Blissfully Unaware

Photo Credit: S. R. Karfelt

Looking back I'd say that the difference between freestyle writing and writing for publication is like the difference between writing in your diary and putting together a presentation for the board of directors - during cutbacks (and you just bought a new house - lost all your money in the stock market, your dog needs an operation and your husband was just laid off and started his own business).  A bit more pressure.  As I gave my story free reign I never paused to consider punctuation or grammar much - or worse still - my writing style (there is a reason I think of my brain as The Glitter Globe). I had my story firmly imprinted in my mind and ignorantly wrote away assuming it was magically taking form.  It is laughable as I look back, but I don't regret any of it; though I do hope that I can adopt a more readable first draft when my next project comes pouring out.  About two years in I did start rewrites, inspired by rereading a portion of the story and realizing it was border-line illegible.  One problem with my rewrites was that they simply ignited another tangent of freestyle writing, and another sequel to my original story-line.  Like the song that never ends (it just goes on and on my friends) I'm fairly certain I have enough raw material to fill about fifteen sequels.  It makes me ponder what happens to people who really, really enjoyed singing the song that never ends?  Some people started singing it not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever just because...