Quieting the Mind to Write

[paragraphs]

Okay guys, what do YOU do to gear-up to write? How do you block out the world so you can dive into your imagined one? Curious C is curious.

I am so severely distracted right now. There are things I want to write--very much so--but any spare moment I'm not working or cleaning or reading or otherwise occupied, instead of digging down and writing, my brain floats happily away into the future and all the wonderful fun Nick and I are going to have. I can't seem to turn off that brain of mine and get cracking.

Not the worst problem to have--obsessively thinking happy thoughts--but c'mon brain, settle down already!

Friday I send my kids off to Italy for 10 days (they'll be back the day before I leave) so I should make good use of the time. Yes I know that. But it isn't going to happen unless I can turn my brain off. I've read here and there that adopting a ritual to prepare for writing is not a good idea. Dependence on that ritual may result, and any interruption of it can be the catalyst for plunging into a bad case of writer's block. Not that writer's block is real...I certainly am not blaming that for not writing. Lame excuse, that, especially since I've got alot of things I am working on right now.

But, I need to find a way to get down to concentrating this weekend. I've already told blue_fjords she can crack a whip at me... LOL.

ALSO A QUESTION FOR FANTASY READERS AND WRITERS! Why is the language in so many fantasies so formal? do not, cannot, will not, he is, she is, etc., instead of contractions. I rather like contractions, and get tired of the overly-formal way of speaking. (that is, the characters in my head)

I am currently reading Naomi Novik's His Majesty's Dragon on my iTouch and am LOVING it, but it drives me a bit batty, all the formality--especially as the dragon Temeraire, and his Captain sound so much alike. Formal. Of course Laurence is a Navy man, so it suits him, but why does the Temeraire have to be all formal too when he speaks? I suppose all intelligent dragons speak formally--I don't know any--but it would be nice to meet a dragon who is laid-back and casual sometime. Seriously.

So really. Is there something I don't comprehend about why the dislike for contractions? In writing my own fantasy, I'm not writing formally. It is just not going to happen with my characters, except here and there. Or perhaps one character. It really puzzles me. Thoughts welcome!

ADDED TEXT HERE from a reply to kel_reiley:
I guess that is my bugaboo--made-up worlds that rely on formal speech patterns, like it is an auto-requirement.

(this is such a pointless post about nothing much really, isn't it?) So let's add something here to make it not so pointless:

Go read this fic by misswinterhill. It is a Merlin au fic that I am not even quite finished with yet, but I am enjoying so much what she does with the characters that I just have to nudge anyone out there who might have been considering reading in that fandom. It is a good one to start with. Enjoy! misswinterhill.livejournal.com/49943.html#cutid1

Comments

[cthonus.livejournal.com]

My mind doesn't write when it's quiet. It's only truly creative when there are too many thoughts bottled up inside to think linearly.

Writing aids? Drink! (Coffee or wine or beer; not fussy) and music. The more I like the music the faster I write.

As for contractions I was always taught in English classes you don't use contractions in proper writing. PAH! What was Tagore's phrase? "Don't limit a child to your own understanding."

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

Proper writing. Piffle that.

I have actually never tried to write after having a drink. At least not that I remember. I do have a lovely bottle of wine sitting in my fridge...maybe I should experiment with that.

My head is jammed full of too many things right now...though like you, I do like to write to music. It's been awhile...maybe I'll make a playlist for this that I wish to write this weekend, to inspire me.

The empty house is not necessarily welcomed by me (I am a weird parent maybe) so music likely WILL be booming alot while the kids are gone.

[cthonus.livejournal.com]

I used to argue with my English teacher a lot. Mainly on why the syllabus concentrated on Shakespeare and Ted Hughes and ignored Eliot, and Spender, and Ginberg.

Decided to forego wine this evening in favour of a more productive evening. So far I've managed to upload three photos of fly tipping and watch half an ep of Fringe.

Playlist time sounds good. Enjoy! Soon you'll be too busy flying over Europe :)

[curriejean.livejournal.com]

I write best when desperate to escape/avoid my responsibilities. The trouble with this strategy is that it provides zero support when looking forward to things.

Maybe convince yourself you're not going to have any fun? Then, you'll write awesome fic, and THEN, you'll be pleasantly surprised on your trip.

As for this -- Why is the language in so many fantasies so formal? Whatever the reason (I guess, a stylistic nod to Legends of Olde?), it's why I have a lot of trouble enjoying most fantasy. I don't want to trudge throuh my reading. Contractions feel completely natural to me too.

Do you/have you read Terry Pratchett? I rec Terry like woah.

[candesgirl.livejournal.com]

OMG thank you SO much for asking that question, because it drives me kinda crazy. I find really formal writing tedious and sort of hard to read. I rather enjoy contractions, myself. It's rampant in fantasy. Bah.

[bluejeans07.livejournal.com]

I don't write that often but when I do, I block the world out by using noise canceling headphones and listening to soundtracks from Ghibli movies. XD And I gear up to write by writing a lot of lists and timelines, I like to go through and figure out all of my plot points bit by bit so I know what's going to happen when and how.

Okay, contractions and fantasy. If you want to see an example of using contractions in fantasy incorrectly, read 'Merlin Gift' (http://www.amazon.com/Merlins-Gift-Ian-McDowell/dp/1568654367/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268249544&sr=8-1) and then WASH YOUR EYES OUT WITH BLEACH. Even if you ignore all the problems with this story and just focus on the writing, it's way too modern for a traditional Arthurian fantasy story. The writing is meant to take the reader to this mythical, historic fantasy world and the transition, IMHO, is not as successful with using more modern writing.

