Thursday 1 November 2012

On Writing, Re-Writing and Starting From (Almost) Scratch Again

November is here; so NaNoWriMo is here, too; and this year I'm a participant!

It's been really windy, and grey (speaking of which, my heart goes out to all who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy). The sun sets at about half past four here, so evenings are dark and slow.

I decided to write this post for myself, as an inspiration, a reminder of sorts. This is also to those embarking on the amazing journey of writing a book, or are currently working on a book and losing momentum; this post is for you.

Last year and this year have been crucially important for me as a writer. For two years, it's been nothing for me, but writing, nothing else. I wrote a novel before, and it was published back in 2009. And I wasn't entirely a full-time writer then.

Yet, I haven't been able to finish my current novel-in-progress... which I actually began to plot in 2009. It's dramatically changed... from the story of three Egyptian girlfriends and what they are dealing with to what I'm writing now: a complex, multi-layered, psychological/mystery novel focusing on the life of a child, later young woman and her family and all that is life about to throw at her.

I suppose I somehow always thought I'd always write romance novels. I'm not sure what happened. Have I changed? Yes, I have. My current novel-in-progress isn't a romance by any means; so if you're expecting something similar to my debut novel The Years of Silence, I hope you will not be disappointed. Because this time, at least for most of the book (or what it is so far), it's an anti-romance, or rather a love story gone sour and terribly wrong. Be warned!

Anyway, so for the past two years, I've been working on this novel which has changed so much it's unrecognisable from what I first had in mind.

By the start of this year, I had almost completed the first draft and all seemed to be going well.

But something did not feel right; and I wasn't sure what.

From 2011 to the start of this year, I had access to writing groups and critique partners. I could (give and) get all the feedback I wanted; I got more than the feedback I wanted... which was great.

For a while.

Probably it's because I'm an introvert, I work much better on my own. I don't think any type of critique is recommended while writing the first draft. As a matter of fact, I'd warn against it.

Up until a couple of years ago, I used to write for myself. I probably shouldn't say this, but there was no editor nagging all the time in my head; I was not a word perfectionist. I was a W.R.I.T.E.R. The Editor-in-me only emerged when I was revising later. But while I was writing, there was so much joy... I never judged my writing; I never lingered on EVERY single word, every single letter, how many words per chapter, the perfect scene - albeit contrived -, the "flawless" (no pun intended) characterization, the uncanny dialogue... The list goes on.

Because that's not the kind of book I want to read. And if that's the kind of novel you appreciate, then you may not like my book(s); and I'm being very, very honest.

The thing about getting feedback on the very first draft WHILE you're writing it... well, for me, it's a major distraction. You will unwillingly start to worry about what others want to read or think. A workshop has a group of roughly 8-10 people, and you submit your work bi-weekly... Let's for arguments' sake say you get about ten opinions every two weeks. That's still overwhelming (to me). I'm not saying this includes everyone who has critiqued my work; I must stress there were several people whose honest and constructive feedback I found helpful and whose opinions I still appreciate and value; those were usually writers whose writing I liked as well.

There were also "defensive" writers/readers who critique on a personal basis (critiquing you rather than your work) and somehow take it very personally if your feedback of their work has the slightest criticism. I found those are best avoided, if possible; you must always remember to keep it professional and non-personal. Otherwise, don't pay much attention to what they say. That's another thing: Only accept the feedback that resonates with you and your vision. But then if you're not going to accept everyone's opinion and/or feedback, then what is the point? And sometimes out of a whole group, only one or two get what you want to say and provide helpful comments (worst case scenario being none).

One thing that usually left me puzzled was why I, or any other writer, needed validation from others, judging our writing, seemingly to help or even offer support. The need for validation from an outside source is terribly wrong on so many levels, writing-wise, or life-wise. I think if you write for yourself, awaiting no validation, this is much better for you and your book. That is what I firmly believe now. And when you're happy and satisfied with your first/final draft, then you can have a few people you trust and who are familiar with your writing provide comments and feedback. This makes much more sense to me.

