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| Image by Dapino Colada |
Ali Cross over at the writer’s dojo wrote a post on
The Beauty Of Book Dreaming. It’s basically
an exercise to help writers reconnect with the story they’re writing. This type of exercise is more like a
meditation – also called book dreaming.
My WIP has been a total seat of the pants - when
inspiration hits - type of a
project. Recently, I decided to revisit my
work and attempt to outline the story before proceeding any further. At first I had planned on working on my
outline this weekend but since I’m not a plotter, I was dreading the drudgery ahead
of me.
That is until I read Ali’s post. Instead what I will do this weekend is dream –
book dream for as long as I remain undisturbed. I haven’t decided how I’ll
go about it yet. For starters I’m quite tempted to lounge in the tub with hot water, light
some candles, have music playing in the background - possibly symphonic metal or maybe even classical. There might be refreshments
and something to nosh on within reach.
After all, I’ll be working and need to keep my energy up. Maybe I should put up a "Do Not Disturb" sign (hand written with a sharpie and scotch taped to the bathroom door).
Next, I’ll focus on my project, breathing deeply and
slowly while letting myself fall into the meditation as the “dreaming” begins. My intent will be to
drop into the MC, becoming her, seeing through her eyes until there isn’t any
distinction between her and I. What will
I see? How will I feel? Am I scared?
Confused? Where will I go
next? And what will I do?
Meditation doesn't come easy for me so I’m hoping that this exercise proves fruitful
and leads me to the next part of the MC’s journey. Wish me luck.
So how was the meditation and dreaming about your novel? Did you see "The Hunger Games" with Katniss and her archery?
ReplyDeleteAt first my mind was a little chatty. I’m not sure if I actually meditated, because I talked out loud to myself just running things through for the scene I was concentrating on. In the end, I jotted a few bullets down for my outline. So, all in all I think this was a good exercise. Will try it again but not in the tub. It was too relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI haven’t seen The Hunger Games movie because I want to read the books first. Although, I hear that the movie is pretty good so I may change my mind. I did, see the trailer and noticed that Katniss extends her index finger when she shoots. I don’t.
I do quite a bit of this, sometimes unintentionally... and, um, at the table. It prompts the Little Princess and my Piano Man to ask "Are you book-dreaming again?"
ReplyDeleteI stare at them in profound embarrassment, having been caught listening to one of my characters rambling or my mind wondering "Hm, what would X do if..." I guess I need some book-dreaming structure. I'll check out the writer's dojo.
Okay, so I'm absolutely psyched about The Writing Dojo. Wanna be writing ninjas together?
DeleteIt's a pretty awesome concept! I'm glad Ali thought of it. Since black is my confort color, I can wear the black ninja outfit. I think you will look hot in the white one! ;o)
DeleteI do love white, but black and red are my colors of choice. Writer Ninjas, yay!
DeleteHi Carmen! I'm so sorry it took me so long to get here! My book-dreaming usually comes in the form of Magaly's. Probably because when I've tried to "officially" book-dream, my mind goes strangely quiet. Picture a big ol' empty tub--you're lying in there, totally naked, but there's no warm water to comfort you, no beautiful pictures to inspire you. Yeah, that's how my "planned" dreaming sessions tend to go. But your post made me want to try it again! Cuz even if all I did is fall asleep in the tub, the whole thing sounds lovely!
ReplyDeleteMy mind doesn’t shut up, like ever. So after the initial chattiness, the tub session was so relaxing that I kept drifting off and had to bring myself back on track. As soon as the weather gets warmer, I’ll be able to sit out in the back yard to dream. Hopefully, I won’t have birds perching on me.
DeleteAli, if you write about "no beautiful pictures" I would read it!
DeleteWow, I love the name,"book dreaming"! I think that's the part that comes easy for me ( usually unplanned and at night when I'm supposed to be sleeping because I have to get up for work at 3.00 AM,lol!). I,ve never been too good at meditation because I can't get this brain to shut off. But as far as fantasizing, that's where the writing comes easy cuz I can fantasize and literally just let the story unfold as I write or "book dream". It's the editing and the outlining that I have so much trouble with. I loved your other post about outlining, cracked me up cuz I can relate on it being like a school project, ugh. Have fun "book dreaming", oh and I'm following you now from Magaly's site!Deb
ReplyDeleteHello Deb!
DeleteThe other day on the way to work, I had been book dreaming during the train ride and short walk to the office. Unfortunately, I missed the office and only realized it when I was half way down the next block. I have no recollection of crossing the street or even if the light was red when I crossed it. There should be a warning for writers “Do Not Book Dream And Walk. It May Be Dangerous!”
I am wishing you luck ;o) This sounds great!
ReplyDelete