Tuesday, July 21, 2009
It Takes Guts
I read somewhere that until you publish, you write on guts alone and, after you publish, you write out of fear.
The quoted person above (and for the life of me I can't find where I heard this so I apologize to this incredibly intelligent, quotable person) says that fear motivates the second book because you have to live up to your past success. One time success could just be luck; two successes, well, that's a streak.
I personally think that all a person needs to write a book is a working knowledge of a written language (English being my choice) and time. The rest of that stuff is psychological. It's the drama we put ourselves through, not reality. In reality, we just have to sit and put words to paper, which takes some knowledge of crafting words together and the time to write them down.
I suppose this guts they reference is all the personal angst aspiring authors put themselves through. I mean, honestly, when I put words to the paper, it never just feels like they're words; they represent my thoughts, my feelings, the way I view the word. They create what I think is special and important. I know I feel very vulnerable when I let other people read what I write. What if they think my thoughts are stupid? I think a lot of stupid things, after all.
It takes guts to push through the psychological trap we make for ourselves. But worrying about how much guts we have can add to our anxiety. I know English and I've decided to dedicate the time to writing. That's all I need right now. I'll deal with the angst later.
What do you think it takes to write a book, the first or otherwise?
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43 comments:
Perseverance. Ya just 'ave ta write, that is the first thing. But ya have to\a keep writin'. But to get published, ya 'ave ta 'ave luck...and excellent timin'.
I personally think once the first book be out, the next ones be easier. But I 'ave a massive amount a' words on paper already. I feel like all I need is a foot in that room.
But I bet I be wrong and the fear will descend upon me once the first be out. Why should it be different than right now? ;)
Bit over a hour shy a' midnight here on the wild coast...'ope I wake up feelin' better...
I agree with Chance, perseverance is definitely needed.
Many moons ago, I was told to write what you know. I remember how the wind left my sails leaving me aimless and disheartened. I had all these words bottled up waiting to be shared, but I didn't know anything. I didn't have a college education. All that was required for graduation from high school was 8 weeks of grammar. I was lucky to know that a noun was a person, place, or thing.
I guess I had guts, because I wrote the first, and I think it takes guts to write the second, and third. But intertwined with guts is good dose of perseverance and heart.
yup, perseverance. Determination and just a smidgen of belief in yourself can keep you climbing to the top.
I live and write in fear of my deadline, in fear of meeting the same level of expectation people have on my first book, &c. So those wise words are pretty true above. How scary is that?
Well, it definitely takes more than language and time. All that psychological stuff is very real--and not necessarily a part of everyone's makeup--including, like Chance and Renee Lynn and Tiff said, perseverance, determination, and the ability to follow through on an idea-to be able to shape it and develop it.
That's crucial, I think. Everyone can have "an idea", but it's not an easy thing to make a book out of it, eh?
Perserverance is a must, but I also think it takes a degree of sheer stubbornness to sit, day after day, putting words to paper and keeping at the dream of getting that book out there.
All the psychological stuff? I'd like to think that can be dealt with. I can't begin to tell you how many times I heard in workshops at Nationals, "You just need to learn to get out of your own way." Too true.
Hm. You're making me think, and I don't like it. Now that I've started to write, I don't know if I can ever stop. I don't really know why all of a sudden I started (except I was ticked at my husband and wanted to write a perfect man---and have something all my own). I think each step along the way has made me look at the whole process with new eyes and fears. You have to trust yourself, yet know that SOMEONE will hate everything that you've written. And you have to make yourself not care about that.
Writing is solitary, writers vulnerable. But it's our choice to rip the skin off and bleed on the pages. We're not really brave like, say, soldiers, or even our own heroes and heroines. I don't know if I have guts, but I am stubborn and obsessed. :)
I put this together pretty late so I had to tweak a little. I realized that my last paragraph made it sound like I disagreed with the need for guts and I definitely don't. :)
Chance - what a good word, perseverance. I think that's probably prettier than guts and a sight better looking than the fellow above.
I hope you feel better too!
Renee - I like heart too. :) I think that's true. As Tiff said, belief in oneself will get a person far. And we're glad you keep going hon.
Tiff - I'm sure that your second book is going to be as great as Hidden Beauty. How's Asbury coming along?
JK - The psychology stuff is very real. And you're right; many have that "idea" and then can't shape it into a book.
