hell.
    I generally prefer one on one also. But glad you got an idea...I never know where mine will come from. Case in point my latest blog. I am planning n going out tomorrow - rain or not. And the pool is open so I'm going there too. And I'm trying to finish my story --first draft.

    oh - me not hockey fan either lol

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    1. I don't mind watching hockey once in a while, but that's about it. I couldn't even tell you the names of any Vancouver Canucks players (my *local* team). Oh, the twins... Sedine or something... that's where my knowledge ends.

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Type me out a line of Shakespeare or a line of nonsense. Dumb-blonde-jokes & Irish jokes will make me laugh myself silly :)