Thursday, February 18, 2010

On Writing: I Hear Voices

No, I'm not mad.

When I got the rejection letter from the publisher I submitted my novel to last year, I decided to put the manuscript away for a while so that I could get some distance and hopefully clarity on it. I haven't looked at the work since December. Now I'm hearing my characters whispering to me, asking me why I abandoned them for so long. They want me to come and clear up the twists I've left in their lives. One of my protagonists especially, is asking for a slight change in his life. I'm considering it.

Weird, huh? Most fiction writers would know what I'm talking about. It's funny having your own made-up characters come alive and start taking over your sub-conscious. Weird and a bit scary. Anyhow, I love my job, so I'm not complaining. I just wish they would let me do it on my own terms... okay, okay, I've got to go and finish re-writing that chapter...

Take care folks!

PS: Before you go, check out my interview on Femme Lounge

xx

10 comments:

  1. Blogsville needs a LIKE button!!!
    I think you're on to a terrific start Tolu! hearing voices is definitely a GREAT sign for a writer (as weird as that reads). Keep writing!

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  2. This is Excellent News. Very soon, we get to hold and read Tolu's first publication :) Yay.

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  3. Lara Daniels; A big Fan.8:21 pm

    Tolu, it's all going to be good. From one writer to another,I understand what you are talking about... especially the part about doing it all on your own terms. You know what I think? There are as many opinions out there as there are writers. Personally,I think that your novel will be enjoyed by a lot of people, but with so many opinions and with this agent having his/her own opinion, it makes it seem like your work needs to be re-worked to make it much of a better fit to other people's tastes. My personal thots: Let the voices that speak to you be YOUR voice...staying true to yourself as a writer... Afterall, writing fiction is all "subjective" and you are expressing ideas based on your beliefs, your culture and your experiences....so make sure you stick to your own terms and lift it to God. It will all surely pay off eventually.

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  4. Wow that's a bit scary....but thanks for the heads up!!! Been working on a short story for some time now...it prob explains y I become uneasy when I haven't written in a while...OMG...voices??? lol...

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  5. I totally agree with Lara, all the best girl.

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  6. Dust that paper and get back to work...All the best....

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  7. Yeah FG..Tolu...All the best...we can wait!

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  8. the vision is yet for an appointed time dear...though it tarry...wait for it...for it will surely come!

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  9. Hello Tolu

    Haven't been here in a while. Good to see you're keeping well. As you know, things have been well hectic, but don't worry, I know I owe lunch and Coke!

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  10. Anonymous2:03 am

    I really like when people are expressing their opinion and thought. So I like the way you are writing

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