This student is terrifically talented, but his struggle to work through the maze of disappointment and restarts and revisions made me realize once more how naive we are when we first start out to write 'that great American novel!' In thinking on his finished his project, which is quite a wonderful start - but only a novella still not ready for publication YET, I reflected on a number of simple but important revelations every writer must come to.
Here are five of those random thoughts from the list I've started! I want to continue growing this list so will share other thoughts as I do...
1. We may not finish the first story we set out to write -- or the second or third. Sometimes we start plotting without knowing the interior story - or we recognize that we have so many flaws, it's time to start on page 1 AGAIN.....or go back to the brainstorming process. Many writers don't even brainstorm, but can start at a place and go forward. Recognizing what works best for your style or your story is something that takes time to figure out or refine.
2. Starting over and over again is sometimes part of the process. I used to believe writing a book was a very linear process. You went from point A to point B in one straight line with no pauses or detours. But it’s not: there is no real finish line. Each book requires something different from you – sometimes more than you’re even willing to give at any moment. I suppose that’s why I have several manuscripts going on at one time. I can’t seem to just settle on one idea and nothing else.
3. Continue to meet people and network. With publishers like Prairie Rose this is an easy expectation to meet! And groups like Women Writing the West or Western Writers of America, or any number of regional and local groups and critique groups will fill this goal. It’s imperative that not only new writers but all writers get out from behind the wall of their writing projects and meet, talk, visit, and share. It’s also imperative to read, read, and read. This challenge has become a harder one for me in the last two or three years; with the obligations I have and the projects I’ve undertaken, it’s hard not to just run away and bury myself in others’ books, but I have to dole it out, like candy after Halloween these days!
4 Learn to take criticism and seek out criticism; do not take it personally. We are all susceptible to wanting only the positive response from readers and our fellow writers and agents or publishers. The truth is there is a huge gap between what we’re looking for and what we sometimes need to hear! No one wants to hear the dreary or disappointing aspects of our writing, but in order to grow we need to seek that critical review or editorial comment eagerly AND graciously. The old “No pain, no gain” is true.
5. Celebrity others’ successes! While it’s not exactly fun to read about the latest celebrity's story that’s just garnered a multi-million dollar advance, it’s still a reminder that other authors and writers are “making it big!” That should always delight us. We need to always “spread” the good news of others’ successes. As my grandma always said, “What goes around comes around,” and although I’m not superstitious, I do believe there is truth in that in all aspects of our lives. We need to celebrate with others.
GAIL L. JENNER IS THE AUTHOR OF ACROSS THE SWEET GRASS HILLS, A WINNER of the WILLA Literary Award from Women Writing the West, recently re-released by PRP. For more on her stories, visit www.gailjenner.com OR http://prairierosepublications.yolasite.com/gail-l-jenner.php
Gail, what a great post--and a lot to think about! I rarely ever end up writing the story I started out to write. But that's okay. It used to scare the pants off of me, but not now--I just roll with it. And celebrating the success of others is one of the things I hope we are all able to do! I know I've met people in the past that can't be happy for someone else if they're not successful themselves. But they don't realize, that doesn't help them become successful, it only drags down the person who IS. I hope to always be one of those people who can cheer others on and hope for the best for them, too! Lots of good things to think about here.
ReplyDeleteCheryl
Thanks, Cheryl -- I think Prairie Rose is such a fabulous enterprise and "organization" of authors, it's been wonderful developing friendships and associations here! You and Livia have become great mentors in many ways....so thank you for the opportunity to GROW here :-)
DeleteReally great advice. I have been working on something since the 6th grade and only recently have been really sitting down and getting serious. What started as one thing has evolved so much. These blogs and advice from writers have made me feel more confident in what I am doing. I have relaxed some of what I considered no compromise issues and have actually mapped it out into three books instead of one. The first one has come a long way and still has a long way to go, but I will get there one day. I appreciate the willingness to share by authors like yourself and Cheryl Pierson, who I met elsewhere and was the first to volunteer to help me way back. In a competitive world, it is nice to find what are true professionals, those that are interested in quality craft, and know that the only way to improve is to share, and to encourage each other.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure a lot of us have those old projects they still love and want to finish -- someday!! I've found that many writers are eager to share their wisdom and encouragement. After all, we ALL begin somewhere and have so far to go....does anyone ever get it all figured out? I doubt it! It is nice to develop those relationships that foster our growth. It takes more than a village -- right?! :-)
DeleteDonna, I'm still here! If you need me, just holler. :))) That's one thing Livia and I both really are big on--encouragement of all the "roses" in our garden and authors who have projects they're working on. We were all there once. We'll help however we can!
