(no subject)

[rm]

I just fixed a poem of mine that's been not quite right for over a year by changing a bunch of pronouns in a profoundly odd way... but now it works. Which makes me really happy. But talk about a bogus way to feel productive -- a five word edit.

Comments

[lanthinel.livejournal.com]

I've found that the hardest thing for me is not being afraid to cut (or even, really, to think to do it). Cut cut cut. Cull the crap that's just not working and try rewriting it.

But it is a nice feeling when it *does* come together. Even from "just" a five word edit.

[splix.livejournal.com]

Can't remember where I nicked this, but I've always found it amusing and trenchant.

A friend came to visit James Joyce one day and found the great man sprawled across his writing desk in a posture of utter despair.
"James, what's wrong?" the friend asked. "Is it the work?"
Joyce indicated assent without even lifting his head to look at the friend. Of course it was the work; isn't it always?
"How many words did you get today?" the friend pursued.
Joyce (still in despair, still sprawled face down on his desk): "Seven."
"Seven? But James . . . that's good, at least for you!"
"Yes," Joyce said, finally looking up. "I suppose it is . . . but I don't know what order they go in!"

[lllvis.livejournal.com]

Hey, things don't have to be complicated or complex to be good!