31: The First Reader
5/18/2012
When I start a new scene, I look for an unorthodox angle as a hook, upon which I can enter in an interesting way. I’ve compiled all the ingredients for the fourth scene of “The Kulu”, worked out what happens, and with whom. Listed the things about Dougga’s background I want to reveal since it’s his POV. But I need an angle of attack – an approach that is creative and mood-setting. Like what I did with Wanyana’s introduction in “Kumbella”.
Present-Day Reflection
6/25/2026
It’s vital for me as the first reader of my work to be just as enthralled as I’d like my future audience to be. It’s easier said than done though when I know in advance the basics of what’s about to happen. It’s a weird form of schizophrenia as I try and come up with ways to circumvent my own expectations – trying not to let my left hand know what my right hand is about to do.
It involves a lot of pivots, constantly changing my mind about how to do things. Then following my characters and where they want to go, as well as any unforeseen opportunities in the direction of the story. The devil is in the details, and so many surprises arise at every turn due to the chemistry of countless details.
This is the big difference between daydreaming and creating solely in my head. Putting pen to paper solidifies details. Dreams shift and change very easily, and with very little internal logic or consistency. Whereas every drop of ink on paper creates the canon I have to adhere to – or go back and rewrite it all in order to make sense out of it.
It’s fascinating for me, balancing being both creator and audience simultaneously.