There are even more scenarios in work shops: Some people may attack you or act strangely around you, be tactless, rude or clueless, especially if they're intimidated by your writing or you, or if others - particularly tutors - praise your writing... and may resort to saying stupid or laughable things, to annoy you or make you feel less confident about your writing/work. You'll meet jealousy; people who say one thing and something else behind your back, or pretend to be friends, but don't want you in the spotlight. I didn't even know about that; but when I shared the topic with a writer friend of mine, I realized it could and does happen. Apparently some people act like the more writers they eliminate from the "competition",  the more chances they have in getting published. Some people may not even mind losing you... if that means getting published. Sad; but it's a sad, sad world we live in.

You'll learn to get over it. You'll be told writers need to have thick skin... even when you do. Anyway...

Feel free to agree or disagree with me; like I said, this post is meant to inspire me when I read it again later, and hopefully those who agree with me.

For instance, nowadays there are one or two people I currently reach out to (one of them in the publishing field, like myself). I trust them and know they are honest and want my best; that's crucial.  They don't provide much criticism, but rather gentle non-intrusive after-thoughts... gentle ones, and it leaves me inspired. That's what I want for now.

A first draft is like a recipe; you're still working on it, adding the right ingredients, substituting mild for hot chilli, and perhaps cumin for curry. You won't definitely know for sure until you put it in the oven, adjust the heat and wait for some time. Let it cool... then taste it. You may add more - or less - ingredients next time. Or you may leave it as it is. It's YOUR recipe. You can't allow others to taste your cooking/baking until it's done AND you're absolutely satisfied with it. And remember, others have different taste buds from yours. BUT if you're happy with it, don't change it for anyone else. Remember that.

So, back to what I was saying: I wrote and wrote... based on others' feedback, some of them professional writers and got amazing feedback. Several agents I met were very interested.

But something did not feel right.

I let the novel "simmer"; I decided to leave it alone, untouched... while catching up on my ever-growing to-read  list (reading inspires me to write... always) and a few books on writing - which indeed helped.

I decided to read my novel-in-progress again a couple of months later. Yes, I waited that long.

And I knew instantly what was wrong.

It was seemingly rich, perfect wording, immaculate scenes... yet a bit bland; above all, it was not me, and that hurt. I know writers shouldn't say this about their "babies" and novels-in-progress... but that's what came to mind. The thing is the novel itself was creating some sort of buzz apparently, and I started hearing from more agents.

I still had a problem; the novel was only about 75% finished, and my writer's block was now a permanent ailment. That's another sign. Writer's block is okay, but if it stays too long with you, it's your creative mind telling you something needs to be changed.

So, I realized I was "stuck", because that wasn't the way the novel was supposed to go. And I realized later again that a few characters weren't who they were supposed to be. For more than a year I was forcing them to be what others wanted them to be, even if it meant getting more positive feedback... Just like I was told how important it is to plot and draft ALL scenes beforehand. I did that... but it didn't feel right; and I felt bad for my characters and my book. So, I sulked for a while... or quite some time.

The thing is when you're reading my novel(s), I want you to feel this is actually someone's life. I, thankfully, achieved that with my debut novel. There are still some people who believe the book is somehow based on my life; but it is not. I've never even been to New York. I wanted my novel to feel like you accidentally came upon someone's diary... and all of a sudden, you have an access to someone else's world.

When you're in a writing group (or a couple of them), others will often ask you about the plot, rush it. I'm not saying you should keep writing if after completing half your novel you still have no plot. What I'm saying is you don't have to have a definite plot at first; and it's OKAY. Our lives don't have a plot, do they? We can plan all we want... but life happens, some other way.

I don't know why, but perfectly plotted novels usually feel contrived to me, and it's a major turn-off. The writer is usually paying too much attention to every word, expression, the perfect pause, the crystalline dialogue... inventing, moulding, but not creating. It's top-notch writing, but it's not for me. It's not my kind of book... or writing.

I want writing that jumps with life and spontaneity off the pages. I want to forget it's a book. I want to think it's a real life (I'm referring to fiction).

So... I decided to change things around in my current novel-in-progress. Everything I've written has made a difference, research and all that, but it doesn't have to be included in the novel. I know much more about my characters now and their world(s). I know more about my writing, and what I want to write about. Yes, what I want to write about... not what I'm expected and encouraged to write about.

I got a sign yesterday - or what I believe is one - a lovely reader gave five stars to my debut novel on GoodReads, and wrote: "It's a page turner; I couldn't put it down till I finished it."