I think it some regards that the trek from idea to book is a skill. I know plenty of people with just the fundamentals of language and then when they start crafting their story, the "idea" gets lost under an avalanche of stuff. Completing an idea takes some skill, at least completing it satisfactorily.
Kelly - "You just need to learn to get out of your own way." WOW. I'm not sure why this made such sense to me today, but that is sooo true.
Has anyone else had those moments where you know something has to happen, a piece to put the puzzle of your story together, and yet it feels like it's just hanging out in your brain somewhere that you can't reach it?
Ugh, I hate that.... LOL!
Maggie says: " But it’s our choice to rip the skin off and bleed on the pages. We’re not really brave like, say, soldiers, or even our own heroes and heroines. I don’t know if I have guts, but I am stubborn and obsessed."
I agree with this. I think it's brave in some way to to put ourselves out there, but you're right; there are many braver folks than me. I'm just risking myself emotionally, they're risking their real skin. :)
Stubborn and obsessed. Wow, that's true. And now that I've started, I'm not sure I can stop either.
That picture is so disturbing I can't even think to answer the question. I'll have to come back once I've had some tea.
I think it takes "blissful ignorance" to write the first book.
Because if you start thinking about all the stuff you have to do once a book is published--the least daunting of which is write the next one--you'd totally rethink your desire to become a writer or a published author.
And that picture IS pretty disturbing. I almost want to take a pin and see if he pops. But his grin is kinda funny--he does look darned happy. You know, rather like he's in blissful ignorance.
Ter - Oh good! I found the most disturbing gut shot I could find. I like to get people's attention in the early morning. :)
Hells - A blissful ignorance. I agree. The more I write and learn, the more I almost wish I were just tapping away completely clueless. Almost. I think I'm better now though, so that's something.... LOL!
That is really disturbing. He looks like it you poke at his belly that it might pop.
I think the writing on guts alone is pretty accurate. It takes a lot of guts to sit down to a computer and start writing something that comes from your imagination with the intent to let others read it. I think it's the equivalent of standing in front of a large audience and giving a speech. At least with writing you don't have to watch people's reactions as they read your work.
Tea in, comments read, picture avoided. Ready now. :)
I agree with all of the above, of course. But I'll throw in the "D's" - Dedication and Determination. When I first started, it was just something I'd always wanted to try. Then it rolled into something a bit more. Took at least a year before I reached the point of knowing I wanted to publish.
Now it's the determination to finish what I started. Walking away is SOOOO much easier. But lucky for me, it's become a challenge and I can never back away from a challenge.
I also agree with Kelly. We actually have very similar styles and processes based on our conversations at Nationals. (Kelly - are you a Capricorn? LOL!) My "vomit it out" motto is my way of getting out of my way. And I'm finding if I let things cook in my brain long enough, without freaking that it's been four days or whatever since I wrote the last scene, then what I need comes to me.
Sin - "At least with writing you don’t have to watch people’s reactions as they read your work." Wow, ain't that the truth!? LOL! I suppose that's the silver lining.
I think some days I am these things better than others. Some days I sit at the computer and I'm all belligerent, like I'm going to force the damn story from my brain. Other days I feel like it's just eeking out without me and my stupid help. And other times, it's neither. The story's not coming and I'm not really that pushy with it, so I just sit there all blah and write blah words that I'll delete later.
Hmmm... Inspiring huh?
Ter - Dedication and determintion. :) Very true. How's things going with the vomiting anyway?
And I do think that there is a little stubborn part of me too that's going to see myself published if it's the last thing I do. I may be 95 with my own personal printer going a mile a minute, handing out my manuscript to anyone who'll read it, but I'm going to publish something. LOL!
Marn - Right now the challenge is just to get to the end. Then it will be to write another one. The publishing one will come later.
I took off the week during Nationals so the next scene has been ruminating for just over a week. It finally came to me last night and this morning with several other scenes I hadn't thought of before. I hate when I'm in the shower and my heroine starts spewing dialogue. Gah!
Talking characters is totally better than completely silent characters. Any day of the week.
This is true. I just wish their timing was a little better. :)
We all know my philosophy is write now, delete it all later. LOL
And mine is "I don't want to delete anything." LOL! Which is why I'll end up much more heartbroke in the 2nd pass than you will. :)
I agree with all those who find the hardest part of writing "killing your darlings."
