Listen, I know how to write, for crying out loud. That's not what I'm asking. I'm asking how the hell one becomes a writer.
This is what I want to know, and if you're "a writer" or even someone "who writes," I'd love to know your answers:
1. How do you write? Do you write a story until it is complete and edited and ready to be sent off for publication? Or do you write when the mood strikes you? Do you have ten or twenty loose ends stuffed into different places on your hard drive waiting to be finished? Or do you have shiny, perfect, complete pieces neatly arranged in a file marked "Finished Pieces"?
2. How do you edit? Do you edit linearly, from first page to last? Do you edit something as soon as you've written it, or do you let it sit for a while, writing other things, before coming back to it?
3. What do you do when a story goes stale? Do you put it aside until it feels fresh or approachable again, or do you push through, keep writing, make it work until it's finished and deal with it later? (See above question re: editing.)
These questions are what I'm struggling with lately. I'm frustrated by simple advice like, "write for six hours a day." SIX HOURS?! What do you write for SIX HOURS a day? I type fast. I can write 1,000 words in under an hour. Are you saying write 6,000 words a day? Or are you saying spend six hours writing and revising, in which case, how much time do you spend writing, and how much time do you spend revising? And are you revising what you wrote that day or are you revising other things? Don't you get a little scrambled when you're working on so many things at once? I feel like my attention is constantly being demanded from my other stories when I'm trying to focus on one, like, what about that story that I've been wanting to write for a year and what about that novel that I never finished in November and what about this weird 30-pager I have that takes place in Appalachia and what about that stuff that I wrote for my thesis that I still still want to revise?
This is my mind.
Maybe this is my version of writer's block. Instead of nothing, instead of a void, there is too much of everything: too many words, too many stories, too many directions to follow.
Maybe I need a break. Or a bottle of wine.
(You can read more at my blog: www.awordfor.blogspot.com)
Thanks, Kerry! You are such an inspiration to me. You were one of the first people that I knew to declare proudly that you are a Writer and, more importantly, you are Writing A Novel. I think that was the first time that I thought, "Oh... you can... do that?" Seeing your determination and dedication really opened up an entire world of what writing could be in my life. Being a writer doesn't come from external validation, but from myself, and I will be forever grateful to you for that.
Can we PLEASE have coffee next time I'm home?
xo.
Great post, Emily! I've struggle with this quesiton myself on a regular basis. I have a bout of impostor syndrome every time I tell someone I'm a writer.
But for me, the first step towards being a writer, was calling myself one. Before last year, when people asked me what I did, I would list my job title and give a basic description, but if I ever got the chance to explain what I really wanted to do, I would say, "be a writer."
At some point I had to cross that metaphorical bridge and BECOME a writer. For me, this was making a dedication to my art, investing time, trying out that old mantra of writing every day, and also, telling EVERYONE who crossed my path that I was writing a book. Writing used to be a dream I kept tucked away in a box labeled "Things to get around to some day," on a shelf somewhere in my mind. Telling people that I was actively trying to write a novel and make myself into a "writer" was like making a promise out loud to myself.
What I have found out is that there is not just one way to write. You will find tons of different methods. Some people suggest outlining first. Some say to just start writing and see where your characters lead you. Find out how you write best, outlining or by the seat of your pants. I think picking out some writing craft books are your best ally right now. But don't read too much or you will get even more overwhelmed. Writing is a lot like riding a bike. You have to keep practicing, getting your balance, steering, pedaling; it all has to take practice. Studying a book about riding a bike gives you an idea of what to do but until you actually try it, it doesn't make much sense. The more you get on that bike, the better rider you become.
Practice makes...:) Look forward to hearing about your progress.
Thanks for the link and resource ideas, Hallie! I appreciate it!
www.awordfor.blogspot.com
Hi there! I felt the same way you did. I was inspired by a book to start writing, did some research, then just opened my laptop and started typing. "Just write" is exactly what you should do. Don't edit right away, just let the words flow. However, if you feel the story heading in a direction that doesn't connect with your beginning, fix the beginning or whatever needs fixing, then go on again. There are so many sites out there that can help you! Check out http:/ / www.writerunboxed.com at all of their advice posts as well as their blogroll. So many great resources! I think six hours a day is a bit much. Most people shoot for 1000-2000 words a day.
The internet is chockfull of writing advice blogs to help you and don't forget your local library. I have found some wonderful advice books there as well.
Hope this helps!