Being in a creative writing class has made me realize (if, only more so), my writing style and how it differs (and is similar to) my peers in the class. I've written short stories for the class thus far, two poems, and naturally, my inclination was to write, or share, my previously written work, or type up stories where couples were distraught, on the verge of a break up, lost secrets not told, secrets, as a whole, I realize tends to more or less resurface in my work, something my professor enjoys immensely to say the least.
I showed him A Night of Frivolity, which he loved, and for my midterm, I had expanded upon Judgment, briefly flirting with the thought of making it a straight psychological thriller/mystery, but when it came down to it, the book was just that, but flirted, instead, with vampires and magic. Deadly vices in their own rights. He gave me an A+ on the work and told me that he would've distributed it to the class but he didn't want them, (and these are his words, mind you), to feel 'intimidated.' I scoffed immediately - my work hardly warranted such a claim, but he's remained impressed with my work, so much so, like I've said previously, he's offered to give The Dark World to a publisher friend of his, so we'll see how that goes.
He has stressed to me that he desires to see me write something that didn't involve vampires, magic, because he says my character building, plot structure...etc., it's all there, he just desires to see what else I can do. And I agree. I too have wondered when (because I know there is no more if), I will write a novel or short story that is solely...normal? Well, sans fangs and magic, at least. I don't know if that's soon, because I believe I've just begun to fully explore my love for those dark themes and what they bring out in me and what I can understand within them, and I can't see myself, for right now, working on anything contemporary or even solely historical fiction. I enjoy reading those types of works, but not too often, and would sooner pick up a book with swords, potions, alchemy, dragons, magic, supernatural creatures...etc.
I often wonder if this is a phase. Shall I one day grow out of it and venture onto...calmer pastures of writing? Or shall I always find comfort in the macabre, the bloody?
Only time will tell.
For now, I'm quite glad with the streaks of A++'s that I've earned in my creative writing class thus far, and the positive acclaim my writing has garnered.
Oh, and I was mentioned in the much-talked about author Jayme K.,'s interview with Carlana of This Lady Writes, do check it out and snag a copy of Disorderly and Nocturn by Ronald Andres Moore when you can!
Keep your bite,
-S.C. Parris
Oh and I'm listening to this amazing music by 78Violet (sisters Aly and AJ Michalka) while I go about my night. Give it a listen, will you?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwr9JwyOHqA&w=640&h=360]