I've been trying to think on this all morning for my answer. I agree with most of what's been said, but I think for me its about a dream. I've dreamed my whole life of writing stories and my obstacle is just keeping the dream alive and fresh. You have to have this dream (some might call it a goal) that's so big nothing would keep you from achieving it. It has to mean so much to you, that you would feel an incredible sense of loss and disappointment in your life if you never achieved it.
And I don't mean getting it published - although that is part of my dream. I mean just the writing of it - that I did it. I fulfilled my dream and can never look back on my life in 30 years and think about what I didn't accomplish.
For me, getting myself to write is all about living up to my dream, making it so important to my life that there's no question of not finishing it. Mom always said, "Dream BIG dreams - believe in them and you'll make them happen."
I so didn't know what I was doin' when I started. Not sure I know much more now, other than how much I don't know! But I write because I just have ta write...
Very, very disturbin' picture. He don't stand up well next ta the normal hottie...
Feelin' better...
Yer right, Sabrina...dream big dreams...
Perseverance
Dedication
Working and pushing yourself to do the best you can write, and then after you're "done," making your book even better.
Belief
Hope
Oh, belief is a big one. I often say if I didn't believe I could get published, I wouldn't be doing this. At least not the RWA and conference stuff. Not that I never have doubts, but no matter how much my brain freaks with the "I'll never be as good as so-and-so" or "I'm not sure I can really do this", deep down, I have to still believe.
And really all you need for BELIEF is to pick up one bad romance novel and go, "If this got published, so can I."
Bad novels serve a great and noble purpose.
Sabrina - dream. That's so good. A goal is a dream, isn't it? And actually finishing is a huge accomplishment. I remember when I wrote the last line of my first MS. I floated for like days. :)
Chance - I'm glad you're feeling better. And no, this guy doesn't really stand up to our usual boys. I hope he didn't sour your stomach.... LOL!
Ely - I agree about pushing past the "done" point. Sometimes I feel like I'm just picking and picking and picking at myself. But, not in a bad way. And hope. Yes. :)
Hells - "Bad novels serve a great and noble purpose." LOL!
Glad that made an impression on you MJ - it certainly seems to be the main piece of advice I brought home from the conference. I heard it in seminars for dialogue and turning points, and Elizabeth Hoyt even said it during "Sex Scene Viagra". It really helped to drive home how I spend waaaaay to much time obsessing over each detail before I even put it to paper.
Terri - we were totally separated at birth. Except ... I'm a Libra. Explains a lot, right?
Hellie - that definitely goes on a plaque above my computer, LOL!
I'm with Sabrina on the importance of a dream, but the dream needs a foundation. Discipline--that's the key for me. Some days writing is easy. The words flow faster than my fingers can type, and I read over what I've written and am so pleased I can't stop smiling. Some days--zilch. My rainbow is gray, head is empty, and my page is blank. I lack the discipline to write something, even if it turns out to be crap, on the zilch days. Until I have that discipline, I'm just another wannabe.
Too True Janga!
Janga - you are not just another wannabe. Stop that.
Sometimes I feel like on those days when my writing is gray, that I wish I wouldn't write. Almost like when the words feel strangled from me they just cloud up the actually good words I do manage. Does that make sense? I know that I have to sit there and slug through the sludge, but boy I wish I didn't. Or maybe I wish there was just less sludge.
That's another thing I heard more than once at the conference. Very successful and prolific writers said they don't write every day and they don't beat themselves up about it. That was good to hear and that's why I'm trying not to freak when it takes a few days for the next scene to take shape in my mind.
Janga - If you're a wannabe, I'm a never-will-be. Goodness, that's just crazy talk.
Terri, I don't think you have to write every day. We all know life gets in the way sometimes, but I do think setting a goal of when and how much is necessary--for me anyway. I just find it too easy to do other things when the writing is not going well.
And I didn't mean to come across as a pity-poor-me with the wannabe comment. But recently I'm spending more time talking about writing than writing. That's not progress, and progress is a requirement if publication is a goal.
Janga - I know that feeling. The talking more than writing one. Did it for two years. LOL! But you are disciplined and you'll get it done. You always do with the other projects you take on.
Release the pressure and maybe you'll be able to loosen up and get moving again. And if you need someone to wrestle the thing from your hands, let me know. ;)
Wow! That picture is really disgusting. I feel the need to go wash my eyes out.
