Horribly late to this, so sorry Stephanie. I've had a real struggle just staying on top of anything these last few months and Substack has caught the brunt of that.
Anyway, I'm here now and I enjoyed reading this and your thoughts and reflections on process.
"This idea created some cohesion for me in a couple of existing plot lines that I was having trouble tying together, and led me to write a new scene in which one character is grappling with the changes in her own status quo that were brought on by “the stranger.” I loved that just reading the prompt gave me some needed inspiration " -- this is so great to hear. I love that a single line or idea can usher in this revelation for you.
I recently read (well, "finished", as I'd started it much earlier in the year but put it on pause after reading about half of the short stories) Stephen King's "You Like It Darker" and the little afterword about his process and letting characters themselves somewhat dictate what will happen in the stories was quite inspiring and uplifting. I struggle with plot a lot, too. But hearing King note how much he gives in to the feeling and lets the characters run things certainly comforted me. 😄
I'm always glad to receive your thoughtful comments, Nathan - whether it's the day of a post or months later! I myself am never caught up on Substack and ebb and flow in terms of how actively I am reading and writing here. I've decided that's okay! Love that Stephen King anecdote - very reassuring. And yes, all better 😊 Looking forward to catching up on your writing.
Hi Stephanie, I love what you’re doing in this series. It can be hard to be vulnerable and open about the struggle to make something, but I’ve found it’s always rewarding because it’s a powerful way to make fast friends. Thanks for the note and outpouring of love for Departures.
Thanks, Ben. Your approach to this space has really opened my eyes to what’s possible here. Including and maybe especially the relationships. Hope your new novel is going well - I think I may be behind on a couple posts from you so perhaps I’ll find out more once I read them!
I'm glad you've found something useful from what I've shared. That's huge. The novel is going, just a little slower at the moment. Everything ebbs and flows.
Horribly late to this, so sorry Stephanie. I've had a real struggle just staying on top of anything these last few months and Substack has caught the brunt of that.
Anyway, I'm here now and I enjoyed reading this and your thoughts and reflections on process.
"This idea created some cohesion for me in a couple of existing plot lines that I was having trouble tying together, and led me to write a new scene in which one character is grappling with the changes in her own status quo that were brought on by “the stranger.” I loved that just reading the prompt gave me some needed inspiration " -- this is so great to hear. I love that a single line or idea can usher in this revelation for you.
I recently read (well, "finished", as I'd started it much earlier in the year but put it on pause after reading about half of the short stories) Stephen King's "You Like It Darker" and the little afterword about his process and letting characters themselves somewhat dictate what will happen in the stories was quite inspiring and uplifting. I struggle with plot a lot, too. But hearing King note how much he gives in to the feeling and lets the characters run things certainly comforted me. 😄
Hope you're feeling better now!
I'm always glad to receive your thoughtful comments, Nathan - whether it's the day of a post or months later! I myself am never caught up on Substack and ebb and flow in terms of how actively I am reading and writing here. I've decided that's okay! Love that Stephen King anecdote - very reassuring. And yes, all better 😊 Looking forward to catching up on your writing.
Thank you so much for the mention!
Thank you, for the generosity of your prompts!
Hi Stephanie, I love what you’re doing in this series. It can be hard to be vulnerable and open about the struggle to make something, but I’ve found it’s always rewarding because it’s a powerful way to make fast friends. Thanks for the note and outpouring of love for Departures.
Thanks, Ben. Your approach to this space has really opened my eyes to what’s possible here. Including and maybe especially the relationships. Hope your new novel is going well - I think I may be behind on a couple posts from you so perhaps I’ll find out more once I read them!
I'm glad you've found something useful from what I've shared. That's huge. The novel is going, just a little slower at the moment. Everything ebbs and flows.
Ain't that the truth.