So Little Time

I am only able to make it to rehearsals of my newest production at the Hamner Theatre in Nelson County, Virginia about once a week. The first time I made it down there the company had been working about two weeks on the play. It was a remarkable experience as it felt to me what it must be like to rediscover a child you gave up for adoption some years later. The play, on its feet and in the hands of all the artists, had grown so much in two weeks. In some ways I barely recognized it! The words were all the same, but the actors were coming alive. I felt like I had missed so much. And I had. And I am. On the one hand it's exciting, but I can only imagine what adjustments I might be making if I was there to witness the work and struggles all the artists must go through with a new script. Still, it's exciting to see it grow, even without me. It's a wonderful gift to have a production of your work, but there is also so much to be learned (both about this play and writing in general) by attending as many rehearsals as one can. But there is only so much time and the drive takes about 2 1/2 hours.

Journaling

Journaling is an important aspect of a writer's life and this becomes a topic of discussion in writing workshops that I lead. While one might think this is a relatively straight forward idea, there are all sorts of considerations that go into making this work for you. For example, what kind of notebook do you journal in? Mary Amato, an aclaimed and award-winning children's author writes about the importance of carrying a notebook in her blog, so the size of the notebook becomes an issue. I have more than one: I carry a small one in my pocket, a medium sized one in a bag and my daily journals go into large notebooks. This can get confusing, but that's a topic for another day.

What is a journal? It needs to be whatever serves you as a writer. In my workshops I find this can cause some confusion and I do my best to explain there are no rules, except for one: write every day. Even if it is only for ten or fifteen minutes. Get into the habit. Start with whatever comes to mind. Better yet, refer to the little notebook you carry with you everyday (you do carry a little notebook don't you?) and start with something that caught your attention the day before. Complain, celebrate, observe, describe: pretty soon you will find you won't lack topics, you will lack time.

Wandering in the Dark

After recently completing a commissioned comedy I have turned my attention back to a stubborn script that resists the usual questions and tricks of the trade. I find myself talking to the script (or is to myself?)... what do you want to be? I ask. Not THAT is the sarcastic and impatient reply (sort of like a teen ager) every time I try something new. I am hopeful that this struggle is a good sign and that the play will be unique, with its own voice and purpose in this world. But it's possible it may not belong on the stage. I miss the predictable logic and structure of the comedy I wrote. It was familiar terrain with clear objectives each day of writing. Not this script. I keep waiting to stumble on the right course. Or maybe I am not listening well enough.