This One Scene · 4:50pm Apr 6th, 2015
You'd think writing a scene about two sisters having a chat over tea would be easy. But no, it's driving me insane, because it has to be perfect. I've been struggling with getting this particular scene right for several months. It's the part of my upcoming story where Sweetie Belle and Rarity have their first conversation in over five years. Their relationship was in ruins when they last spoke, and the scene will answer the question of where they stand after spending years apart, address the drastic changes that has happened in Sweetie Belle's absence, lay the foundation of the rest of the story, and much, much more.
I've lost count of how many times I've rewritten it by now.
It's not the first time I've had this problem; I always battle perfectionism when a super-important part of a story comes up. The part of Tears of an Empty Sky where Spike finds Twilight comes to mind. I hammered my head against the keyboard for a long time trying to make that moment satisfying and powerful.
In my mind, it's about doing the story justice, making it as good as my humble abilities can manage. Within reason, of course; I can't let perfectionism choke the life out of me--sometimes you just have to let your darling go. Anyway, I just wanted to give you guys an update. I'm still alive and writing, albeit slowly. I hope to have some better news the next time you hear from me.
Part of what made that moment strong in tears of an empty sky was the slow agony that built up to it, with the character filling with dread and fear every moment until it came time to face what they had come for, and then the moment of rage at their own impotence in the situation. That sort of developing grief made the interaction feel important because it was everything that the character wanted and expected, but at the same time it only reinforced the fact that they were powerless, even in the face of triumph, making it a Pyrrhic victory. I'm sure you're already aware of this, given how you spent so much time crafting it in that direction, and I at most am rambling, but I thought it might help spark some thought or something. Either way, thanks for the update and good luck! We'll be eagerly awaiting whatever news you bring us next.
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Buildup to an important moment like that is important as you say. Maybe I haven't given that as much thought as it deserves. I've kept telling myself that the buildup is important, but maybe I can make it stronger than it is at the moment. It would certainly make the scene more interesting and satisfying when it hits.
I finished the new rough draft of the difficult scene yesterday, so I finally feel free to continue tightening and polishing the rest of the story now. The revision process is long and painful for me, but I think the end result will be worth it. Thanks for commenting, by the way. I always appreciate hearing from you.
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Wonderful to hear that you've made your way through it, and I do hope you're taking care of yourself, I frequently hear from artists that when they are struggling through an important piece is when they most seem to get sick, what with the constant battles and victories, it seems to weaken the immune system. That amounts to little scientifically, but still, it is just about always worthwhile, keeping your health in mind. And I can very much say the same to you, hearing that you are progressing and having those victories is a joy in and of itself, and I have each time felt excited to see a response from you in my notices. I wish you well, and would hope it to be that you can feel proud of this story when you are done and can bask in the fulfilment you deserve to experience after toiling so.
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I'll do my best and be satisfied with having learned something at the end of it. I can always do better next time.