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.

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.

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.

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.

The Big Body Edit.

Sorry it has been a couple days since my last post. I have created a new side blog called The Big Body Edit. Its purpose is to chart my progress on my own 'Fit for 30' campaign. Many thanks to David at Oppose/Edit for giving me the idea. I intend to well and truly entangle my creative endeavours with my health and fitness activities, as I feel that a healthy body leads to a healthy more creative mind. I hope that if you choose to check it out that you find it interesting.

A fortuitous month

It has been a while since my last post. Its been a busy and successful month, with me seeming to have attained semi-permanent employment, and making some productive head way financially. Without wanting to jinx my seeming good luck, my life seems to be falling into some kind of pattern.

Jobs and money aside, the best thing that has come out of this month is the beginning of a routine. A routine that affords me at least three days a week to work on my own creative projects. Something that I haven't had since university. I am attempting to draw up a realistic yet rigorous schedule that will make the most of my new found time. Something that draws all of the activities that I want to pursue into the standard week.

On the creative side, I have a new book review up at The Ultimate Book Guide for Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London; and I am looking into a small writing submission to get myself restarted properly. I still have some more illustrations to complete, alongside a week or so of research.

I have also begone to think about which field I want to research next. I'm leaning towards mathematics, alongside the ecocritical backlog I have to sort through. This seems to be letting the first few thoughts begin to drift towards the option of my Phd research possibilities. An exciting and daunting possibility.

I am planning on fitting more regular posting into my weekly routine, so with luck, and if I don't get distracted by the many differing projects, there will be more interesting things to read on here.

New book review.

New review for Catherine Copper's The Golden Acorn up on The Ultimate Book Guide blog. Winner of the Brit Writers’ Awards 2010 for unpublished writers. A lovely little book that made me smile. Well worth the read.