In my frameshop, I have contrived frames for the unusual—a brick, a pizza box, a wedding headpiece, an Olympic torch—among the usual photos, prints, originals, and certificates. Although helping a client choose mat color, design and a frame is being a bit creative, the occasional odd job is what gets the creativity flowing. Then of course, comes the technical: How to build something to fit, present the item to its best advantage, get it to stay there, and adjust for access if necessary—or protection from easy access.
In writing, this same essential quality of technical input comes up when the flow stops and reading opens the editing process. Even here in Spinning, the technical problems of presentation come up when redesigning the site. But the technical need not be devoid of creativity; in fact, I feel it is rather an extension of the process. As any engineer can tell you, the best part is in creating a solution to a problem or projected idea.
While many hate the editing process, my own narcissism rules in allowing me to justify reading over and over again my “lovely words.” In redesigning Spinning—an ongoing process because I’m a tweaker, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve checked and rechecked the site to see how something came out, where I can improve, and just to sigh and say, “Gee, I did that.”
While still in technical mode, perhaps I can get around to not only edit those stories of mine for submission, but to provide links to them here to encourage your help in editing.
I’ll work on it.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology
Changes look good so far! Wish I had a little more time right now to “tweak.” My problem is that once I start I can’t stop! And I have walls to putty, prime, and paint!!