Sixteenth Draft [Voice] Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way

[cuffmeonce]

[Locked away from Alexis & Blue]

My baby girl is growing up. I knew this. I mean I know this. This is not news to me however this news does not usually smack me in the face quite so violently.

There's a boy reading her poetry. I was a boy who read poetry. I know what boys who read poetry to girls want.

The temptation to have Kate shoot him is--I'd go to jail. I wouldn't mind. Alexis could visit me on Sundays and holidays.

Isn't this place supposed to keep people from getting older? Sure when it comes to zombie sheep, lust curses and truth curses they're on top of things but when it comes to keeping my baby girl a baby girl there is an obvious failure to comply.

Now I'm going to go be ridiculous somewhere else. Maybe take my frustration out on a fictional serial killer who preys on other people's baby girls.

Comments

[der-freischuetz.livejournal.com]

Oh, Mister Castle, do tell more about the art of crafting stories. I'm most fascinated, yes!

First Lieutenant Rip van Winkle, it is.

[cuffmeonce.livejournal.com]

[The phrasing throws him off a bit but he continues with the request.]

I generally write series so I've got a set of characters in my head. Most of the time I begin with one scene and work out from there. It's a lot of research, a lot of walking and a lot of staring at a blank screen. Not as exciting as one might imagine.

Pleasure to meet you, Rip.

[der-freischuetz.livejournal.com]

Yes, a pleasure.

...But surely there's a point when the story comes to life, yes?

[cuffmeonce.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah. Usually the characters first and then the story.

[der-freischuetz.livejournal.com]

That has to be such a splendid moment.

[cuffmeonce.livejournal.com]

Yeah. It really is. One of the reasons I write. Without that moment it would be very...hollow. And it'd force to me think maybe I've grown up and that's a horrible idea.

[der-freischuetz.livejournal.com]

Grown up? Why shouldn't you have?

[cuffmeonce.livejournal.com]

Why shouldn't I have grown up? I mean...more figuratively. I think a writer has to remain a child in some ways to remain in contact with that magic and that imagination. Adults lose that.

1/2

[der-freischuetz.livejournal.com]

Oh, not necessarily, nono! I do think they have to lose that- ah, that magic~, as you say.

[der-freischuetz.livejournal.com]

It all depends on the right... mindset, yes.

[cuffmeonce.livejournal.com]

I think it does. It helps me anyway. Other authors have different thoughts on it.