I’m snatching a few precious minutes from doing NaNoWriMo to write this Insecure Writer’s Support Group monthly blog post – and hoping to resume normal service next month.
November 7 question – How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?
From’ Purple to Deep’ was my placeholder/headline/reminder for my writing evolution
Purple Phase – when I began scribbling with intent, in my teens, I revelled in writing long descriptive passages, resulting in long paragraphs that were meant to be ‘Tolkienesque’. My creative writing teacher, the late Roger Woddis, classed most of my writing as ‘purple prose’ without Tolkien’s mastery of language.
I still have a few of those fantasy/sci-fi attempts and I can see the dire ‘purple prose’ and where I learned to curb my excesses – I have one short on which Roger has commented that I’m learning.
Over the decades, I like to believe that I kept improving. Attempting haiku and senryu helped, writing short pieces as a journalist added restraints, and eventually I was published – once. From there, I’m trying harder with online guidance and support – like IWSG.
Deep Determination – as I focus on my Snowdon Shadows series, I am learning how to use Deep POV. The voice of my MC requires tighter sentences, and Deep POV disciplines me to make every word count. Lisa Hall-Wilson’s Method Acting for Writers is now my guide.
Is my writing any better? Ask my beta-readers – or watch this space.
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The awesome co-hosts for the November 7 posting of the IWSG are Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor, Ann V. Friend, JQ Rose, and Elizabeth Seckman!
Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG
Writing Wings 
Sounds like you’ve found what works best for you with deep POV. I’m impressed that you’ve tried haiku (very difficult, IMO). Now that’s writing tight. Best wishes.
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Tried might be the crucial word, Diane as I’m not sure if those haiku were true to the style. But they were tight and fun.
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All the best with Nano. Glad you could snatch some time to post this month.
Deep POV is tricky, but worth it when done well.
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Thanks, Toi. I’m attempting to escape from my NaNo shell when I can – like today. As for Deep POV, it is tricky, and I find that I struggle if I get distracted – so, it has to take a ‘back seat’ this month.
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I tend to fall into the purple prose trap myself. It’s just so much fun to write like that! But my friend recently asked me to read my current WIP to him aloud, and by the end of the first sentence I knew I had a problem.
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The trap is so tempting, J.S – a sweet-scented, glorious flower that pulls us in with its deadly embrace. And in full Nano mode, I can write so much of it.
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I’m sure a lot of people aspired to write like Tolkien back then. Like a lot who have copied Rowling’s style because she’s a popular fantasy writer. (Or Martin, killing off all the main characters!)
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That’s so true, Alex – writers have been attempting to copy ‘contemporaries’ for centuries – like artists. But we need to find our own style eventually…even if some don’t and mass mimic.
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I’m sure you enjoyed the journey. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
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It’s been a fascinating journey, Anna and it’s ongoing.
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I think you’re moving in the right direction, which is the best any creative person could say about his art.
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Thanks for that endorsement, Olga.
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I believe we always improve as we continue writing, Roland. And bravo to you for having a plan and a guide [method acting book] to help with your Snowdon series. All the luck, sir. You can do this. Love the picture with the pup!
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Thanks for the encouragement, Victoria. I need to say focused.
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I love descriptive prose, but in today’s market there is just no time to read for the love of just reading. It’s all about pace, plot, and instant gratification. Word economy is really important, BUT I feel one can still have beautiful prose with economy of words: it’s a delicate balance.
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Descriptive prose economically-written is a challenge, Michael – trying to get there in my creations. All the best.
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I hope you’re able to get away from the purple prose as much as you’d like. Good luck!
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I will, Shannon. I’d like to think that it’s evolved into green prose.
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I really need to start experimenting more with using different POVs. Deep POV seems very daunting.
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It was daunting a first, Ellen, but now I find that my MC’s voice has become deeper and I want to correct the errors as they occur.
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I think it’s tempting for many beginners to “ramble on” – trying to write a lot of words without saying a lot. It was for me! I also trained as a journalist, and that does help because you’re constantly told to cut things down. Your teacher sounds like a wise man.
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Roger Woddis was a wise man, so the creative world lost a great man when he died. But his legacy is in some excellent poetry and other work – and I suppose in the hands and pens of all his students.
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