(Community)
I recently heard an author on the radio discussing the concept behind her new book (which I thought was titled “99” – but now can’t find { I was driving after nightshift, so this entire memory may be a hallucination}).
There was some background on the authors personal situation, but the central conceit; if you only had enough breath to speak 99 words, what would you say?
The work (as I understand it) is entirely contributions by “the great and good”, as well as the authors friends and colleagues, all responding with their own 99 words, on an wide variety of topics.
I like the idea, and, as you might expect, have made several forays myself just to see if I could produce a worthwhile/interesting/complete 99 word offering.
I have not tried to “guide” my atttempts, but rather, much as with most IaDL, I just confront the page and start, seeing where things go. However working within this strict word limit, there is a need to revise and edit, constantly (re)moving for clarity and precision, rather than the rambling (absence of) structure which I generally present here.
All good practise with the written word.
I am puzzled, however, that my various “unguided” efforts, have all emerged on the (for me) surprising topic of “community”. I have found myself hedging round my own lack of involvement/participation (or inclination to so do), and am becoming convinced that my subconcious mind is trying to tell me something.
I have often thought, that of the many good things that came from Dalmallyfest, the fact that it required me to (at least annually), step outside of my comfort zone, and embrace involvement with a community of people, was a huge personal benefit and an agency for growth.
I suspect I have become the smaller person for it’s absence.
Next week on IaDL: Something a bit less introspective (drops cake…)
Dalmallyfest the Asylum 