The novel was published three and half years ago; someone still reading it and commenting on it means a lot to me. I think it all touched me because I realized this is what it's all about: the essence of the writing, whether it's "top-notch"/literary/whatever writing or not. This was my writing, all my writing, my creation.

So, my advice (to me and others) is: Write for yourself, writing can be a pain... but when you're working on and experimenting with your first draft it should bring some joy. Leave the pain for when you're revising, editing again, getting feedback, doing more editing based on the agent's advice and later editor... Leave it till then.

Never forget that it's YOUR book, your essence, your vision. Never let anyone rob you of that. You know more than anyone else; you know your characters much better. Leave the editing for later.

This must be one of the longest posts I've ever written; and this is also related to NaNoWriMo. I'm writing again... but rather slowly today.

Keep writing!

Saturday 26 May 2012

Intimidated... Are You?

I've promised a friend of mine to write about intimidated people and what to do about them, so here goes...

For several months, I've had to deal with a few intimidated-by-me people. I'm used to that; but the ones I'm referring to have been/are overly intimidated... and it seems by only me, in the group of people we all belonged to. Weird? Not really.

Long ago Sigmund Freud (and later other psychoanalysts) noted several 'ego defences' we use. When one's ego is conflicted, threatened, overwhelmed, etc., anxiety starts taking hold of it. In this case the ego needs to do something for survival. Such defence mechanisms take place unconsciously, which is why so many people aren't even aware of what is going on beneath the surface.

Successful, hard-working people intimidate... a lot. I believe many are also intimidated by mystery; the less they know about you and the less you share, the more intimidating you become. Everyone fears the unknown, after all. I'm not referring at all, of course, to abusive intimidating people (that is a topic for later).

One of these most obvious ego defence mechanisms is projection, which is attributing one's thoughts, feelings and most importantly motives to another person. An example would be someone who is capable of stealing, lying or being dishonest... who ends up accusing you of 'stealing', 'lying', or 'being dishonest'. Without crystal-clear proof/evidence, accusing you of such things says a lot about them, not you. Get my drift?

Like a person, who after creating a problem out of nowhere, wants to shift the blame on you, someone being mean to you for no reason, or accusing you of something you did not do. Because a friend, a real friend, will not suspect you of something in the first place, without asking first, without making sure, let alone accusing you, and later not apologizing for it.

What has ever happened to integrity and honesty? Beats me.

Displacement is very close to projection, but you thrust it on a different person/thing. Let's say X accused a friend of yours of lying. Your friend finds X too threatening, powerful, etc. Unable to direct their wrath towards X, they direct it towards a substitute... you or a thing. Smash a vase perhaps, or accuse you of anything... perhaps even of what X has accused them of.

This also says a lot about that person. Someone who is easily intimidated lacks confidence and self-esteem. Very often, this person 'needs to be needed' to feel superior. So, unless they are needed, they feel like they're not doing what they're supposed to do, and the lack of confidence kicks in.... big time. I have also found out (the hard way) that such people are highly judgemental and overly analytical/critical, justifying perhaps to themselves their behaviour towards you/others. They are also probably people with low social intelligence. This is different from being social, as they can be social (for them self-esteem also comes from the number of people they socialize with). Social intelligence is defined as: The ability to get along with others. It involves reading situations, confidence, self-respect, self-worth, authenticity, and empathy.

What to do about intimated-by-you people? Perhaps try and be less mysterious, if this only because of your alluring mystery. I've found that intimidated people (because of their low self-esteem) do better together since their energies and behaviours are similar. Otherwise, I just don't think you can help anyone with major self-esteem issues, unless they're willing to do something about it. Perhaps let them know how you feel... but then again a person lacking self-esteem will not respond well to that no matter how gentle you are (I know from experience). In my case, I've avoided such people completely. Other suggestions are welcome.

And if you are someone who is intimidated by others, ask yourself, why that is; only you know.

Monday 21 May 2012

Who Says

I used to have another popular blog several years ago; back then I blogged under an alias. Anyway, I used to blog about my favourite songs, books, films and TV shows. I think I may start doing that again.

On my playlist now is John Mayer's Who Says. Wonderful voice.


Wednesday 25 April 2012

باستغرب

باستغرب... 


