Sheep #1: This is cheating.
Sheep #2: It is, you know.
Guardian: Why is this cheating? The writer is writing.
Sheep #3: But this is dialogue. She likes writing dialogue. It comes easily to her. FOUL!!!
Sheep #1: She should be working on her prose.
Sheep #2: It does needs work.
Sheep #3: And we're being kind.
Guardian: The writer is aware that work is needed. She's been searching and destroying her repetitive words.
Sheep #1: We know. We've named one of us 'Just' and another one 'That'. (lifts front hoof and points to the left) See that sheep over there? The one with the bland expression?
Guardian: Aren't most sheep's expressions bland?
Sheep #2: That was uncalled for.
Sheep #3: We're a myriad of emotions. We're deep.
Sheep #1: You have no idea.
Guardian: Anyway...
Sheep #1: (shaking head) Of course. That sheep over there is "Smiled". He was everywhere. Now he's shunned. Don't go near him. He's bitter.
Sheep #2: He bites.
Sheep #3: But it's not just the repetitive words. We want more description. A clearer picture, if you will. We want all our senses engaged.
Guardian: She's aware. She's filling in the blanks.
Sheep #1: And tell her we want more conflict! Conflict makes us happy.
Guardian: Conflict makes you happy?
Sheep #2: We told you we're complex.
Sheep #1: Now, don't get us wrong. There is a great deal of the story which has our approval.
Sheep #2: We like the food.
Sheep #3: And the horse.
Sheep #1: We want to drive the red car. Can that be arranged?
Guardian: That might prove difficult.
Sheep #2: Fine. Disappoint us. We're only sheep.
Sheep #1: Just tell her to finish. We're ready to move on.
Guardian: So is she. I'll make sure she gets the message.
Sheep #3: Good. We want new pastures. New views. New characters.
Guardian: But two of the characters will be in the next manuscript.
Sheep #1: We know. We're fine with that.
Guardian: Why?
Sheep #3: They're the ones who drive the red car.
Karen; Sending you a big virtual hug, and wishes to get better fast and a closer bathroom.
ReplyDeleteThis is great. I love your sheep, you know.
ReplyDeleteBahahahaha!
ReplyDeleteCarol; They love you too.
ReplyDeleteDorte: Well said. The sheep say thanks.
Those sheep are really funny and really cute. I should read them more often.
ReplyDeleteCD
Clarissa; They show up from time to time. They're unpredictable.
ReplyDeleteLove the sheep. Hope you let them loose more often.
ReplyDeleteMaryann; The sheep tend to emerge when I realize I've nothing to say. Luckily, they seem to write themselves. This could turn into a sheep blog.
ReplyDeleteElspeth - Ah, those sheep, those sheep, those sheep! I love 'em! And those sheep visit me, too, sometimes. They tell me when I'm writing too much dialogue (they don't like that), and when I need more dialogue (fussy old things; they don't like that, either!).
ReplyDeleteDo we *have* to cut back on dialogue, sheep? I'm sort of addicted.... :)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Love the sheep! I've been doing the same thing: eliminating those annoying first draft repeated words and phrases, tightening up the writing. :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely enjoyed the sheep.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
Margot; They love you too. They are persnickity creatures - but definitely easy for me to write!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth; I KNOW! I love writing dialogue. Stupid sheep.
Jemi; I'm glad to know I'm not alone out here.
Mason; I'm definitely pleased you did.
I love the sheep. They speak to me.
ReplyDeleteOh the marvellous sheep - they are sooooooo deep! I can't get enough of them - they will now, thank you very much, be with me all the day! In fact, is it OK if I borrow them for a bit because I'm at a tricky bit and think they might be helpful?
ReplyDeleteI'm SO glad I made this my first morning blog stop.
ReplyDeleteNothing like sheep to put things into perspective! I think they’d be having that same conversation at my house.
ReplyDeletePatricia; I'm so pleased to hear it. They're fun even though they are a tad pushy.
ReplyDeleteJan; You may borrow them. Careful. They're feisty.
Terry; And I'm SO glad you stopped by! The sheep and I thank you.
Jane; The sheep are very wise. Judgmental, but wise.
*giggles delightedly* Oh, I LOVED THIS! Thank you, Elspeth! What a fabulous little reward I've just gotten for meeting my deadline! (just sent in some revisions)
ReplyDeleteWT; The sheep applaud you. Do you hear their hooves clacking together? And now...yes...there's a cheer.
ReplyDelete