Hello,
I avoid getting involved in round robin memes as it feels oxymoronic for a blog that celebrates the absurd and nonsensical to explain itself in anyway.
However, I was invited by the wonderful Kathryn Grid at art colored glasses to talk about my writing. This is a different story. Because Kathryn is wonderful. Plain and simple. She has a clarity of thought and writing style that explains why this blogging lark is so enjoyable. Whether it be poetry, art, photography or beautifully written pieces about modern-day life I always find her insights enjoyable.
I am late with this exercise, partly because I was in heavy training for a half marathon, partly because the PC required the brawny yet caring hands of Trevor the ‘puter repair man (scuppering a few sausageifications I might add) but mostly due to inertia.
So apologies Kathryn for missing your deadline!
The rules of the process are that I answer four questions about how I write and nominate three others.
What am I working on at the moment?
I am putting the finishing touches to a set of stories all written on trains and have finally prepared the skeleton for a novel which will consume me for years to come.
I am also through Gingerfightback seeking to get “Nonsense with a purpose” included into the political lexicon of Britain in time for the General Election in 2015.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
No idea.
I concentrate on writing good stories with engaging characters that makes the reader want to get to the end of the story.
Why do I write what I do?
It is the way my brain works. I have an aversion to long windedness. Flowery writing drives me potty. Cherish words – don’t waste them.
How does my writing process work?
Notepad and pen. Always scribbling. Arrows and balloons. Get the narrative and then characterisation (my handwriting is so abysmal that the transfer to the screen is a slow and expletive laden process). Once I am happy with the structure, rewrite the thing. Remove excessive words. Rewrite. Third or fourth draft I might be happy with. Probably not so rewrite with the aim of removing more words.
I am a morning person.
And now, I nominate these three writers to participate in a Writing Process Blog Meme:
I nominated the people below because;
- I have enjoyed reading their work
- They hail from the British Isles
- Their work covers adult and children’s literature and also poetry
Jackie @ http://barbedwords.wordpress.com/
Holly Anne @ http://hollyannegetspoetic.wordpress.com
JD @http://jdgallagher.wordpress.com
If you accept my nomination, please write an article prompted by the following four questions and post it on your blog sometime in the future. You’ll also nominate three writers of your choice to post their articles on their blogs again at sometime in the future. The four questions are;
What am I working on at the moment?
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Why do I write what I do?
How does my writing process work?
Don’t worry if you don’t want to do it!
gingerfightback.wordpress.com 
That’s an interesting look at your process.
And I agree – you are in a genre of your own making, and delightfully so.
Well said Guap. And best of luck with the book Jim. I don’t envy you!
Cheers Sean – the chances are slim as we probably all know – but that should not deter us!
Cheers Gupa! Very nice of you to say so – hope you are enjoying your break.
Wait. You’re training for a half marathon?
You, my dear sir, are not to be trusted. No human should run farther than 10k. Unless it’s away from a bear. Or towards cheesecake.
Ran it on Sunday Nancy. Did OK – managed to avoid getting overtaken by the man in a Rhino Costume!
A woman pushing a baby in a stroller overtook me In a 5k last November.
Awesome job, dude!
I’m honoured and accept the nomination. Thank you!
Loved your answer to Why Do I Write What I Do? Terrific.
Cheers JD – Enjoying the Box Factory enormously. Peter scares the shite out of me.
It’s nice to get a little look into what makes Jim O’Sullivan tick…or in this case write. I agree with El Guapo your genre is unique to you.
Cheers Michelle – I am not one to talk about myself in this way – the old stoical Irish upbringing coming out!
Hey – enjoyed popping open the forehead and seeing the how your brain worked a bit.
Morning person, always scribbling, “nonsense with a purpose”
Sounds like a winning combo.
Thanks for the new bloggers to check out
Cheers – I struck to these guys because I’ve read a lot of their work and in the case of Jackie proof read a draft of a children’s book she has put together – really enjoyed it to – hope she cracks on with it! Thing is there is so much talent out there that limiting it to 3 choices made it very difficult!
This is so cool to hear about your process, Jim. I like your answer to the second question as well. Best of luck on your train stories!
Cheers Amy! We will see how it goes. Choo Choo!
So the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t a train but oncoming train tales! Yay!
All aboard hopefully Sandy!
I love your writing, Jim. I’ve been a fan for ages now. You’re one of the few people I’ve met who regularly make me guffaw. (How did the half marathon go? Has it happened yet?)
Most kind Andra – if I can get half way to your quality of work I will be delighted. Thanks for the letter by the way – the first pint will be on Ma Fightback and Me. The half marathon was on Sunday – I finished! It was boiling hot and the run was very hilly – I am ginger, fair skinned and a little overweight – by the end I resembled Steve McQueen during his Papillon phase. But I finished!
Ah! Honesty. Might work for some!!!
Let us hope so Ankur!
Can’t wait for train series! Great post
Ta Lass!
Aw, thanks very much for the nomination, Jim…you’re too kind 🙂 I accept and, when I get my arse into gear, I shall post it on my blog. Looking forward to checking out the other blogs. A half-marathon in the heat sounds like my idea of hell; the Christmas Day swim at the Lido is more my scene!!
Cheers Jackie – The lido is open – builders are still in but it is pouring in nam today!
I’m glad you followed up! It’s very nice to know you with a little more personal detail! You have a lot of talent and you are definitely an original, Jim! I wish you well with your ambitious writing projects! I’d say more, but I want to honor your wish for brevity with words. 🙂
Cheers Debra!
I always enjoy reading about how my fellow writers approach their creations. Thanks for the insights into your process!
Thanks – I always find your insights, especially on structure an interesting and useful read.