In which adversity is good for me

[impulsereader]

or at least that's what I'm telling myself.

I am still struggling with Sherlock's parents and this scene. I have given a great deal of consideration to the idea that since I am struggling so mightily I should simply drop it and move on, but I really think it needs to be there.

So, I adopted the view - THROW A GRENADE AT IT - and promptly discovered that my brain is completely capable of taking absolutely anything literally. It gave Sherlock's father a live grenade to play with.

I don't even know.

But - it sort of seems to be working.

So - this is teaching me something. Up until now writing has been all sunshine and roses and happy magical typing which somehow produces funny and interesting things which I enjoy reading, and which at least a few other people also enjoy reading (thank you all, by the way) - fantastic.

Now I'm learning what to do when the typing isn't quite as magical as I might like it to be. It means I'm writing long hand for the very first time (oh gosh, I just remembered and had to modify - for the first time since high school when I was unknowingly writing ST:TNG fic during class [before the internet, or at least my being on it - biggest mary sue ever - seriously, ever]). Somehow this scene makes my eyes skitter away from the monitor when I try to get to work, so pen and paper work better. I'm also spending a lot of time writing out a lot of the same sort of thing over and over - but just slightly differently - as I work out what this needs to look like.

So I'm learning and becoming a better writer. This is the positive thing to focus on as I wrestle this scene into existence. I'm also learning by being forced to think more about the characters of Sherlock's parents instead of allowing them to remain cardboard cut-outs which will serve no purpose other than to trip up Sherlock emotionally. Oh, and to give myself a moment of indulgent praise - I am not hiding from the fact that I need to work on this - I haven't gone haring off to write other things which would be much more fun to work on instead - which I am perfectly capable of doing - but I haven't! This is very encouraging. The end is in sight and I will finish this section so that I can move on to the much more entertaining Baker Street Interludes!

Comments

[natsuko1978.livejournal.com]

I second this as a way of working. I think the line from brain to arm to hand to pen to paper gets first thoughts down so much easier. (Also no annoying red line squiggles when you make spelling mistakes and typos.)

Also you can write longhand anywhere - on public transport, in cafes/bars/restaurants, in the bath, in bed, watching TV with an ease that even a laptop doesn't always allow.

And moving from one working method to another for that first edit helps as well, I think. When I am reading and typing out that first draft, I think it's easier to notice where I need more action or explanation or dialogue.

Also I must be one of the few people left who can handwrite faster than I can type. :( There's a reason my default icon is a fountain pen.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

I love your default icon! It is very lovely. As a side note, when you eventually get around to doing more with those Sherlock screen shots over at your icon journal - well, I'm really looking forward to that! Your Gladstone's Collar contributions are fantastic - icons and playlists and covers, oh my!

ahem, back on topic.

Thanks for weighing in. As I continue to (hopefully) learn and grow, this is a pretty hot topic in my head at the moment. I think a lot of the appeal in the typing is the speed. I learned to type, and to do so quickly, in order to get a job and a paycheck. The fact that it now allows me to do this is basically blowing my mind. I've likened it a few times to some invisible entity feeding a ticker tape directly into my brain which I'm simply transcribing - at times writing/typing is more than a bit scary for me.

But, as you say, life is odd, and computer time can be limited or oddly regulated for the most bizarre reasons. Being able to noodle around productively on paper is a very valuable skill which I intend to foster - despite the fact that I continue to attract not entirely positive attention. *cough. I'm on a train. You are not real. cough.*

thanks again!

[natsuko1978.livejournal.com]

Have you seen my latest efforts? But yes, must get around to an icon post. And soon. :D

You must cultivate the ability to ignore those who think you're weird. Thank God I grew up as a Londoner. :)

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen your latest icon efforts apart from what 221b_hound has been pimping - do tell, or post to draw me over!

I do try. I would rather just move to London, or at least move to somewhere in England which would allow me to visit London at the weekends...sigh.

[natsuko1978.livejournal.com]

Just the Collared John above and the Collared Sherlock I've used here. As far as I know they have yet to be pimped. :) Other than this pimpage.

I'm trying to do the whole band. Having trouble finding any decent photos of Tad to use, however.