A Writer's Notebook, Day One-Hundred-Thirty-Two
I finished editing on the script for my play, and handed in the version that will be used at rehearsal. The new draft is short around 600 words, which still means it is running long, but I think I can find more of the edits through the rehearsal process, a belief that was endorsed when I turned in the current version.
In some ways, the process of editing has been more difficult than the actual writing. Of course, it is a different difficulty, as the process of composition is quite different from that involved in editing, particularly in terms of cutting. The thing is that all the material is in the play, and I don't wish to lose that, so it comes down to making small trims here and there, but doing so in a way that doesn't eliminate the voice or lessen other aspects of the plays impact. That process is one that requires tuning in to the work in a very specific way, and is not the same as connecting with it when creating.
For one thing, it is a far less freeing experience. As a writer, I allow myself to go in directions that are often very far from what I might originally have considered, and can follow my whims much of the time. This is not to deny that their is discipline and craft, but to say that their is a level at which, when I write, I am at liberty and can explore new and unexpected ideas. By contrast, the form of editing that I am discussing is something very constrained, as it must be. It is all about the economics of language, and is about remaining within the pattern of what has already been wrought. It requires a willingness to color within the lines, as it were, and as such can feel quite limiting.
When done well, though, this process is able to make what is there far more powerful. In removing the elements that were not truly needed, the parts that remain are stronger and more connected to each other. As well, certain moments gain power from what has been taken. By removing those bits of detritus, what remains is strengthened. It is almost as though the power of the work remains whole, but is split into a smaller number of pieces, each of which is more potent as a result. It is quite difficult to know if the process has been a success to this point, as I have yet to hear the play, but I am hopeful, and I know that I still have opportunities to do more revision through the rehearsal process.
I am quite glad to have the work handed in, and for a bit of time off from thinking about it again. Granted, it is only a few days until the first rehearsal, but I am glad to have that time. My main concern is really about the impression the piece will make on the others involved in the performance, but I trust in my work and believe that it is compelling and well-written. Really, it is a matter of not knowing the people involved, and also my own apprehensions as a neophyte in drama. It is a new arena, and it is hard for me to know entirely what is going to work on the stage, or what actors and directors are really noticing in a script. Of course, that is a reason this experience is so valuable.
To put that aside for the moment, I have a few days ahead during which I want to work, but I am not certain what that work will be. I do need to write some poetry, so I think I may try to get that going in one way or another. I might try my hand at a few forms in the next couple of days, and see if that spurs anything interesting. I really am out of practice on poetry, for the most part, and I need to get myself writing it more regularly. I know that when I get that pump primed, I can really get going, I just need to push myself to start.
I also have another idea for a story, one that is rather large in scope and has some interesting challenges, but that I understand. On some level, I am not certain about the idea to be honest, though. It may still need some development. As well, I would likely need to do a lot more research about myths, as the idea would involve a lot of different myths. The general concept is kind of old, really, as it involves the idea of aliens creating life on this planet, but that is only a small part of what I am considering. Really, even trying to explain it right now is difficult, and I know that means the idea isn't quite ready. So, I am going to let it percolate a bit and hope it comes together in a way that makes me truly excited to get to work.
In some ways, the process of editing has been more difficult than the actual writing. Of course, it is a different difficulty, as the process of composition is quite different from that involved in editing, particularly in terms of cutting. The thing is that all the material is in the play, and I don't wish to lose that, so it comes down to making small trims here and there, but doing so in a way that doesn't eliminate the voice or lessen other aspects of the plays impact. That process is one that requires tuning in to the work in a very specific way, and is not the same as connecting with it when creating.
For one thing, it is a far less freeing experience. As a writer, I allow myself to go in directions that are often very far from what I might originally have considered, and can follow my whims much of the time. This is not to deny that their is discipline and craft, but to say that their is a level at which, when I write, I am at liberty and can explore new and unexpected ideas. By contrast, the form of editing that I am discussing is something very constrained, as it must be. It is all about the economics of language, and is about remaining within the pattern of what has already been wrought. It requires a willingness to color within the lines, as it were, and as such can feel quite limiting.
When done well, though, this process is able to make what is there far more powerful. In removing the elements that were not truly needed, the parts that remain are stronger and more connected to each other. As well, certain moments gain power from what has been taken. By removing those bits of detritus, what remains is strengthened. It is almost as though the power of the work remains whole, but is split into a smaller number of pieces, each of which is more potent as a result. It is quite difficult to know if the process has been a success to this point, as I have yet to hear the play, but I am hopeful, and I know that I still have opportunities to do more revision through the rehearsal process.
I am quite glad to have the work handed in, and for a bit of time off from thinking about it again. Granted, it is only a few days until the first rehearsal, but I am glad to have that time. My main concern is really about the impression the piece will make on the others involved in the performance, but I trust in my work and believe that it is compelling and well-written. Really, it is a matter of not knowing the people involved, and also my own apprehensions as a neophyte in drama. It is a new arena, and it is hard for me to know entirely what is going to work on the stage, or what actors and directors are really noticing in a script. Of course, that is a reason this experience is so valuable.
To put that aside for the moment, I have a few days ahead during which I want to work, but I am not certain what that work will be. I do need to write some poetry, so I think I may try to get that going in one way or another. I might try my hand at a few forms in the next couple of days, and see if that spurs anything interesting. I really am out of practice on poetry, for the most part, and I need to get myself writing it more regularly. I know that when I get that pump primed, I can really get going, I just need to push myself to start.
I also have another idea for a story, one that is rather large in scope and has some interesting challenges, but that I understand. On some level, I am not certain about the idea to be honest, though. It may still need some development. As well, I would likely need to do a lot more research about myths, as the idea would involve a lot of different myths. The general concept is kind of old, really, as it involves the idea of aliens creating life on this planet, but that is only a small part of what I am considering. Really, even trying to explain it right now is difficult, and I know that means the idea isn't quite ready. So, I am going to let it percolate a bit and hope it comes together in a way that makes me truly excited to get to work.
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