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Talion, I've only written parts of short stories

They were all preliminary attempts I think, as I tried to figure out what I want to say.  I may borrow elements from them but I don't think I can salvage any of them.

posted by Artifact on September 26, 2006 at 4:41 AM | link to this | reply

Artifact

It sounds like you've already written this story, about ten times now. Instead of writing it again, why not figure out which version you want to keep?

posted by Talion on September 25, 2006 at 10:48 AM | link to this | reply

Thank you charice!

posted by Artifact on September 24, 2006 at 9:19 PM | link to this | reply

Good post.

posted by charice on September 24, 2006 at 8:44 PM | link to this | reply

Thanks Whacky!

Something tells me that I'll need it!

posted by Artifact on September 24, 2006 at 5:19 PM | link to this | reply

The best of luck to you.

posted by Whacky on September 24, 2006 at 5:03 PM | link to this | reply

Ariel, I have already set it aside

And now I feel like it is time to face it.  I think that, because I have struggled with it, it will be more tricky and challenging, but I think the end result will be all the more rewarding for it.

posted by Artifact on September 24, 2006 at 4:36 PM | link to this | reply

Julia, you are very right!

I have been thinking a great deal about it since I started this, and I think the problem is that I am trying to write all my stories with only one.  I keep bringing in elements from other stories that have no place in this one, or I will try to borrow voice from another one I've written.  I think if I take a deep breath, assure myself that there will be plenty of time to write everything I want to, I will be able to concentrate on this story, it's significance, and its meaning.

posted by Artifact on September 24, 2006 at 4:34 PM | link to this | reply

babe, usually I do, but I can't seem to let this one go

I have set it aside before but now I refuse to.  It's like a finicky pot that, even on the backburner, engulfs all my attention, because it has to be just right.  I think that, more than any difficulty I have with it, is what makes me feel good about it.

posted by Artifact on September 24, 2006 at 4:32 PM | link to this | reply

Artifact

 

New eyes are the key to it all. I guess you know how fantastically different things can seem, when viewed later. What was a gem is seen as dross ; what was rubbish suddenly has merit, and so on.

Of course, one can never speak for another writer, but all I can say is that any writing that I've ever had to wrestle with has never worked. But laid aside for a while, I've never failed to make something good of it. The piece, I mean, not me! LOL

Altho', come to think of it ...

el Tel

posted by ariel70 on September 24, 2006 at 3:01 PM | link to this | reply

artifact--

I think it's significant that every time you seriously try to write it, the thing falls apart. That is where I would look, in terms of in-depth analysis...because I don't think it is the story's fault, I think the answer lies in you. Remember though, to ask yourself not the question Why but Who. Who am I in this outcome, that every time I try to put this story down I can't? How does that serve me? Dig deep...the answer is there!

posted by Julia. on September 24, 2006 at 2:57 PM | link to this | reply

I have stories like that, but when I get stuck, I go on to something else.  Sometimes I take up my old projects at a later date, but sometimes not. 

posted by babe_rocks on September 24, 2006 at 2:53 PM | link to this | reply

Ariel, thanks for being honest!

I am somewhat of a stubborn person though, so you might be surprised.  I've wrestled bigger bears to the ground.

posted by Artifact on September 24, 2006 at 2:52 PM | link to this | reply

Artifact

 

I'm really sad to say that I honestly don't think your story's going to work.

For what it's worth, I'd lay it aside for a short/medium/ long time, then look at it again with new eyes. It can work wonders!

Anyway, good luck with any other projects you've got on hand.

el Tel

posted by ariel70 on September 24, 2006 at 2:48 PM | link to this | reply