DeleteCheryl
Wonderful points, Gail--and absolutely true. That write-rewrite-repeat process is one I have finally come to terms with. I start each story sure I know where it's going only to learn I haven't a clue.
ReplyDeleteFor me, joining Romance Writers of America (RWA) was the difference between wanting to write a book and actually getting it done and published.
RWA is a great organization, too! I belonged for many years...but since not everything I'm writing these days is romance, I've had to cut back on writers' groups (unfortunately!)....but they have some great contests (several of which I did well in) and lots of networking. Their conferences are great, too. Actually I believe we authors need to invest more into things like conferences. Even if it FEELS like you're spending too much money in the beginning, groups and organizations help open doors!!
Delete"Even if it FEELS like you're spending too much money in the beginning, groups and organizations help open doors!!"
DeleteAbsolutely, Gail!
Gail,
ReplyDeleteI believe you have nailed it. Writers and readers have so many likes, dislikes and I truly do believe there are writers and readers that need each other. The trick is to keep on keeping on and doing what you need to do to get the stories out there. I look forward to more of you wisdom in the future. Doris
Thanks, Doris! I think one of the greatest parts of being a writer is that it's fun to share our collected wisdom :-) We can always learn from writers and readers like.....it's one of the unique aspects of our career choice -- we truly NEED each other!
DeleteThanks for this Gail! Great post, I'm glad I'm not the only one with more than one project on the go at a time. And isn't it interesting how, during the course of all the editing, revising changing, revising and so on, the final story is often a completely different one from what we started out with? As to celebrating others success, there are plenty of people here we can celebrate with, so cheers y'all! Thanks Gail!
ReplyDeleteTrue -- I've enjoyed my relationships here at PRP and the new friends I've made...and, yes, I'm notorious for having a dozen irons in the fire! I've written fiction, nonfiction, screenplays, recipes, short stories, profiles and articles, poetry, children's literature and essays/memoir! Hmmmm --- do I have a first love? WRITING -- that's it!! I'm always looking around and coming up with ideas.... oh, and I'm one of those retired teachers who STILL likes to dream up and create lesson plans :-)
DeleteGail--I need to read posts like this once in a while. You're a good motivator and teacher--I recognize a teacher when I see one--it's branded on our foreheads! I usually only use one critique person. After trying groups, etc., I'd come home sick, wondering which of the five versions I heard was the right one. I do best alone, and yes, I can delete and begin again..or put it in and Edit Dump, or archives...and save it for another time. Your advice is sound--and I'll look forward to more on PRP blog if you should ever do another.
ReplyDeleteI'm in a small writing group which dwells on too many other things to be of much value, writing wise. But a new woman in the group met a few times and I saw her bewilderment and confusion. I and two others said, Let me help you privately. In the end, the woman asked me--probably recognized the teacher in me--and together we got her novel off to a good start. She has much to learn yet, but we go a step at a time.
Actually, Celia, it's true that sometimes critique groups can go sideways, BUT even those five versions sometimes knock something loose in my brain! I heard at a story conference once that you should not list 10 or 20 "possible" conflicts/issues/plot points for a story but FIFTY!! THAT is hard to do....:-) but I keep pushing myself to try to dream and go out of the box a little more with each story....hopefully I will continue to grow in that area. I want to be one of those authors/writers who can go beyond the predictable. Don't know if I've achieved it, but it's a big goal of mine....maybe I'll write more on that topic :-)
Delete"Each book requires something different from you..."
ReplyDeleteThis grabbed me, Gail. You're totally right. And also about it not being a linear process. The more I do it, the more I realize I've become no expert, and never will be. Each story is a new learning experience.
Thanks for a great post!
