Sunday 13 February 2011

Reading

I have been reading from the Oxford Journals today. It's dense, complicated theory that is rooted in many different academic fields. I possess nowhere near enough cultural critical or philosophy theory experience to fully appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of the work. I'm working on broadening my theory base, although it will be years before I can think on the same level as Dr Greg Garrard. It has suggested several new titles which I have added to the reading list. Ecocritical theory specific works that should be read.

I can't make my mind up whether it is comforting or infuriating to know that It will take me so many years of hard study to be near as good as these theorists. I'm a smart guy, with a 1st class research masters, but the sheer scope of some of the multidisciplinary research is near stupefying. I'm wading through the high end academia while reading from the bottom up too, with the hope that in a few years I will hit a happy medium where I can treat at something approximating the same rigour.

It leaves me arguing with myself on how far do I want to follow this route. Am I aiming to be a creative writing lecturer, or do I have my sights set on being a critical theorist? A blend of both is probably the healthiest choice. An area of expertise alongside the act of writing. Perhaps having been away from university for a handful of years is the reason for this feeling of stupidity. Like I'm wading through intellectual molasses. I shall persevere and push through. One laden step after another.

On a different note, I had some success with a new character, writing several brief sketches of exploration. I shall make sure to keep up with the practice alongside revisiting all elements of the writer's tool kit. It felt good to work on something new. A comfort to know I'm still capable, adept even, at drawing deeper connotation in simple prose.

It would seem I am right on track.

Friday 11 February 2011

Back to basics: Character Construction.

I have spent a lot of time working on illustrations, and testing formats for rewriting my research dissertation and intend to keep chipping away at the project, however I feel that I'm ignoring working on new pieces of writing. It will be great to get the dissertation rewritten, but if it's at the cost of any new works then it's not beneficial at all.

To rectify this I have spent the last week looking at my old works, and deciding on the element I miss most in my writing. I have come to the conclusion that I need to work on characterisation.

My previous work has always stemmed from and revolved around a particular or singular theory. Most commonly psychological literary theory. The characters I have created have always been designed to service and further the exploration of these ideas. In and of itself this isn't necessarily a bad focus, however if it leaves me incapable of creating dynamic realistic characters outside of a narrative focus, then it leaves me lacking.

I have dug up the old character construction check lists that I used to use, and will be spending a few weeks exploring the ways of creating characters, and the important aspects to be included. I'm hoping this will organically lead to some small character driven pieces of fiction or poetry.

While I'm working on the various forms of research I have tabled to complete, I see no reason why not, in fact it seems healthier to, re-familiarise myself with the core base of any narrative; that is the people within.

Time to put my head back into my university readers, and the Creative Writing Coursebook.

Thursday 3 February 2011

Day to day work.

It has been a productive day or so far. I am working on compiling reading lists for ecocritical studies. If I want to do my Phd, and take it down that route, I need to start my research now. I have compiled a cursory list to start. It should grow as I find differing routes to search. The texts are not all strictly critical theory, with some standard non-fiction fare to push my general interest in the area further.

I am also working on the format tests for the illustrated portions of my reworked dissertation. I will post up an example once I'm done.

Wednesday 2 February 2011

New illustration added.

I have finally finished the last of the new Oxford images I wanted to create. I shall play around with formatting for the pages that are completed using the new illustrations. If I'm pleased with the results I shall post something of them up here.

I'm getting into a better routine now that my part-time job is stable. I'm spending a lot of time working on The Big Body Edit, but I shall be putting more of my time into getting creative projects furthered. I have been sourcing some new research materials for the next project (not Phd based) that I want to tackle after my dissertation is reworked. I have also found some very interesting bases for altering the format of the prose for portions of the dissertation. The City and the City by China Mieville has given me a lot of ideas. My aim is to spend some time over the next few weeks seeing how this can apply to my work.

I'm feeling excited about the next few weeks. I must remember to take the time to read my next book for review too. It's amazing how time flies.