While scavenging through old journals for inspiration, I came across an entry I’d written January 1, 2003 about writing a book.
Writing a Book
A new year begins. A fresh start. Many hopes. Many dreams. One of my wildest dreams is to complete my first novel. I finished writing it a year ago, but it isn’t complete. I’ve entered it in three contests, took an advanced fiction course, and read a mass of “how to” books, and now I have a pretty good idea of what I’ve been doing wrong.
Too much exposition, too much narration. I’m not getting inside of my protagonist’s head fast enough at the beginning of the story. The climax scene is a wimp-out, etc., etc.
Am I discouraged?
Mostly disappointed. I’m wishing I hadn’t told so many people I was writing a book. Just about all my non-writer friends can’t figure out why I’m not published yet. Am I faking being a writer? Am I lazy? Am I a lousy writer? I’m starting to get sympathetic glances. I try to explain that this is part of the process, but to deaf ears, it seems.
Maybe by this time next year, I’ll be ready to send it off.
HA!
If I had known back then what I know now, I’m not sure I would have been able to continue writing and revising. Three novels and nearly eight years later, I’M FINALLY READY TO SUBMIT. Only one more read through and a final revision (a month, maybe) away from submitting the first novel of a series of four.
All of my novels have been work-shopped in fiction classes and critique groups. One has quarter-finaled in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards and gotten a Publisher’s Weekly Review (which lead to another revision). I’ve pitched an agent, who has asked for a synopsis and sample chapters. I’ve started a blog and developed a small, but loyal following. I’ve earned a creative writing certificate through UCDavis Extension. And all of my critique partners think I’m ready.
Soon. Soon.
Let me leave you with a quote from John Steinbeck in his Journal Of A Novel, THE EAST OF EDEN LETTERS.
“And if he is a writer wise enough to know it can’t be done, then he is not a writer at all. A good writer always works at the impossible.”
Thanks for stopping by,
Follow your heart and your dreams, Margaret. You're almost there! I know the images you've conjured in your head and transfered to words will be good stuff.
Thanks so much Cathy. I'm close, so close. But oh what a journey.
You have made it .I can visualize it though I am a new follower of you.I am a writer too and your last sentences are very true.Keep Trying is the mantra
Thank you, Umamaheswari. I have "made it" in my mind and spirit, and that's a huge accomplishment. When I think that John Steinbeck questioned his ability and talent, I know there is hope for us all.
Margaret, I've come to the realization that there is no such thing as an "overnight success". Even authors who seem to come out of nowhere with a bestseller have struggled for years, sometimes decades, before getting to that point. Taking the time to perfect your craft doesn't mean you aren't a writer. In fact, it means you are exactly that!
You're so right, Darcia, perfecting one's craft takes time. In fact, it can (and usually does)take a life time. But somewhere along the line, with a lot of study and practice, one's work becomes "good enough" to publish. I hope I've finally reached that point.
It's such hard work – it takes real commitment and determination to keep going, you should be amazingly proud of yourself for even getting this far – I'm certainly not even close!
Thanks for the positive words, Glen. Writing for publication definitely takes commitment and determination, to which I'll add, love for the craft. At least if you love what you're doing, all is not for nothing. As Bernard Malamud said, "Writing is a mode f being. If I write I live."
I know what you mean. My family doesn't understand why I'm not published. It's hard to make them undestand why I'm not. Writing is a process, and with today's economy and constantly changing publishing industry, its' harder then ever to get published. Even established writers are getting dumped by publishers. Right now the industry is very unpredictable, and in the end its not the writing, but all about money…
I have to agree with Zizzor Baby, the industry is upside down, and I don't think you need to be disappointed with yourself over not being published. Right now there is know way to know what is selling and what isn't. Something families and friends don't understand.
Hi Zizzor Baby and Lee. More the reason to write because you love it, and if you're lucky enough to publish someday, consider that an extra benefit.
Hi Margaret,
As someone previously said, follow your dream, don't let others steal it and remain positive. I love your blog. Also thanks for calling in on my blog the other day. Best wishes for now!
C
Hello Secret Writer. The November issue of "The Oprah Magazine" devotes sixteen pages to the question: "What's Your True Calling?" I'm so lucky to have found mine, which is writing, of course. I started my dream journey ten years ago and will continue until the end of my days. This blog is a part of that journey and I thank you for visiting and for wishing me well.