Thanks -- I really believe that. Maybe because of all the genres I pursue AND the old teacher thing -- I have found that sometimes you have to dig into your SOUL. I'm working on a YA right now that has some heavy dimensions to it and it's sort of like getting a bite of something but wanting more!!! I want MORE from myself and my writing! Maybe that's the real joy in writing...getting to learn about myself AS I learn about my characters and their plight?
DeleteThere's some good advice in this article, Gail. One that I find particularly found valuable was about acceping criticism. I have often seen an author, so distraught by a bad review, that they just spiraled out of control over it. Reviewers, although most have something positive to say, sometimes really get to the meat of a problem in a book. It's good to approach criticism objectively when there's good advice behind it.
ReplyDeleteI've started a story over and over when I'm having trouble finding just the right moment to launch it. The beginning, heck, the first sentence can get a reader's attention or let them wander away. Back story can kill an otherwise healthy story. I know. I've killed off a few.
Great article, Gail.
Thanks!! I agree that the first line can kill or capture a reader....and if not the first line, certainly the first paragraph and first page! I often find myself throwing out the whole first chapter before I can move on....or I have to go back and revamp it! And my critique partners have been good ears in that process...if the opening doesn't get them, I know it's gonna need WORK!!
DeleteGreat advice Gail. I have several manuscripts I have yet to finish. I realized after reading your post, I just wasn't ready to finish them yet. As time has gone by I have learned more about our craft. At first I took any kind of criticism as a rejection and was ready to give up. (I think we've all had those days) but as time has gone by I see their criticism as a way to learn and I take a closer look at that person's suggestions which does result in many rewrites but it is all part of the process.
ReplyDeleteI have a number of stories to redo, too!! Stories that "I" love but don't resonate with anything "extraordinary!" And I've developed a thicker skin, too, with time...in fact, I now welcome a harsh critique because I know I don't want to remain mediocre; I want my voice as well as the story to touch something in my reader....although to say that every piece will or does do that is naive and unrealistic! We can only keep growing with each idea and story. Rewriting IS writing (can't remember who said that, but it is definitely true!).
DeleteGail,
ReplyDeleteI agree with every one of your points, but I want to expound on two thoughts that resonated with me.
"No one wants to hear the dreary or disappointing aspects of our writing, but in order to grow we need to seek that critical review or editorial comment eagerly AND graciously."
When I submitted my first book for publicaton, it was accepted. I was so excited. Then I experienced professional editing. 0_o Jeese-Louise did I ever have a lot to learn about writing romance. My editor said my talent for head-hopping was unparallelled. ;-) She had her work cut out for her, but she held my hand throughout the entire editing process until we'd fixed up that manuscript. In fact, for a writing class she taught, she used several of my head-hopping scenes as exercises in what not to do and how to fix it. She was a harsh task-master, brutally honest with me about my writing, and I am the better writer for it. Now, years later, I still cannot thank her enough.
**"Celebrate others’ successes!" Absolutely! I believe happiness and success eventually comes back to us threefold when we help someone else on the road to their success.
Kaye: you were indeed fortunate to have such a harsh taskmaster and editor! I read wonderful stories and wish the author would have dug a little deeper, and I reread my stories sometimes and think, "come on!!" So it is a constant challenge to go beyond the norm and think "outside the box!" As to celebrating others' successes, I guess, as a teacher, I have always felt like that and I've found that we writers need all the encouragement and affirmation we can get, too :-) We spend so much time alone or doubting ourselves, don't we???
DeleteYes. I think authors put the "D" in doubt. ;-) I can go from "Best Writing Day Ever" to "Worst Drivel I've Ever Written" in the blink of an eye. 0_o I've been riding that doubting rollercoaster for the past year. Thankfully, I'm finally having more Best Days than Worst Drivel Days.
DeleteWell, here's to more "better" days! I've had some of those stretches of doubt and fear and anxiety -- then shake myself loose and start over....that is the beauty of writing. There's always PAGE ONE!!!
DeleteWonderful post, Gail. And we can't stop growing or we stagnate.
ReplyDeleteAmen :-)
ReplyDeleteFive great points to ponder, Gail. I have a few unfinished works on back burners. One of these days maybe I'll give them another look and ask for opinions as to whether they're going off the deep end or if they might be worth carrying on.
ReplyDelete