على اللي يطول دقنه عشان حرام يحلقها لكن اخلاقه مش مهم تكن مهذبة
على اللي عامل فيها شيخ يوعظ الناس بالحلال و الحرام لكن لا يستحرم إنه يشوف مواقع إباحية أو يعاكس بنات على النت و هو متجوز
على اللي بيطالب بالحق و العدل و ينصح الناس بالمعاملة الحسنة لكن عادي إنه يظلم مراته و أولاده
علي اللي يحلف إنه مبيكدبش و  إنه هو الصدق ذاته لكن مش مشكلة لو بيكدب عشان الCV تكن متزوقة أو يكدب في حاجات تانية
على اللي يوعد و يقسم بالله وكل وعوده كلام ملوش لازمة يتبخر أول ما يقوله
على اللي بيكتب و يتكلم على الإسلام و القرآن و هو فيه بيته ملوش علاقة بربه أو دينه
على اللي يبعت طلب إضافة صديق على الفيسبوك لبنت و أول سؤال يسأله ليها انتي مرتبطة و لا لأ كأن ده حيحدد نوع الصداقة 
على اللي عامل نفسه ناصح و له الحق في محاسبة الناس و الشماتة فيهم كأنه الوحيد اللي فاهم كل حاجة 
على اللي عايزة تخرب على الناس عشان بنتها إتفسخت خطوبتها أو بتتطلق فلازم غيرها يبقوا زيها
على اللي متجاهل مراته لا هو بيحبها ولا قادر يعاملها بما يرضي الله و لا عايز يسيبها 
على اللي غاوي يعكنن على الناس و حاشر نفسه في اللي ملوش فيه عشان هو متنكد في حياته و دماغه فاضية
على اللي ينقل كلام غلط و يوقع بين اتنين بدل ما يصلح و ربنا يظهر الحق في الاخر
على اللي يخلف لكن عمره ما ربي
على اللي يشمت في مرض أو مصيبة أو إنفصال بين اتنين و ناسي إن كل حاجة بأمر الله
على اللي بيشتموا في الثورة... مش في عصر فساد و سرقة و  اللي عذبوا الثوار و قتلوا الشهداء...

بقولك إيه؟

نضف نفسك الأول خالص و إشغل نفسك بحالك... وبعدين إشغل نفسك بالاخرين.

 باستغرب اني شفت وعرفت كل دول و لسة عندي أمل و ثقة كبيرة في الخير اللي في الناس.

 وباستغرب عليك و على كل النفاق و  التناقض  اللي فيك... مع إن كلامي مش ليك

يا أخي عيب عليك.

--مروة عياد  

  Marwa Ayad© 

Tuesday 21 February 2012

يا باغي الظلم

ما لا يعرفه الكثير أني أكتب باللغة العربية أحيانا... غالبا خواطر أو أشعار. ربما تجعلك الغربة تشتاق أكثر للغتك الأصلية... كتبت هذه القصيدة (لو اعتبرتوها كذلك) منذ فترة طويلة و تذكرتها... لمن ظلم و افتري في
...يوم من الأيام



يا باغي الظلم ألا تعرف الله؟
ألا يعرف صدرك خشية الله؟
!أتبكي الرحيل و تنوّح كالنساء
ألم تفكر يوما في عقاب الله؟



ألا تعرف عقاب الظالم و السارق
يا من سرقت النور من الفلاة
و النوم من عين البرئ في صباه
حتي القلب النابض في سماه؟



يا أعمي القلب و الإيمان
يا من دنست الذكرى و ما حلله الله
بغبائك و جهلك و كذبك و ما تراه
!و تدعي النبوة يا أحط شأنا من البغاة



يا من تريد الحياة و تميت غيرك
تدعي الحكمة و مفقود هو عقلك
...ألا تندم أو تخشع؟ ألا ترجو الله
و تسأله مغفرته قدر ظلمك؟



يا من طلبت الحب و أنت لا تعترف بالجميل
الرحمة و أنت أكثر الظالمين
الأمانة و ما أنت بأمين
أتريد الآن السعادة... وما أنت إلا لئيم؟



كم من مرة كذبت... افتريت
ادعيت فأخذت... و تمسكنت
ابعد يا من قصرت و أذنبت الكثير
.و حسبي الله و نعم الوكيل


© Marwa Ayad

Thursday 16 February 2012

Are You an Intuitive Empath?

