intricate layers of experience: from the inner wrestling with pain response, through relationship dynamics, to 'toddlers'-eye-view', to OBE and back, to a cliffhanger finale...
The scene you have created here feels as if Paul is walking (or rather hobbling/ dragging himself) through a hall of warped mirrors.
Thank you for encapsulating exactly those layers in your very first line. I wrote this book over several years as time allowed while working a demanding 9-5, solo and isolated.
Being with the Substack community for just two months I’ve noticed my writing has matured considerably(!) since then just by reading and interacting with so many creative individuals, and it is that added maturity that specifically added/modified those layers from the original manuscript.
That is exactly my experience too! For several years I've been a member of Jericho Writers (a writers' hub in the UK) and other online writers' groups, and have found the exchange invaluable.
As you say, it helps our writing mature considerably! Which is essential, if we want to grow from 'novice writing' to some level of maturity ~ makes sense, doesn't it?
Surprisingly, a common phenomenon in writers (myself included!!) is that we expect our writing to be perfect from the first written words. I don't know of any other creative craft that is so idealistic (or unrealistic) ... So there is not much better we can do (apart from writing of course) than enjoying the journey in the company of fellow writers.
This is brilliant. Others will be able to provide feedback on the writing, but from a story perspective, this leaves me with so many questions I want the answers to. The writing has pulled me all the way in. You’ve done a great job of creating a protagonist that I don’t necessarily like, but do root for.
I’m relating to parts. I’m wondering which parts are fiction and which aren’t (not that it matters the story is brilliant either way).
And I’m already thinking about what happens next.
“But Paul was stubborn too. Sixteen years of public and college education plus a decade in the corporate world had taught him that personal willpower and focused effort were always the best answers to getting the results he wanted. So he doubled down, set his jaw, and decided to will his right foot back into proper function.” — I certainly related to Paul’s attitude here, which is funny because it’s the sort of attitude that doesn’t bode well with chronic conditions that can’t be pushed through, as I’m sure you know :)
Ahh! Michael thanks so much for your comment here. I’d liked this one and another one in the next chapter and made a mental note to respond, but never did.
The best part of “creative nonfiction” is exactly that — allowing the reader to wonder and walk the line between truth and fiction. Having been through chronic conditions yourself you can probably readily identify what cannot be spoken to without experience.
That said - the act of writing itself is only an expression, a translation, so it’s only going to be an echo of the entirety of truth regardless of any claim of “non-fiction.” :) I found it really challenging delving into what I thought were concrete memories only to find out some were only partially true or completely misremembered.
Yes, I totally agree with you. No non-fiction, even academic stuff, is pure reportage. We can’t help but colour our experiences when we write about them. What I try to aim for with my creative non-fiction is not, to be accurate to what happened, but rather be accurate to how I felt about about happened. :)
intricate layers of experience: from the inner wrestling with pain response, through relationship dynamics, to 'toddlers'-eye-view', to OBE and back, to a cliffhanger finale...
The scene you have created here feels as if Paul is walking (or rather hobbling/ dragging himself) through a hall of warped mirrors.
Can't wait to find out what happens next!
Thank you for encapsulating exactly those layers in your very first line. I wrote this book over several years as time allowed while working a demanding 9-5, solo and isolated.
Being with the Substack community for just two months I’ve noticed my writing has matured considerably(!) since then just by reading and interacting with so many creative individuals, and it is that added maturity that specifically added/modified those layers from the original manuscript.
Appreciate your feedback loop.
That is exactly my experience too! For several years I've been a member of Jericho Writers (a writers' hub in the UK) and other online writers' groups, and have found the exchange invaluable.
As you say, it helps our writing mature considerably! Which is essential, if we want to grow from 'novice writing' to some level of maturity ~ makes sense, doesn't it?
Surprisingly, a common phenomenon in writers (myself included!!) is that we expect our writing to be perfect from the first written words. I don't know of any other creative craft that is so idealistic (or unrealistic) ... So there is not much better we can do (apart from writing of course) than enjoying the journey in the company of fellow writers.
This is brilliant. Others will be able to provide feedback on the writing, but from a story perspective, this leaves me with so many questions I want the answers to. The writing has pulled me all the way in. You’ve done a great job of creating a protagonist that I don’t necessarily like, but do root for.
Bing-Bing is totally brilliant. Great chapter, Paul. That experience in the operating room is the thing of nightmares.
You’ve certainly gripped me, Eric.
I’m relating to parts. I’m wondering which parts are fiction and which aren’t (not that it matters the story is brilliant either way).
And I’m already thinking about what happens next.
“But Paul was stubborn too. Sixteen years of public and college education plus a decade in the corporate world had taught him that personal willpower and focused effort were always the best answers to getting the results he wanted. So he doubled down, set his jaw, and decided to will his right foot back into proper function.” — I certainly related to Paul’s attitude here, which is funny because it’s the sort of attitude that doesn’t bode well with chronic conditions that can’t be pushed through, as I’m sure you know :)
Ahh! Michael thanks so much for your comment here. I’d liked this one and another one in the next chapter and made a mental note to respond, but never did.
The best part of “creative nonfiction” is exactly that — allowing the reader to wonder and walk the line between truth and fiction. Having been through chronic conditions yourself you can probably readily identify what cannot be spoken to without experience.
That said - the act of writing itself is only an expression, a translation, so it’s only going to be an echo of the entirety of truth regardless of any claim of “non-fiction.” :) I found it really challenging delving into what I thought were concrete memories only to find out some were only partially true or completely misremembered.
Yes, I totally agree with you. No non-fiction, even academic stuff, is pure reportage. We can’t help but colour our experiences when we write about them. What I try to aim for with my creative non-fiction is not, to be accurate to what happened, but rather be accurate to how I felt about about happened. :)