Finding the groove

[vaneramos]

Cercis canadensis and Rudbeckia in Edwards Gardens, Toronto


Assigning myself to work on the novel every day was the best thing I could have done. Yesterday I read several chapters from the old manuscript, started writing the backstory, then researched ideas on Wikipedia. Obsession kicked in. One concept led me to another: cyberspace, transhumanism, the noosphere, cyberpunk, William Gibson, Neal Stephenson, Philip K. Dick. I even bumped into palaeontologist and mystic theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, whose ideas inspired For the Time Being (1999) by Annie Dillard, one of my favourite writers.

After my two-hour commitment, I went to the library and signed out two books by Gibson, one by Stephenson. Gibson's Neuromancer was the original cyberpunk novel. While Tendril's story will not fit the genre precisely, I need to explore it. "Gibson's near-total ignorance of computers and the present-day hacker culture"¹ did not prevent him from creating such an influential work of fiction. That's reassuring.

Outside the library at 7 pm, the big church on the hill stood pastel gold like a palace of the sun against evening blue and the rising moon. The world was beautiful, and my mission had begun its enchantment, overcoming me with enthusiasm. I have found the energy I need.

Comments

[bitterlawngnome.livejournal.com]

Go Van! *shakes pompoms*

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Actually a cheerleading section wouldn't hurt, preferably a line of rugged men in jeans. Er, maybe that would distract me too much. ;-)

[mattcallow.livejournal.com]

Which Stephenson? While 'Snowcrash' is probably his cyberpunk pinnacle, 'The Diamond Age' I think would be right up your alley.

Never did get on well with Gibson's work, as hard as I try.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I wanted to get Snow Crash but the library didn't have it, so I signed out Zodiac, described as an eco-thriller rather than cyberpunk.

[tbone1961.livejournal.com]

YEAH!!! Have quill (and energy) will travel!!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's one of the joys of writing: I can do it anywhere!

[thewindrose.livejournal.com]

I like Gibson - even if his work isn't quite the genre you want, it should be good for setting the mood.

I'm impressed by your energy, and not a little inspired myself.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Well I'd be more than happy if this triggered creativity among some of my friends. I can't remember: have you tried participating in NaNoWriMo before?

[mattycub.livejournal.com]

Both Gibson and Stephenson have written some great stuff. The Diamond Age and Snowcrash, both by Stephenson, are two all time favorite books of mine. I haven't really gotten into the last few things he's written, as the subject matter didn't interest me as much - but, he's the kind of author where, even if you're not enthralled with the subject matter, his prose is so good that it almost doesn't matter.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

That's good to hear. The Stephenson book I picked up is Zodiac. I haven't looked at it yet. I've started reading Neuromancer; so far I'm not impressed with Gibson's writing style, moreso with his ideas.

[ubermunkey.livejournal.com]

good for you bub,

I love reading your stuff, and especially so when you are figuring things out!

Be well

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Yeah, life is a puzzle. It's nice when a piece falls into place.

Cheers,
Van

my bad manners

[hlee.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the welcome and for taking the time to provide backround links.
I appologise for walking in, taking my shoes and socks off, and putting my feet on the coffee table.

Re: my bad manners

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I didn't think that was rude at all. Your comments were a propos, and quite useful as I'm struggling to grasp a genre in which I wish to write but have done only limited reading over the years. The reason for my long response was that you seemed like someone with considerable knowledge whose input would be beneficial. In other words, you're more than welcome to toss your clothes wherever you like.

Re: my bad manners

[hlee.livejournal.com]

Have you read Le Guin's collected essays The Wave in the Mind? Her take on writing in general and also SF would seem to be another good way to familiarize yourself with the genre. Children and adolescents as protagonists in Dickens and Twain come up for discussion in some of the essays and there's a more general section on what she considers are their usefulness and pitfalls as protagonists.

Re: my bad manners

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I managed to read the section on Twain using the browse function on Amazon. It looks like an interesting book. I'll try to get my hands on a copy.