Monday, July 5, 2010

Writers are Inherently Brave.


I was thinking today about the mess that is my epic WIP, and how no one can tell me how to to fix it, but me. It's not broken, really - just out of order. And I have to tell myself everyday that it's okay. That KISS started like this. That it's a work-in-progress and I just happen to process stories in an unusual way.

That got me thinking about everyone's process and how no one does it the same way. We all write differently and no one can tell you exactly how to do it. You have to find your own way - which I assure you is not like any other's.

I was reading Hannah Moskowitz's blog the other day (I'm newly fascinated by her and can't wait to read one of her books), and she said she can write a book in 8 days. 8 days! That's a first draft mind you, but still... Robin one time told me she talks to her characters while running, and Shelli brainstorms on the phone. Then you have your outliners like Lila. And your non-outliners like Elana. And then you have me - a non-linear thinker, who can clearly see my MC's love interest in all of his quirky wonder way before I get to know my actual MC. Weird, right?

Not really.

Because, there's no right way to do it. To write a book, I mean. Which, in my opinion, makes writing a book a very brave endeavor. It's like climbing a mountain without a map. At least that's what it feels like to me. So, I have to trust that I will indeed get to the top. It's a mountain I have climbed once before and thank God I remember all the side routes I took, and how I felt all wonky like this, and how I really did make it. I did.

So, I can do it again. And so can you. You don't need a map. You just need to trust the one person who is strong enough to do it.

You.

15 comments:

Stina said...

Great post! It's amazing how the writing process is different for everyone.

A friend of mine is working on her first draft, but she's also editing it at the same time and sending it out to her crit group. I can't do that. Even though I outline first, I still perfer to edit several drafts first before anyone sees it. And I only edit after I finish the first draft.


Brainstorming on the phone. Wow, can't imagine doing that. It means I'm not listenng to the other person. But I love to brainstorm and run. :)

Candyland said...

Absofreakinlutely. No two of us are exactly the same. I'm not even the same at any given time. Sometimes I outline, others I just go with it.

I would love to be able to write a draft in 8 days. Sheesh...

Dianne K. Salerni said...

This is an inspirational post for me this morning, b/c I have reached the point in my WIP where I think it stinks and maybe I should just quit now.

However, as you so rightly said, I have climbed this mountain before -- with many side trips and without a map. Looking back, I can recall thinking *the exact same thing* about 4 other manuscripts before this -- one of which is now a published book.

"This stinks" is apparently a regular stop of my journey. Thanks for reminding me to be brave enough to keep climbing anyway!

Shannon O'Donnell said...

Yes!!! Wonderful post - so inspiring! Thanks for a great start to the week. :-)

Jemi Fraser said...

I love how we're all different! It's what makes it fun :)

Jeannie said...

Isn't it interesting how God made it that way, but He leaves it up to us to discover the marvel of it-we're all perfect just the way we are! Keep climbing the mountain, Baby, and I hope a publisher is waiting at the top with a contract when you arrive!

Robin Mellom said...

It's so true! I think our writing process is as unique as our fingerprints...no two alike!

Great post. :-)

ali cross said...

Oh, yay! I loved this. Very well put, thank you!

Loretta Nyhan said...

"...climbing a mountain without a map" is a PERFECT analogy. Loved ths post!

Anonymous said...

OMG Katie! My book is an epic mess too and all out of order! How are we gonna fix it!? hahah

Corey Schwartz said...

Another terrific post! I am totally in awe of anyone who can write a novel! (No matter which way they choose to do it!)

Christina Lee said...

I loved this! Really, it's so very true! It's such an individual thing, but the end result is so satisfying!

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

yes! you can do it girl!

thx for listening to me brainstorm on the phone (and for spending your minutes) - we just need to do skype :)

Little Ms J said...

I need you in my ear. You're like my Jiminy!

Hardygirl said...

So true! And, my process changes from book to book as well.

sf

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