February 27, 2008
The Current Focus
The book I’m writing at the moment (A Blaze) has given me the opportunity to work on some writing concepts that I believe in whole-heartedly, and that I’m nowhere near mastering. In this instance, I’m using the idea of Carl Jung’s Shadows - the part of us that is wholly unconscious but that drives us in all our actions. As it pertains to the book, I’m editing with an eye to catch all instances where the conflicts in the characters are stated blatantly and changing the scene to have the same message come through using only actions. Making all of it subtext. I’m not finding this easy. It has forced me to really understand my h/h history, but to veer away from stereotypical behaviors. In essence, put the characters in situations that trigger deep emotions, give them something to do that (in theory) give clues to the deep emotional issues but that are never stated, and leave the conclusions, and therefore the final makeup of the characters, to the reader. Oh, and it needs to be kind of funny.
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And they say Romance is easy to write and has no depth! Way to show them girl!!!
February 28th, 2008 at 11:50 amWhy oh why do I feel the need to break out Plato’s “The Allegory of the Cave”?
Not only does what you hint at sound interesting, but also, it sounds like a challenging writing task that once complete will feel really good to put your name to.
February 28th, 2008 at 1:01 pmWell, thanks, Glenice!
Oh, I know that reference, Shawn. Neato! Frankly, it is a real challenge. I think I’ve edited more on this book than any other. I hope it’s all worth it!
February 28th, 2008 at 2:41 pmGood luck. I tend to overstate my h/h’s needs/wants/backstory, etc., especially in the first draft, so I can imagine what a challenge it must be to turn it all into subtext. I can see how it could make for a much stronger story, though.
February 29th, 2008 at 2:49 pmJo -
That sounds absolutely fascinating. I am totally into Carl Jung’s collective unconscious and how Joseph Campbell jumped off of that into his studies of myth.
TTFN, LLB
March 1st, 2008 at 12:54 pmHi Caryn, Thanks for the good wishes. I need them. But I have to say the trouble’s worth it. The book is much, much more textured.
Laurie, it is fascinating. I’ve been a hit and miss student of both Jung and Campbell- both compelling and IMO essential for a writer. :)
March 1st, 2008 at 6:33 pmJo -
For about three years I participated in a dream group led by two of Campbell’s students. At the time I was having multiple dreams almost every night that were vivid - and generally not pleasant. The two therapists were connected to a place here in Dallas that brought in some tremendous “thinkers,” and I remember dragging my husband to hear Tom Moore, who happened to have been a college professor of mine. The class? Women in Myth. My term paper? The Virgin Goddesses. I think I may still have it…it was cool.
TTFN, LLB
March 2nd, 2008 at 2:08 pmI’m jealous about your dream group - unfortunately one of my evening meds prevent me from remembering much of mine, but I’m fascinated by them. Also about religion and mythology. Sounds as if your term paper was right up my ally.
When I lived in LA, I used to go to a discussion group on the Talmud. It was fabulous and I miss it to this day. Campbell’s and Jung’s work came up often in the talks.
I love the internet for so many reasons, but it can’t replace an honest to god group of curious, thinking people sitting in a room together.
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:35 pm