Now to see examples of fantasy novels that do use contractions more successfully, read Diana Wynn Jones's 'Howl's Moving Castle' or Neil Gaiman's 'Stardust'. It is possible! These books have good, solid writing supporting the story and there is no doubt where you are in the world.

The level of formal writing in fantasy probably comes from Tolkien and 'Lord of the Rings', where pretty much all fantasy novels can be traced to. However, the thing to remember is that Tolkien himself was not a writer, he was Oxford professor of language, and thus was more accustomed to a more formal level of writing. Also, he really wanted the world of Middle Earth to read more like mythology that he grew up with and academic books on mythology, such as Bulfinch or the Oddessy, are written in a formal manner.

Personally, I don't think that formal writing is a requirement of fantasy, but it's the choice that an author makes of how they want their world to be perceived. For a more serious, mythological-esque sort of story, a more formally written approach is a good idea, but it can become and has become over used.

[bluejeans07.livejournal.com]

SECONDED ON TERRY PRATCHETT!

[xtricks.livejournal.com]

I settle for writing by going for a quiet walk (ie: without the dogs) and then taking my laptop to a quiet coffee house or someplace not where I do the rest of my life.

RE: fantasy and formal language -- simple, folks are tying to make it sound old fashioned and we've got a current belief that 'old fashoned' equals formal.

[valancy-joy.livejournal.com]

I'm tracking this post (not stalking LOL) as I can always use suggestions on this myself. I have to be internally compelled to want to write, and that's a bit like trying to herd cats.

I generally can't write to music as it gets in the way of what I'm trying to hear in my head. My thoughts are like birds on a wire, and they fly away quickly if I don't get them down on paper!!

off to await other comments and learn by example :)

[valancy-joy.livejournal.com]

do you have a suggestion as to what Pratchett to start with? this is always a loaded question I know, but it's useful to ask nonetheless...

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

That first line? The year I wrote probably around 400k, that is exactly why I did that. Now I don't have that need to escape any longer. I believe (I hope) I've dealt with that now--took 4 years--but I do get it. Oh yeah.

OH HECK NO WAY! FUN IS...HA! We haven't seen each other since July. THERE WILL BE FUN! LOL. WAAAYYY.... I suppose I could Get Sad cuz we won't get to stalk see JB, but that would work better for Nick than me.

Same here...it feels like a trudge to me, also, and makes every sound alike to me. I like distinction.

No, haven't read any Terry Pratchett. EVERYONE loves him...except lol Nick.

[valancy-joy.livejournal.com]

LOL Synchronicity... look what just popped up google reader:

http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2010/03/eleven-tips-for-boosting-your-sense-of-quiet-focus.html

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

LOL but WHY? :)

Heh.

[bluejeans07.livejournal.com]

Because he is awesome.

Well, more than just that, he is a good writer and wonderful storyteller. He does fantasy, yes, but it's not 'heavy fantasy', the whole O THOU WORLD THOU HAST TO BE SAVED sort of thing. :D

[bluejeans07.livejournal.com]

I started with 'Mort' which I enjoyed. It gave me a nice glimpse of the Discworld and explained a lot of it to me while still being a good story. I also think 'Small Gods' is a good one to start with as well so you can see how good of a writer he is. If you want more of a 'stand alone' sort of novel, try 'A Hat Full of Sky'. Still takes place in the Discworld but it focuses more on the character and her view of the world.

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

I so hate that long flight, but it is worth it in the end. :)

Yes, I do think I will do that. Sigh...my big computer died this week, and I lost some music there, but between this one, my ipod, and my laptop, I can come up with something good and powerful.

I never instigate arguments (see previous posts on INFJ personality lol), and that isn't necessarily a good thing!

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

LOL I betcha I can scare one or two up...and see if it chimes with me.

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

Oh you and me should have a Reading Adventure together. LOL.

[valancy-joy.livejournal.com]

I LOVE READING ADVENTURES!!! :)

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

No one has told me WHY yet though...lol. Why why why? I am hoping sartorias will see this...she is my best connection to the fantasy world on my flist, being a multi-pubbed and awesome YA fantasy author.

[bluejeans07.livejournal.com]

It does get intimidating because he's written a LOT of books and sometimes they go in order but the order isn't clear. Sam has a guide somewhere of an 'introduction' to Discworld but I haven't followed it. xD

Why don't you start with 'Good Omens' that was cowriten by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman? It's my favorite book! It's not really fantasy but it does have fantastical elements. :D

[candesgirl.livejournal.com]

One of my very best friends is a fantasy writer, though not published...yet. She writes almost exclusively formal even in things like email. I'm gonna ask her later :)

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

Do ask her! I am determined to find out the truth of this!

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

Very thought-provoking explanation. And with things to look at further. Thank you! I'm comfortable with the explanation you gave for the more formal language for mythological-esque stories. I must keep picking those up for some reason.

I have heard about Howl's SO MUCH! Movie and...book? I'll investigate.

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

The second I get home it is all about my dogs, I admit it. It is hard to turn that off. My daughter says I should come to her Starbucks as there are always plugs available...I hate NOT being with my dogs though, when I can. *torn*

I'd like somehow to explore the roots of that--'old fashion' equals formal. I wish I knew more about the history of the English language than I do. That would be useful.