Oh yeah, tons of 'half-written for the drawer' (or 'for the floppy disc', in the olden days when I was thiiiiiiis close to selling some script/show/film pitches in the closely-guarded labyrinths of LA, until The Great Love Of My Life's health took a turn for the worse and I dropt everything to care for him til his death) languish in my head, or rather on probably now-unreadable files deep in one of my computer's guts somewhere.
One I really do still regret was a maybe 1/3-finisht novel that I'd actually mapt out the plot for (rather than just 'having it organised in my head', thus losing track/control of almost instantly & giving up) that I was having genuine fun writing, back in the early '00s - but I committed the mortal sin of 'taking a break for just a bit' and ... cue the decades passing on.
Its being a silly/absurdist romp full of minor, then-slightly-famous tv celeb cameos (most of whom, now, either forgotten or dead), it's way too outdated to pick back up, or even salvage bits of ... it sticks like an 'I caint finish NUTHIN' bone in my metaphysical throat; The One That Got Away.
Ah well. At least I got to write a few chapters with an amnesiac Jeff Corwin wandering around clad only in tighty-whities.
Long way of saying thanks for this essay/article (still new to Substack ... what does one call these entries?) - gives me food for thought, and a bit of comfort - if I can turn my easily guilt-ridden mind more in this direction.
Glad you found some food for thought in this post, blog entry, essay, or whatever it is. As I was reading your comments, I flashed on the image of a novel about finishing/not finishing a absurdist masterpiece. Its title? THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY. Just a suggestion, kind sir. I hope it sparks some joy in ya! Cheers and thanks for the wonderful comment. You’re doing Substack just fine!
Clint, I always enjoy the "spin" you put on things. I think the nature of creative people is this graveyard to which you refer. And yes, the left behind projects are not failures. As I continued reading, I had an interesting idea. I use the concept in several unexpected areas. I asked myself, "Does the graveyard have a gift shop." Then I thought wouldn't it be wonderful to share these projects and label them "works in progress" to match that most of us creatives are "works in progress". I can imagine a new Substack called "Clint Collide's Conundrums" or "Clint Collide's Quits". You could share part of a shelved project, offer more informaton to PAID subscribers, and if the project ever did get completed have by-line credit? Fondly, Michael
Love the way you see and think, Michael. I’m not sure I’m ready to tackle another Substack, but you might see some mentions of past passions and projects. You’ve given me some healthy food for thought!
good morning Clint and fellow colliders, I can totally relate. I like the feeling of starting something new, and I feel accomplished when I complete a project, the wait between the start and completion can be something else. LOL. By the way, the New York Times is reporting that David Hockney died. I love his work, I appreciate his perspective. The Best to all, Don
Thank you, Donald, for the share and the sad news. I think you were the first to alert me to Mr. Hockney’s passing. What a life…I’m inspired to do more every day like he did. Cheers!
Oh yeah, tons of 'half-written for the drawer' (or 'for the floppy disc', in the olden days when I was thiiiiiiis close to selling some script/show/film pitches in the closely-guarded labyrinths of LA, until The Great Love Of My Life's health took a turn for the worse and I dropt everything to care for him til his death) languish in my head, or rather on probably now-unreadable files deep in one of my computer's guts somewhere.
One I really do still regret was a maybe 1/3-finisht novel that I'd actually mapt out the plot for (rather than just 'having it organised in my head', thus losing track/control of almost instantly & giving up) that I was having genuine fun writing, back in the early '00s - but I committed the mortal sin of 'taking a break for just a bit' and ... cue the decades passing on.
Its being a silly/absurdist romp full of minor, then-slightly-famous tv celeb cameos (most of whom, now, either forgotten or dead), it's way too outdated to pick back up, or even salvage bits of ... it sticks like an 'I caint finish NUTHIN' bone in my metaphysical throat; The One That Got Away.
Ah well. At least I got to write a few chapters with an amnesiac Jeff Corwin wandering around clad only in tighty-whities.
Long way of saying thanks for this essay/article (still new to Substack ... what does one call these entries?) - gives me food for thought, and a bit of comfort - if I can turn my easily guilt-ridden mind more in this direction.
Glad you found some food for thought in this post, blog entry, essay, or whatever it is. As I was reading your comments, I flashed on the image of a novel about finishing/not finishing a absurdist masterpiece. Its title? THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY. Just a suggestion, kind sir. I hope it sparks some joy in ya! Cheers and thanks for the wonderful comment. You’re doing Substack just fine!
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Clint, I always enjoy the "spin" you put on things. I think the nature of creative people is this graveyard to which you refer. And yes, the left behind projects are not failures. As I continued reading, I had an interesting idea. I use the concept in several unexpected areas. I asked myself, "Does the graveyard have a gift shop." Then I thought wouldn't it be wonderful to share these projects and label them "works in progress" to match that most of us creatives are "works in progress". I can imagine a new Substack called "Clint Collide's Conundrums" or "Clint Collide's Quits". You could share part of a shelved project, offer more informaton to PAID subscribers, and if the project ever did get completed have by-line credit? Fondly, Michael
Love the way you see and think, Michael. I’m not sure I’m ready to tackle another Substack, but you might see some mentions of past passions and projects. You’ve given me some healthy food for thought!
I am good with ideas for others, rarely take up my own 🤪. Keep on keeping on. Fondly, Michael
Same here, Michael. I can brainstorm on other people’s projects for days. My own? Minutes if not seconds. :-p
good morning Clint and fellow colliders, I can totally relate. I like the feeling of starting something new, and I feel accomplished when I complete a project, the wait between the start and completion can be something else. LOL. By the way, the New York Times is reporting that David Hockney died. I love his work, I appreciate his perspective. The Best to all, Don
Thank you, Donald, for the share and the sad news. I think you were the first to alert me to Mr. Hockney’s passing. What a life…I’m inspired to do more every day like he did. Cheers!