Simplicity

In the last few days I've been re-writing some of my old work using the techniques I learnt in Mexico. One of the tools I love using is what I call "Bonsai-ing", cutting out all the stuff in a story that is either duplicate information, or just fluff. It's amazing how much crap you can cut out, mostly due to the fact that when we write our first draft we aren't supposed to follow any editing rules, we are allowed to poor our guts out onto the paper and not hold back...the editing comes afterwards. I like to save my first drafts because it can be full of passion that comes with spilling your guts out, that sometimes gets edited out of your final draft. Through Bonsai-ing, I've actually taken 3 pages of writing and trimmed them down to 1!

Now that I'm back from San Miguel I realize how much of my experience I missed writing about, only for the simple fact that I I was so busy that I ran out of time.
I am now going to try to fill in the blanks of what I experienced as well as continue writing about my many different life experiences that I've had that are worth mentioning.
Stay tuned.

Day of the Dead Parade

This week has been a memorable experience. Every morning we sit down together, a group of 10, and Laura leads us through our writing excercise for the day. Yesterday was about character and dialog, while today was about structuring our story. I've learnt so much, all I need now is to put it into practice. As I'm someone who isn't very disiplined, I'll have to set myself a goal in order to work at my skills  and towards completing my project that I'm working on.
Today Laura met with us 1 on 1 to discuss where we could go with our writing. It was invaluable getting Laura's opinion as she is a wonderful source of information.
As well as writing, San Miguel is alive with the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated the week of our Hallowen. The Mexicans party with parades, music in the village, shrines, and remembering their loved ones by celebrating their lives.
I went to the cemetary today to see how the locals cover their family graves with flowers and sit by them to remember their relatives and friends who have died. It's not a sad event, there are meriachi bands playing music,and  people eating and laughing.
The music is playing in the park outside my room and it's 11:00 pm.We just had an amazing dinner together here at the villa which completed our writing workshop. But tomorrow night we meet on the roof top of Carol's house for drinks, before  heading out to an art gallery open house.
It's been a very busy week, drinking tasty marguaritas and experiencing Mexican culture.