Rounding up our weeklong British invasion is multi-award winning author, Stevie Woods. Stevie writes gay fiction in several different genres.
Lost Dreams
I was recently involved in an on-line chat about dreams and while many other authors admitted that their dreams provided rich fodder for their writing, I had to admit that I'm one of those folk who don't remember their dreams. I will wake up, usually when shocked awake by a most unwelcome alarm clock, knowing that I have dreamed but totally unable to remember the content of the dream, though sometimes I’m left with wisps that I desperately clutch at. But, they always remain stubbornly just out of reach, until even that feeling that it is something I ought to know fades and there is nothing. On those occasions I feel as I’ve lost something special. I can usually tell if it the dream was good, or perhaps just an indifferent one, or occasionally a nightmare, but that is about it.
As I compared my situation to those more fortunate writers, my first reaction, not surprisingly, was a mixture of frustration - and jealousy. I thoroughly enjoy the writing of some of those authors who mine their dreams for ideas!
I was recently involved in an on-line chat about dreams and while many other authors admitted that their dreams provided rich fodder for their writing, I had to admit that I'm one of those folk who don't remember their dreams. I will wake up, usually when shocked awake by a most unwelcome alarm clock, knowing that I have dreamed but totally unable to remember the content of the dream, though sometimes I’m left with wisps that I desperately clutch at. But, they always remain stubbornly just out of reach, until even that feeling that it is something I ought to know fades and there is nothing. On those occasions I feel as I’ve lost something special. I can usually tell if it the dream was good, or perhaps just an indifferent one, or occasionally a nightmare, but that is about it.
As I compared my situation to those more fortunate writers, my first reaction, not surprisingly, was a mixture of frustration - and jealousy. I thoroughly enjoy the writing of some of those authors who mine their dreams for ideas!
However, the subject has hovered around my mind for a while now and I have come to wonder just how much those unremembered dreams of mine may affect my writing. After all, if I cannot remember my dreams how do I know that those ideas that pop into my head at (most inconvenient) times aren't the content of my dreams? (I say most inconvenient because I tend to get some of my best ideas in the bathroom, the toilet to be precise, and to be even more precise about half the time in the loo at work! - but I digress)
So I think it fair to suggest that though my conscious mind allows these (hopefully) interesting dreams of mine to slip away, my subconscious mind is a little more careful.
Of course, that could be a load of hogwash and my dreams might be no more than jumbled images and the detritus of my day. But still, I like the thought that my dreams are not totally wasted after all.
However, having just seen a very nice review for one of my novels I should perhaps be grateful that whatever the truth I can write with or without those elusive dreams.
Speaking of writing, I should at least plug my latest releases …
Drawing the Veil – a gay historical and the prequel to my best-seller Beyond the Veil – was released in August from Phaze Books.
And just released this month, Death’s Desire, my gay historical ghost story published by MLR as part of their anthology, Past Shadows.
However, having just seen a very nice review for one of my novels I should perhaps be grateful that whatever the truth I can write with or without those elusive dreams.
Speaking of writing, I should at least plug my latest releases …
Drawing the Veil – a gay historical and the prequel to my best-seller Beyond the Veil – was released in August from Phaze Books.
And just released this month, Death’s Desire, my gay historical ghost story published by MLR as part of their anthology, Past Shadows.
I want to thank Stevie for joining us this week. It's been great fun learning more about these authors from across the Pond!
14 comments:
Oh Stevie, I read this such empathy. I get my best ideas either going round the supermarket or washing the kitchen floor.
Charlie
Stevie, your books just ROCK!
Thanks, Charlie. Good to know I am not the only one who gets ideas in odd places!
Thank you, Judie. Good to hear from you:)
My mate of 13 years can never remember his dreams neither. When he does (once in a blue moon) they are rather pathetic and boring. Yet, he is one of the most creative people I know - a mucisian of 5 insterments, a song writer, a singer, and can write a MEAN D & D roleplaying module!! I've always blamed his lack of remembering dreams on his logical mind. If anything, the man is a walking encyclopedia of information and practicality.
I keep a dream journal - but my dreams are usually too manic to write about - filled with dead relatives and aborted hopes and desires of yesteryears. I liken my dreams to the Psalms of the Bible - just so damn depressing!
However, I like you, have the best ideas come to me in the bathroom! Whether on the throne or in the tub, it doesn't matter. (Hmmm. Just might be a British idiosyncrasy. My father hailed from Britian)
Sometimes washing dishes or even gazing out the van window driving around will bring about a crop of inspiration. I think it's because when we do mindless tasks (bowel movements, or like Charlie, washing the kitchen floor) it opens the flood gates to our inner child, were imagination abounds!
George Allwynn
Oh, Stevie, I am soooo the opposite with dreams. Mine are so bizarre and always have been. I've had dreams where evrything was done is shades of one color; dreams where I can smell and taste food (usually chicken - now that is weird) and usally have most if not all of my senses involved.
Still, my dh is the best: he can carry on entire conversations out loud while dreaming!
Fun post and looking forward to your ghost story!
Hi George! Oh, I like the idea of the logical mind being to blame. I'm a bit on the logical, practical side myself, like to have control of situations too (or at least think I do!)
LOL, like the idea too that one has to be Brit to get ideas on the loo! Hmm could be so me truth in that, we are idiosyncratic!
Hi there Jeanne! I have to admit I sometimes think it might be a good thing I don't remember my dreams if other folk's experiences are anything to go by. My hubby dreams rather vividly and tosses and turns and kicks at me - and he says it's no nightmare LOL! He's never had a conversation though, don't think I've ever heard that one before!
You must let me know if you enjoy my ghost story :)
Stevie/George/Jeanne
There's a great book /TV series called Local Heroes by Adam hart Davis. he makes the point that many great inventions come about when people are doing mindless physical things. Almost as if occupying the body lets the brain run free.
Charlie
Hi Stevie!!
Your book is so nice. I enoyed it reading. Thanks you so much for such a good work :)
Thanks & Regards
Annete Duffel
http://cv.careersnigeria.com/
Charlie, don't think I've seen that particular series, though I do enjoy watching Adam Hart Davies, he is so passionate about whatever he is describing - and I can quite understand his premise in this case, sounds very plausible to me.
PS - had to giggle at the verification word for this one - carap!
Thank you, Annete, it is always wonderful to hear such response from a reader:)
Hi Stevie,
The cover and blurb I have seen before, and it pulls me in each time. One thing that helps with dreams I've heard, is to have a journal by the bedside so that when you get that odd snatch of dream you force yourself to write it down to try to preserve it, as soon as you wake up. I'll find I have it, and it starts to fade if I don't grab it.
Hope that helps :)
Thanks Chloe.
I might try what you suggest, just in case, but from experience as soon as I'm awake enough to be aware the dream has already faded, and I'm just left with an awareness that I had been dreaming. I'll just have to hold on to the idea that my subconscious remembers some of it! I have to admit I sometimes wonder where I do get some of my story ideas:)
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