Thursday, February 2, 2012

...Playing Field



...in a few short days, the world as we know it will come to a grinding halt. Ever-present worries and tedious affairs being cast aside for an evening, as a multitude of countless observers lay siege to family rooms and man caves spanning the globe, all channels tuned to Super Bowl Sunday.

We set our ovens ablaze with pizza and bowls of festering chili. We stuff our faces, share some laughs, and cheer on as two rival combatants partake in good-natured bloodshed.

For they are the final two, dueling for the right to be the last man standing. They've accomplished what their opposition stumbled upon...survival. And regardless of Sunday evening's eventual victor, both teams have experienced that feeling of confidence. Of falling into a groove.

As writers, it's an experience worth treasuring. When every word is perfect, the diaglogue as natural as a conversation on a street corner, a performance worthy of tears.

I've read of storytellers being unable to remember penning a particular scene, their minds too engrossed in the drama being played out to focus on words spattering across the monitor. Throbbing fingers hammering on keys, where only the seizing of cramps can slow one's pace. Where days grow somber, and the hours pass to a sun's rise before one ponders as to wherever the night has gone.

For only then will we make it onto that playing field. Where the likes of Gaiman and King, Sandford and Clark, come out to play. To wine and dance. Speaking of such tales as "Neverwhere," and "Salem's Lot." Of "Horns," "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell," and "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle," whispering of secrets that only those on the playing field have earned the right to hear.

Perhaps over time we'll get there. Perhaps not. I've heard them say however, those who've been there, whose creations have been deemed worthy, that we'll know it when it happens. When the story's ebb and flow is reminiscent of life itself, one built of extraordinary circumstance.

And when asked how to get there, how to reach that point of literary supremacy, the great ones, they all shrug and say, "Just keep writing."


Enjoy the game!

El

17 comments:

Wendy Tyler Ryan said...

All creations you are proud of are "worthy". Great post, nicely written.

Carolyn V said...

Wow, that's awesome. Enjoying the game is great advice. =D

A Life Un-Styled said...

I agree, this is a great post. And I love how you ended it with "Just Keep Writing" As a doctoral student that's what we do! Have a great weekend El.

Raquel Byrnes said...

You almost have me excited for the game! Well done. :)

Roland D. Yeomans said...

For a second, I thought you were talking about Dec. 21 of this year! Those pesky Mayans with their world's end prophecies!

Stephen King said he can't remember writing THE SHINING. Only that he wrote it in a cocaine haze, with Q-Tips up his nose to stop the bleeding. I am happy he pulled through that dark time.

Hope the team you're rooting for wins. I just watch the cheerleaders, Roland :-)

Belle said...

I came to return your visit to my blog. I read the first few pages of your book, 'South of Charm' and was captivated. Wonderful writing and the story drew me in right away. I have to know what happens next! I hope it isn't just in kindle. I'll check it out. Nice to meet you.

Golden Eagle said...

Great post! :)

Sarah Tokeley said...

Wow. You make me want to watch a game I know nothing about, where I don't know who's playing and I don't even live in the right country.

That's some writing. Way to go, El.

Jemi Fraser said...

I'll keep writing for sure!

And my son's Ravens got knocked out last game - don't know if he has the heart to even watch the game!

dolorah said...

That was truly poetic El.

My TV has declined to air the game on Sunday :) Pizza sounds good though, always up for that.

.....dhole

Elliot Grace said...

Hey Wendy, I agree completely! And thanks ;)

Hey Carolyn, glad you enjoyed it.

Hey Vanisha, its wonderful to hear that we use the same advice from other sides of the globe. How interesting!

Hey Raquel, personally, I'm only in it for the food!

Hey Roland, I read of King's adventures during the penning of Shining as well. Quite the story.

Hey Belle, thanks for stopping by, and so glad that you enjoyed the excerpt!

Hey Eagle, thanks so much!

Hey Sarah, love the comment! I'm cracking up from across the pond ;)

Hey Jemi, all of my favorites have been eliminated as well, but I'm sure that curiosity will lure toward the television nonetheless.

Hey Donna, I agree, bring on the pepperoni!

El

Jo Schaffer said...

(= I like.
Just keep writing is the key. I have my moments--little mini seizures of genius and then when I read those passages later I'm surprised I wrote it. (=

Emily said...

What a thrill! You're making me want to start writing!

Jennifer Hillier said...

Wow, great post! I promise to keep writing if you will. :)

Elliot Grace said...

Hey Jo, in this biz, seizures are a good thing ;)

Hey Emily, thanks so much!

Hey Jennifer, you've got yourself a deal ;)

El

Helen Ginger said...

Great post. You're right, Keep Writing is the thing to do. Sometimes it's easier said than done, but it is still the key.

Christine Danek said...

Sorry I've been a bad at commenting. REal life stuff has taken over. I really enjoyed this post. So true and lots of inspiration I always need. Thank you!