A ramble...

[OneGrassRoot]

I feel a need to explain several things as I interact here more. Part of a desperate need to be understood, I suppose. Once people understand - even if they disagree - I can then release and move on. :)

I have always been extremely hesitant to interact DU, especially in the GD forum. Many feel that way, I know. Yet this is the most wonderful place to get the latest news and discussion, and forums such as this writing group have some of the most brilliant people I've ever encountered. Truly.

First, as soon as I can breathe, I fully intend to read what others have written and be of any possible service; I don't intend to be a "take only" kind of participant. My life of late is extremely stressful, so much so that I literally must take one hour at a time. My father passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly six months ago, and I am constantly going back and forth to help my mother (who lives two hours away), being a single parent to my 14-year-old daughter, working 60 hours a week, taking care of trees falling over onto my driveway, etc., etc.

A friend of a friend (the Italian woman for whom I'm now ghostwriting the book I posted about yesterday) asked if I would do some basic proofreading once the manuscript was done, and I agreed. In the process of proofreading, I saw the potential the book had and, with her approval, started doing research and beefing up the characters and plot. I became emotionally engaged. Then life completely fell apart. I tried to back out, even though it broke my heart to essentially give up, but she would not accept it. Several months passed, with me only having time for research and clarifying the outline. August hit and I started to dive into the rewriting process. I suppose with all creative projects, it always takes longer than anticipated. I've learned to not even try to give a completion date, as rewriting one line can lead to an "aha" moment in the story, and things take a slightly different path. I have indeed enjoyed this process, but now we're facing a deadline for submission for a conference she would like to attend and the stress level is sky high. And thus my spastic, panic-stricken posts as I plow through the last couple of weeks, doing my very best amid everything else.

Okay, so that's my story, explaining why I seem to be bouncing off the walls (it's because I am! :)). And, no, I really don't have time to be doing this, but it's important to me. Thank you for bearing with me thus far.

Here's the rambling part about writing itself.

There have probably been countless threads about literary fiction versus commercial fiction, with most here likely grieving the fact that proper grammar seems to no longer be a priority in the publishing field. And we understand the devastating blow publishers have been dealt with mergers and such the last 20 years, and the subsequent negative impact on editing departments. I am far from being a grammar Nazi (not meant to offend, simply can't think of another word at the moment), but every day things jump out at me and I think, "Didn't anyone proof this?".

That said, realizing that we all have different preferences, I will go out on a limb to expose myself further and say that I really loved The Da Vinci Code. (I don't know how to do italics and such here) It's certainly not a work of literary fiction. I tend to fall in love with the storyline more often than not. Sometimes the writing itself, and the character development will grab me even if the story being told isn't as riveting; more often than not, I am attracted to a great story. The writing is secondary in that, as long as it effectively and engagingly tells the story, that's all I need.

It's my personal opinion that a larger percentage of readers are like me in that regard. Not seeking the well-reviewed books, but the books that allow us to get lost in the story and it's simply very readable. There are others on the opposite end of the spectrum - which is totally fine (IMHO) - simply a different preference as to what "flips your skirt," and certainly those in between. Plus, as we grow older, our preferences may shift for one reason or another, which is also fine.

I became emotionally engaged in the book I'm currently working on because of the opportunity to impart what is, to me, a powerful message through a series of four novels. Unlike the author who, interestingly, did not identify with the main character and therefore had no character development, I completely identify with the main character. I prefer doing the research and brainstorming aspect of things rather than writing, but the journey of writing this particular character and this particular story has been very cathartic, especially given my path the last six months.

Now, some of you may want to gag or hold your nose before reading my description (very informal, just for this ramble, not a synopsis at all though I need to work on the query letter and short synosis today), and I don't blame you if you do. I absolutely respect those who have a love of the written word and who desire writing be done correctly, not frivolously or without integrity. I have the same feeling, yet I suppose the idea of "correct" and "without integrity" may be subjective?

Anyway, I would describe this story as a combination of Da Vinci Code + Roots + Skeleton Key. Commercial fiction. I am aiming for readability, with a clear story and message being imparted in an engaging fashion for the average reader of today's commercial fiction.

I simply wanted to share the background involved with what I may be posting about periodically in the next week or so, in case that influences some of you who have been so kind as to help me, or in case it turns you off in some way. Again, those of you who have assisted me thus far (and, believe me, you most certainly have!) are obviously very, very well versed in the crafts of writing and editing. I would never want to present myself as being on the same level (well, heck, that was evident from the start, eh? :)).

Thanks again for reading this. Now, on to the next post with a specific question. ;)


edited for typo :)

[HamdenRice]

1. Interesting!

I'll have to think about this for a while but just wanted to let you know I read it.

[OneGrassRoot]

4. Thanks for reading, HamdenRice :) n/t

[sybylla]

2. Wow! You've really said a lot.

There should be something in here for just about everyone to chew on.

I'm particularly interested in your discussion of commercial fiction versus literary fiction. I'm always of the belief that a good story deserves to be told. For me that means the author has an obligation not only to do it well but to do it for the audience that will most appreciate it. Literary fiction is a tough market to please and if you do make it to publication, you're not likely to see the kind of wide distribution and appreciation if you'd written for a commercial market.

That said, I don't think a writer needs to defend their decision to write for a particular market. There are so many factors that go into that decision, including the writer's own particular talents, that it's really not for anyone else to say. After all, if there's a market for the work, what difference does it make. The proper criticism should be whether or not your writing will satisfy your target audience in that market.

[OneGrassRoot]

5. Thank you, Sybylla...

thank you for reading. I appreciate your response. :)

[Why Syzygy]

3. Thank you for sharing that.

I'm not here to judge anyone. This forum is more a mimic of my real life.

I have the luxury of living in an artist intensive city. There are two writers groups, one for general discussion and another just for fiction. There are other specialized groups with which I have no experience. We are all at different levels and have our own reasons for participating. There aren't any restrictions. Some are published, others do not even aspire to be (at least publicly). I have temporarily opted out of the regular meetings so I can accommodate my work schedule.

The real treat is a small group which has begun to meet and work through "The Artist's Way". There's an actor, photographer, retreat leader, wood craftsman, and me (I'm a floral designer for hire). Both feed my soul.

Not everyone has these opportunities. It is even more important in that case to link up with other writers/artisans than ever!

My reading habits evolve and change. I read many classics in my younger years. I enjoyed them. The imagery stays with me as vividly as some of my real life. I dabbled in many styles, and went through the stages of fantasy fiction, true life stories (many of those I enjoyed, especially Lee Iaccoca), book club fiction, several strains of detective fiction. I read non-fiction constantly. I read a lot of books on religion and theology for many years. C.S. Lewis was a study at one time. I read all seven "Tales of Narnia" more than once.

I grew up reading cereal boxes, so I'm not about to start advocating the elevation of any writing style over another.

[OneGrassRoot]

6. Ahhhhh.... "The Artist's Way"

I read that years ago. That is exactly what I need to read again when I get through this current phase of insanity. Thank you for bringing Julia into my awareness again. :)