Free Writing My Way Back To You.

What do I think of the term grammar Nazi? Seems a tad over stated does it not? And yet we know exactly what is meant by the term. It's an example borrowing for effect. In  this case we see a political ideology which has an obsessive - if historical -  strict adherence to a set of arbitrary rules and added  to a far less significant referential description: one that irks rather than destroys people.   So, why have I started this blog with this? The answer is that there is no answer. I'm free writing again - although to claim that this opening is the result of a technically accurate free write - a riff of words thrown onto a blank canvass that have only been accorded fleeting thoughts rather than considered contemplation - would be disingenuous to say the least. I have play with the opening because I feel rusty.  Very rusty, that's why I'm free writing. But is free writing in a free wheeling way the only way? No it isn't. A focused free write yields results too. In some respects better results.  Whereas the true free write might be the device that throws up a one piece of original magic in an otherwise morass of inanity and madness (and believe me this happens, and believe me it's really worth it - one idea of astounding originality can change a whole life), the focused free write which won't create a shimmering originality from the unplumbed depths of creativity  - can at least drive you forwards in your search for structure, twists turns characters ideas and language. And you won't have to plow through hundreds of pages of a madman's ramblings born of a thousand disconnected thoughts and dreams to find stuff that can be used. Stuff that sets you up. Stuff, that matters when you know or think you know, where you want to go. 

I have been asked to help write a children's book. I know nothing of children's writing or children' literature - if that is what is wanted, what is being sought. But at least I know how to do a focused free write and that's what I'm going to do - that is how I'll start.