How Do You Write?
Working on the assumption, (whether correct or not), that most Lit Netters are not only avid readers, but writers as well; I was wondering regards the various personal routines or self-imposed disciplines.
Hemingway apparently had a rigid time schedule; writing standing up and remorseless revisions, even for his sparse style. “Sweating blood” he termed it on occasion.
I can of course only speak for myself. I start the kind of stories, sometimes short, but other times comprising a number of chapters from an initial idea; but have zero planning of where they will lead.
Once the first chapter is thrown to the wolves as it were, I discipline myself to another chapter every Sunday. The time in-between is for looking at the options and turning ideas around.
When I actually start a draft, it is invariably accompanied with a good stiff drink or two: Jack & coke, or Stolinichya and tonic.
I endeavour, (Dear Lord how I try), to create an original style; but am only too aware of the influence of what I have read over the years. Thus, in a recent foray into an espionage piece I found myself “a la Ian Fleming”, embellishing details of Lebanese cuisine courses being consumed by two of the main characters. Is it plagiarism or just an influence that has crept in and been unconsciously adopted?