Writing Workshop

Heyo-

So, I have decided: I should be peeved. KCD students would put these ‘writers’ to shame. Honestly, I just can’t understand it at all. If you have to write a piece, and you know someone will actually have to read it, I see it as a common-courtesy thing that you should have it PROOF-READ (hopefully by at least one other person,or at least have it read aloud to yourself) and nicely formatted. And– I know, I’m suggesting something preposterous– maybe it should be well-written and vaguely interesting/entertaining. *gasps*

Instead I’m reading stories that have bolded words for emphasis, single spacing, and an array of other taboos that anyone should know to never feature in their writing.

It’s insane. Drama Girl’s writing style impressed me at first– I mean, I thought it had potential–before I re-read it this morning and realized that the reason I was enamored was because it’s plagiarized off my favorite writer of all time: J.K. Rowling.

Take the scene in the sixth movie after Hermione attacks Ron with the twittering birds–the sweet moment where Harry and Hermione are on the stairs–and replace Hermione with Luna and birds with butterflies. And there you have it.

Before class I asked her about it, and she said that yes– that was her inspiration. Then I asked her what her story was about.

And she said she didn’t know. She just liked JKR’s idea for the scene.

I’m dead serious.

And I read Writer Girl’s short story (luckily only 1,039 words), whose work I am finding it exceedingly difficult to comment on because it reads like this (1st few paragraphs):

…….

“In the days of two, before much, before so much, there was a sound. A voice. And then it was lost.

She was born in a time of loss. By chance she was chosen. One of the lucky, one of the few. That was when she found it.

It was her third day surrounded by the Others. She watched them move in their stiff black jackets and polished shoes. She followed,a  curious decision, a lack of decision.”

……….

I mean, I literally have read this story and have no idea what the characters are like or what the story is even about because it’s written like that FOR THREE PAGES, SINGLE SPACED. No peer review, I’m telling you. It’s not “stylistic.” It’s hellishly irritating.

Writer Rule Number One: Your mission is to keep your reader hungry for more, wanting to turn the page.

And another hallowed rule is that your story should open in a way that is interesting, not boring. Don’t expect your reader to read five pages of dullness and have something mildly interesting happen on page six.

They will never want to read to page six.

Anyway, enough about Creative Writing. ^_^ Today was a nice, relaxing day and I got to make some revisions to my own short story. Little things like a headlight beam coming through a window when it’s daytime needed fixing.

Oh! And funny story-

So this morning, waiting for Major to start, Cameron came out of the door next to the Red Room (where I have class). Apparently he lives there and had– for the last week– been very confused as to why Sarah was in Pembroke when she didn’t have class in Pembroke. ^_^ When he met me yesterday he did not put my existence in context with this peculiar happening. But today he did. ‘Twas a funny moment. :)

No bioethics today. :(

I’m going to see a guest speaker at 7:30. It’s Nick Hutchison giving the “From Page to Stage” talk. I’ve met him before- he definitely would not remember- so I’ll go anyway. ^_^

Haven’t heard from you guys lately- how’s life?

Cheers-

Laura

PS: London tomorrow!!!! ^_^