I have officially submitted the additional chapters for the non-fiction book proposal. Waiting is not something that I do particularly well, so I look for other projects to keep my mind busy. Luckily, I am ready to work on Revision 7 of my fiction manuscript.
Writers vary widely in their approach to writing a novel. Some spend years outlining a story while others allow the story to unfold as they are writing. My process is really a little of both. That is, I allow myself a great amount of freedom during the conceptual stages, letting the story develop along with the characters. Then, I create a general outline that helps me to establish a consistent story arc. But, I also allow myself sufficient freedom during the writing process.
The result is a draft story that has a beginning, a middle and an ending, allowing me to see the potential impact of the story and where it needs work. During this initial process, I find it necessary to write some descriptions where I would much rather have dialog or action. It is a reminder to rewrite sections that show rather than tell. In the short term, I am able to continue the flow of the story without interruption, knowing that I must revise the draft.
Each revision is an attempt to insert needed elements, but it is a slow process. The balance between getting the story out versus outlining every detail is a personal preference. I am comfortable with my approach, but it is tailored to my personality. Likewise, other writers must find what works best for them.
When does this process end? It ends when I have done all that I can do to move a story forward. From that point, it either goes to a professional editor or it is submitted to agents depending on my confidence level. The threshold for acceptance is very high in today's market, so a submission should catch and hold the attention of a publisher.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Hats off to the prose
I have a whole new appreciation for professional writers. Journalists do not have the luxury of sitting on a piece for months until the mood strikes. They produce quality work with regularity.
I intentionally placed pressure on myself to write new chapters for "Writing Between the Nodes", my non-fiction book proposal. I wanted the experience of creating and editing a volume of work within set boundaries. Although it is far from the daily grind of a newspaper columnist or reporter, writing on a deadline is far different than writing at one's leisure.
In the first week, I wrote a draft Introduction along with six draft chapters. In the following two weeks, I drafted two additional chapters and edited five previously drafted chapters. The last few days have been devoted to the Introduction, which oddly, caused the most trouble for me as referenced in my previous post.
So what did I learn? First of all, writing is hard work. There is a mental fatigue that lingers well after completing an ambitious assignment. But, there is a sense of satisfaction and a very strange urge to "get up and do it again", following Jackson Browne's tag line with a slight twist.
For me, it was a different sensation than completing a fiction manuscript, or a major edit of a manuscript. There is a certain finality with a manuscript, not knowing if you will return for another edit. And again for me, there is a short period of depression following a large project. I had a similar experience as a project manager. It's hard to explain, but it is like part of you is missing.
This project is somehow different. Perhaps it is knowing it may not be over. That will, of course, depend on my ability to convince a publisher that I have a marketable idea. There is no post project melancholy. But, although I feel satisfied at having completed an interim task, there is also no great feeling of accomplishment. It is held in limbo, waiting for some indication that my work was on target. Perhaps then I might break out the Welch's grape juice. