My fellow creative buddies...

[fantastic_jackie]

Is there anything more infuriating than someone peeking over your shoulder during the creative process?

For me, though the over-the-shoulder peering happens on occasion, it's usually more characterized by a question: "Are you writing?" or "What are you writing?" or "How's it coming?"

I didn't used to mind the last one... But once you give someone a very vague, generalized answer ("Oh, you know. It's coming. It's all in the journey." Exactly how do you answer that question, anyway?), they start to want more.

Until their questions really mean: "Why are you so secretive?"

Gee, I don't know! Maybe because when I'm doing this, my intention is to eventually expose myself in a carefully crafted way on MY terms when I'm ready. Maybe I'm not comfortable being completely exposed as I slop my way through jotting initial messy thoughts and descriptions and ideas. Maybe I don't like people to see, "Oh, man. That really sucks right there. You trying to convey an emotion with that? You've gotta... you've gotta reword that. Yeah, that sucks." It's a placeholder for me that no one's ever supposed to see!

Even if their questions don't mean to be a sneaky request for juicy details, I snap faster than... some metaphor or similie that I'm not going to contemplate!

It's not conversational!

And it sure isn't me being secretive! It's me being private!

Comments

[mrstater.livejournal.com]

I hate answering questions about my writing in general. Don't ask me what I'm writing about, don't ask me when you'll get to read it. Just assume I'm writing and that you'll get to read it if you see it at B&N. lol

We're so misunderstood. ;)

[patriot-jackie.livejournal.com]

Exactly. The only people for whom I'm comfortable answering those questions are other writers. Common threads of understanding inspire confidence, I suppose. That, and they often ask questions that are answerable.