You guys are all over what it takes and you're doing it too. Just not as fast as you'd like, I think. I know the "getting out of your own way" comment struck a cord with me. That's pretty much with everything in my life, though. LOL
I'm glad you all had such a great time at Nationals and took away so many positives. There is nothing like being around like-minded friends to spur you on to greatness!
Interesting Marnee
I don't think Mary Balogh could have written so many great books if she had been struggling with psychological barriers.
I think that she just transports to her world of imagination and allows the magic to flow through her fingers.
Given basic writing skills, all you need are great ideas which come bubbling up from that well of creativity. Forget all the advice and 'how to do it' books. Just write down your creation as it comes.
I don't think a great artist needs perseverance any more than a great scientist. They simply can't help creating fine work. Its part of living for them and always a joy to use their gift.
Or perhaps I'm living in a hypothetical ideal world of Utopian ideas.
I certainly don't think that your thoughts could ever be stupid Marnee.
What a silly thought! *grin*
Just skimmed through the posts. I seem to be at odds with most. Ah well its not the first time and I'm sticking to my guns! Though I haven't actually written a novel so at this time its all theory waiting to be validated. 8)
Hi! I'm a lurker most of the time but thought I'd jump in today. I always enjoy the comments of the crew, but the picture today was an attention grabber in a disturbing way! Bring back the hotties! lol
I think what is needed to write is an ability to hold on to the ignorance of the early days - - that something that made us brave enough to go ahead and release the words of an idea into a story before we knew how difficult it was going to be. And, when rejection letters pile up, a small dose of arrogance. I say small, because I still think you have to be humble enough to accept criticism and learn from mistakes, but arrogant enough to believe in your own talent. Perhaps I'm confusing confidence with arrogance, but I think there is a difference.
For instance, I agree that reading a bad book is great encouragement for publication. I agree that it's a great feeling to know "if this got published, then so can I." But, to me, it's a fleeting encouragement. I then start to think, "wow, that person had to have been very lucky or had great connections." Then I'm discouraged. I mean, I know it can happen "it" being getting your foot in the door. I recently gave my manuscript to a friend who brought it with her on vacation. And while attending a wedding, she talked about my book with someone who turned out to be an agent who invited me to contact her. Hmmm, could this be that foot in the door?
In the meantime, I've chosen the route of self publication, which is a very arrogant thing to do. I could be wrong and confidence is better or at the very least, a more noble character trait, but arrogance seems to be what I need these days. . And ignorance. I can't forget ignorance as I blithly submit my novel to reviewers and think I can possibly do this on my own. If I were more confident, I'd persevere with pitching to agents and publishers.
Sorry to ramble and thanks for listening! lol
Irish - I like that getting out of my own way thing too. I'm going to try to do that from now on. :)
Q - Hello lovie. :) I love your utopian ideas.
"I don’t think a great artist needs perseverance any more than a great scientist. They simply can’t help creating fine work. Its part of living for them and always a joy to use their gift."
I don't know. You might be right here. I think that most of us are compelled because we can't stop thinking about it, can't get it out of our heads. I still think we need to have the nerve to get through the doubts.
But there definitely is always joy when I write. Whether it's overcome by a stronger wave of self-doubt is the question. :)
Melissa - Welcome out of lurkdom. We're glad to have you. :)
I like the complexity of your thoughts. I think we need different things at different times. And it's a fine line between hanging on to where we've come from and moving forward through the phases of our journey. Arrogance, confidence, ignorance. All necessary at different times. :)
Best of luck with your self-publication! Keep us posted!
Thanks Marnee! Yes, it's a strange, unending journey to be a writer. :)
Melissa - Confidence inspires different paths. I went to a Christie Craig panel at Nationals where she talked about how everyone has a different path. Being open to luck and chance is certainly one of those paths. But it's a path you can keep an eye on while self-publishing. Pitching is another path. Query is another.
We're women, we can multi-task!
The joy is in the journey and all paths offer vistas that are breathtaking. It takes a lot of confidence to self-publish. Do keep us updated!
Chance - Yes, the joy IS in the journey and I hadn't quite looked at the different paths as multi-tasking, but you make an excellent point. :)
I will keep you updated on how self-publishing plays out. If nothing else, it's opening me up to different ways to promote, some of which can be kind of fun actually. :)
Discipline! Discipline! Discipline!
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