“Your intuition knows what to write, so get out of the way.” — Ray Bradbury
Light a candle. Make a wish.
April’s IWSG question goes like this: If a wish were required to help you write a scene, what sort of scene might that be? For example, fight scene, love scene, death scene? (Wait — all scenes?)
“I’ve never written a scene I couldn’t write.” — CV Grehan
True story. I don’t hope my scenes will fix themselves, but there are other sorts of wishes I wouldn’t mind addressing. My friend lights a candle when she’s hoping for a special turn of events. She splashes a taper with essential oil, and etches the desired outcome into the wax. I like this idea. Sounds procedural, which implies a series of successfully tested steps. I’d require more specifics to feel fully confident in the system, such as, candle color and dimensions, wax composition, source of flame, and length of burn.
What might I wish for?
I’d wish for TIME.
If I could manifest more time, just this week, I would finish two projects, file taxes, and compound a wee bit more interest. I’m sure you could use a longer clock too.
When a scene is giving me fits, I revisit the basics. Two of my favorite resources for this are Dwight Swain’s Techniques of the Selling Writer, and all of the Blake Snyder books.
Don’t leave yet!
Be sure to visit the IWSG Blog Hop co-hosts, J.H. Moncrieff, Natalie Aguirre, Patsy Collins, and Chemist Ken, and IWSG founder, the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh.
Have you checked out my novelette, KNOW ME? …
Overnight, users of the popular social networking site, Know-Me, acquire a duplicate, but dissimilar, identity. Though he claims to be shocked by the doubles’ debut, Know-Me’s CEO, Jason Vrabek, has impressed even himself with this latest testament to his genius. He swears his company has not launched a massive social experiment, something Know-Me has been accused of in the past. While experts investigate the phenomenon, the doubles engage with their counterparts, and Vrabek collects the data.
Alice Merkanowsky, an ordinary office worker, is enthralled with her duplicate self, the glamorous wife of a celebrity chef. Her thrill soon turns into an obsession which strains her marriage, and threatens her grip on reality.
Alice isn’t the only Know-Me casualty. Hoax, or not, the phenomenon triggers consequences that are frighteningly real, even for Vrabek who soon finds himself outmatched by his own genius double.
A science fiction short story. Buy KNOW ME here.
Thanks for reading to the end!
I love the candle carving idea and Dwight Swain’s work. I’m refreshing my basics too. My confidence is building. Especially when I think I’ve hit the scene out of the park. hehehe
Anna from elements of emaginette
Dwight Swain made a huge difference in my work. I have notes on my wall from the Techniques book. I’m never taking them down.
I wished for the same thing. TIME to write. So much going on these days!j
I have some of Blake Snyder books. Dwight Swain I recognize the name well-known copywriter. I think I may have a book by him, but I will check our suggestions out. Happy IWSG!
Juneta, my favorite Snyder book is Save the Cat Goes to the Movies.
Huh, I did not think I had that one but I do. I just had not read that one. Well, now I will.
More time – now that’s probably the best wish.
Covers it all, doesn’t it, Alex?
More time . . . to write! What a dream come true that would be. Though I do like the burning candle and essential oils idea, too. Maybe burning at both ends . . .
I’m going to try the candle idea too, Nancy. What can it hurt??
Time! Yes! I could figure out any scene if I had the time. Yet I think even a genie would laugh at me if I asked for more time. =P
My significant other likes to say, always ask, the answer might be YES. Dear Genie….
More time can definitely come in handy! I like the candle idea…