Patricia Abbott (pattinase): On Writing

Saturday, August 18, 2007

On Writing

When I was seven I developed a terrible case of insomnia. It got so bad that my parents eventually took me to the school counselor (I doubt she had any real training as a psychologist) and she told me to make up stories to tell myself and that would help me go to sleep. This worked on and off over the years. When I reached my late forties, I realized I had a thousand stories in my head and maybe I could write some of them down. So I took some classes, some workshops and eventually was able to publish some of them.
I still have a million stories in my head. My husband only has to say something like, "My father made us all get up at seven and watch a dog on the Today Show who was supposed to be able to talk" and I'm off. I can hardly wait to begin that story and find out what happened. That's why I love writing flash pieces and very short stories. You can be onto the next one in a week or two.
Is your head filled with stories? How did it begin for you?

9 comments:

Sandra Scoppettone said...: My mind used to be filled with stories but it's not like that for me anymore. When I was writing one novel I wished I could be writing the next. That's all changed.

I made up stories at night also. But mine was the continuous story. Maybe that's why you were drawn to shorts and I to novels.

On big holidays I would sit under the table at my grandparents and listen to everyone. I think that's where it all began.; 12:43 PM
Anonymous said...: As far back as I can remember I've always done a "wee bit of writing..." but rarely any fiction. That changed about 5 years ago when I stumbled across the old Hardboiled Message Board, where professional writers and knowledgeable readers hung out together. It was like a cyber saloon; or being backstage at Woodstock/Ozzfest/ Lollapalooza. If memory serves, the board was started by Bob Randisi. Some of the regulars included Robert Crais, James Hall, Steve Hamilton, Laura Lippman, the P.J. Parrish's, S.J. Rozan, Joe Wallace... It was one of the friendliest and most entertaining places on the Internet. I hung out there for several years* and some of the regs. became e-pals. Two in particular suggested I take a shot at writing fiction. That's how I got started. [Not that I've gone very far with it,lol. ]

The Hardboiled Board is pretty vacant these days, I don't think I've been there in well over a year, and most of the writers have moved on to Blogville. But man, " Those were the days my friend... "

* I used a different s/n back then and my siggy line was " --john--"
John McAuley; 12:51 PM
pattinase (abbott) said...: I told one long story to myself for years. And then I told it to someone who critiqued it so I changed to short ones. Less of an investment. Also hung out under tables.
John-That sounds like great fun. I wish they still had it. The newer spaces don't quite work for me. I tried Crimespace but too many fights break out there. Also too much self-promotion.; 1:54 PM
James Reasoner said...: When I was a kid I made up stories to amuse myself as I was going to sleep. I also made up stories when I was playing with my friends, creating characters and assigning the roles to different people and even directing the action like it was a movie. Boy, I was insufferable.; 2:31 PM
pattinase (abbott) said...: I confined my stories to enactments from my dolls, being the only girl on the street and not being adept at writing scripts the boys would take to.; 2:50 PM
Anonymous said...: Family reunions, that's where it began for me. The uncles (ten of them)my grandfather, father and whatever neighbors stopped by, all sat on the porch and told their stories, each one trying to out do the other. One exciting story after another. Probably why I write short stories, I'm always ready to get on to the next great adventure.; 8:06 AM
pattinase (abbott) said...: Strangely, no one in my family ever told stories. The past was...past for them.; 9:22 AM
Anonymous said...: That might've encouraged you, at some level, Patti...needing something to fill that historical void. My parents read to me, told stories and jokes, and it always seemed natural to try to do the same...I remember well telling an intentionally tall tale to some second-grade peers, and how cheated they looked when I told them that of course I made it up. That was educational. I've never quite gotten the hang of why True Stories are more fun than fiction.

And of course I'd recommend Rara-Avis, but if you want to avoid arguments, not so much (and while it's writer-heavy, it's at least as much a fan/scholar's list). Short Mystery is writerly, but full of bsp, if mostly friendly.; 1:42 PM
pattinase (abbott) said...: I've tried Rara Avis, but it was like I was coming in on the middle of a conversation. I tried Dorothy L but that was too geared toward cozies. I'll try Rara Avis again. That's a good idea. Thanks. (I do get Short Mystery but boy, that's a feisty bunch).; 2:25 PM