Remarks on the Learning Curve, First Project, etc.
This project has gone against
my instruction in creative writing to this point. I wouldn’t say that my
writing is verbose, per se, but I use complicated sentence structures in
writing. One writing technique that has
transferred is my use of em dashes. I’ve started using them more often when
writing my script, because they’re a great cue for me to change my enunciation.
It felt counter-intuitive to pare down my writing and simplify my sentences,
but that’s really the only way to get my writing to translate verbally. I’ve
been surprised at how a beautiful, complex written sentence (…not mine,
obviously, just one in general! haha….) becomes clunky and laborious when
spoken aloud into a microphone. The biggest challenge for me so far has been
deciding which details to include as I’m cutting my material. Ideally, in
writing, every detail/metaphor/allusion/imagery, etc. has a specific purpose
and furthers the plot in some way—given the brevity of the spoken essay, purposeful
detail is imperative.
I’m honestly impressed with
how advanced phone technology is. To this point, I’ve just used my iPhone. I’ve
taken classes that required the use of recording devices before, and it was a
hassle. I’ve toyed with the idea of using recorded writing for creative
nonfiction, and I’m glad that I’m taking this class. I’ve never really
considered the effort that goes into producing audio before. I mean, sure, in
theory I know it’s complicated, but playing around with Audacity has given me a
whole new sense of respect for people who work with sound production. I’m
having so much fun playing around with the program.
As an aside, I’m really
impressed with the Noise Removal tool. It’s excellent
at removing my cat’s constant meowing from my recording track. You couldn’t
even hear her once! 😉
Also, I use a lot of upspeak? That I wasn't aware was in my voice? And it's very grating to listen to? *facepalm emoji*
ReplyDeleteYou recorded in the same room as Marceline? I'm impressed; maybe I don't need to send my children outside every time I record after all.
ReplyDeleteYou talk about having to adapt sentence structure because of how laborious some otherwise beautiful material is to read aloud, so I'm curious; have you had this experience with individual words yet as well?
What surprised me with words is that it wasn't always the case that the smaller word was better; sometimes I'd have a simple one syllable word, and the consonance or assonance of it would force me to choose something bigger because it flowed better with the surrounding words.
Hi Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteA lot of folks have commented on how writing for sound involves more rigor at the sentence level, including try to edit for conciseness and clarity. I'd love to see some examples of this!
Cat,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree on the issue of verbose sentences. I often write fairly complex sentences and pay no regard to how they sound read aloud, and these assignments have made me cut and compress most of my awesome complex sentences. But it's a good thing! Simple sentences are often more powerful than complex sentences (other than in academic writing, of course), and I think it takes talent to be able to parse sentences down to their bare-bones element.
After having listened to your piece, I'd say keep it as long as it is, if you plan on expanding it after the assignment is graded. Your story revolves more around the nature of the relationships in your family, rather than a singular event (at least from my listening), so I think a more epic radio piece (literally) is right up your alley. Good work, Cat!