The writing begins

[vaneramos]

Two shots of the fountain in the new Italian garden under construction at U of G Arboretum


Tendril has resumed in earnest. Last night I spent two hours crafting two paragraphs, only to reject them. This evening I replaced them with two shorter ones. Previous work gets Word-hidden for reference. Slow progress is fine. The luxury of time is delicious.

I've decided I like William Gibson. His style is obtuse, but deep enough to sink my teeth into. I'm reading Pattern Recognition.

While writing, I won't discuss Tendril in detail. The awkward, adolescent process demands privacy. The final product will barely resemble the first draft written two years ago. I make an exception for Marian. She inspired this story, the same way Alice Liddell inspired Wonderland. She'll be my sounding board.

Dionne Brand mentioned that What We All Long For is narrated by the city of Toronto. I wouldn't have realized it, but it makes sense. I told this to Marian on the phone tonight. The point of view is broad, compassionate but impassive, sometimes stepping back for a long view of a character's life, the way Alfred Hitchcock's camera sometimes withdraws from a scene.

"Guess what point of view I've decided to narrate this story from," I said.

Without a moment's hesitation, she knew the answer.

Comments

[songdogmi.livejournal.com]

Good luck on your journey with Tendril.

The fountain in the photo looks like fine crystal. I like it a lot.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I was also intrigued with the play of light on the water's surface. Surrounded by the Arboretum's naturalized parkland, this fountain and the formal garden surrounding it come as a surprise. The Italian garden is under construction. Adjacent Japanese and English formal gardens have been established for a few years now.

[artricia.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to let you know I've been enjoying your pictures. E. says, every time he sees the computer on, how much he loves the wallpaper on it -- it's one of yours.

[rsc.livejournal.com]

I love the bubbles-and-leaves picture. The fountain shot is nice, but it's kind of conventional by comparison.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I like giving enjoyment that way.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I included the photo mostly for the record. The Arboretum consists largely of rolling meadows and broken woodland. I've strolled there periodically for more than 20 years. This fountain appeared out of nowhere since my previous visit. It will be part of an elaborate Italian garden, which promises to be quite stunning. Two adjacent formal gardens, Japanese and English, were established a few years ago.