Three things I recognized and accepted while writing a sequel (to Super in the City) in 2009

1) Instead of being embarrassed by my various random, messy ways of pseudo organizing characters, plot lines, and ideas, I decided to accept this chaotic mix as My Method. It’s amazing what capital letters will do to validate one’s habits. Sometimes I start a wall chart (hidden on the wall of my closet) with post-its, sometimes I use my notebook, sometimes I outline on the computer: instead of letting this make me feel unprofessional and uncommitted to a method, I recognized that this mélange of simultaneous avenues works for me.

2) I truly internalized the advice that is given most famously in Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird and again in an essay by Ann Patchett (and by countless other writers): I can only write one sentence at a time. I cannot worry about the entire book all the time. That’s what editing is for. I need to have faith that (temporary) myopia is the only way to get a book written. This involves a certain amount of blind faith in one’s abilities.

3) I considered changing my name to Ann(e) to ensure literary success (see number 2, above).

Tags: #process/craft

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Comment by Victoria John on December 5, 2010 at 7:20pm: Thank you so much for this! My writing gradually emerges from chaos. I've taken several writing classes that dictate the only way to write is to start with an outline. I get frustrated, because the only way I can do an outline is after I have written my essay or story. While I'm gradually learning to trust my process, I still feel discouraged that I don't write like other people.

Comment by Daphne Uviller on September 23, 2010 at 11:39am: Yay, Birgitte! Glad this helped. And by the way, since this post, book is completed, edited, has a cover, and will be out in April 2011. On to the next book. I mean, next first sentence!

Comment by Birgitte Necessary on September 2, 2010 at 8:54am: Needed this! I worry about the entire book at a time. I want to worry about one line only. Thanks for the inspiration. I'm working on a scene that I haven't been able to start because I can't envision the entire thing complete. Today during writing time I'm going to challenge myself to write only ONE sentence of that scene. Screw all the others. If I can do that, I'll feel like I've accomplished something. :)

Comment by E Victoria Flynn on January 26, 2010 at 12:25pm: Suddenly, I feel a whole lot better. I have similar Methods. Thank you!

Comment by Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz on January 23, 2010 at 4:27pm: I love #2. Thanks for sharing.

Comment by Deborah Siegel on January 13, 2010 at 5:01pm: Carpe chaos, coeditor-turned-novelista! xo D

Comment by Marilyn Venvenutti on January 7, 2010 at 12:49am: This is great! This helps us to just relax and write! Especially point 2.

Comment by Christina Brandon on January 5, 2010 at 5:02am: Superb! Number 2 is great advice. I loved Bird by Bird and thanks for reminding me about it!

Comment by Courtney E. Martin on January 4, 2010 at 5:38pm: Awesome post Daphne. xo

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