Confession: I'm an intuitive empath.

  • Have you been told you're overly sensitive?
  • Do you feel overwhelmed in crowds?
  • Do you prefer solitude over social gatherings (4+ people)?
  • Do you need a lot of time on your own to recharge?
  • Feel compelled to help others in pain no matter what?
  • Known as a peacemaker (hate conflicts)?
  • Always know others' motives and intentions as you can see right through them (so it's almost impossible being lied to or deceived)?
  • Hypersensitivity to noise, scents and people talking?
  • Random mood swings that have nothing to do with your life?
  • Do you have a creative or an artistic nature?
  • Furthermore, if you've taken the Myers-Briggs test, are you an INFP or INFJ?

If all of these apply to you, then you're an intuitive empath.

Bear in mind, this is not depression or anti-social behaviour (since actually being on your own doesn't depress you, but helps you unwind); but people like to label what they think they know, especially as not many know about being an empath.

An Empath absorbs energies and emotions around them like a sponge which can be very exhausting. They can't stand negative energy or energy vampires; it drains them more than anything you can ever imagine (I know from experience). We're only comfortable around those with positive energy, or those who don't criticize/judge/assume, etc. (even if you act otherwise, we know your intentions, remember, so unless you mean well, an empath will avoid you).

I met some of the most negative people you could imagine last year. As an empath, I would feel sick around them, even without them talking. And when you're the only empath you know in that place or a professional environment and there is no way of minimizing contact, there's nothing to say, so you keep it to yourself. Just a horrible feeling in your stomach that these few people don't mean well; they carry resentment/jealousy/hatred/doubt, etc. towards themselves, you or others. Being in a room with a few negative people can make an empath ill and struggle with their daily routines even after leaving such people because you carry their energies and vibes, and it used to take me days to start feeling better afterwards. It was pure torture. Try explaining that. Thankfully I no longer have to see them.

If someone has made an empath feel uncomfortable before, depressed or negative, it's almost impossible wanting to be around that person again and they will keep their distance. An empath likes the company of those who do not exhaust them. Simple as that.

If you have a friend or family member who is an intuitive empath, here is what you need to know:
  • Always be honest with them; don't pretend or hide anything since they can always tell.
  • Never be judgemental; accept them for who they are.
  • Accept their advice and support, even if unasked for, since it's in their nature to want to help. Offering help is their way of showing love and support to those they care about.
  • Be very considerate of the fact that they're overly sensitive (in ways you may not even comprehend), tend to avoid aggression, negative people/situations/crowds at any cost, and even violent media. Be understanding.
  • Understand that an empath needs more time alone from the world. Don't force them to go out/be more social; they can only do it if they feel like it/are comfortable with the company/place, etc. However, from personal experience, an empath doesn't shy away from understanding, positive friends. In fact, it is advisable that they schedule meeting positive friends once a week or so as it helps an empath feel better afterwards. I've learned that an empath does, however, stay away from people who drain them at any cost, friends or not.
  • If you break their trust or let them down once, it's almost impossible being their friend again; since trust is crucial to them.

If you're an empath, here are a few tips:

  • Limit or avoid altogether negative people, energy vampires, crowds, etc.
  • Meditate.
  • Take a daily shower or bath; it can do wonders since water washes off any unwanted vibes.

And remember, always be yourself!

Tuesday 7 February 2012

173

Your mother is still
Weeping
Disbelieving
That you are gone
Killed by thugs
in a football match
in Port Said

Were you 15 or 17?
What was your crime?
Your blood was still
Warm
When the SCAF said it was a
MASSACRE
That could happen anywhere in the world!

173
In the morgue, you were given
A number
Your life, your death
Condensed
in a freaking, lifeless number
Your innocent body
Wrapped in a black, rubbish bag
Oh, wait...
It could happen anywhere in the world!

Mother of the martyrs,
We shall not forget...
Their holy blood isn't sacrificed in vain
Your child now rests in heaven
And we're here in a hell
That has no name.

--Marwa Ayad

Update

I can't believe it's been this long since I last posted here. Life and everything. In the words of Lana Del Rey, 'But if you wer...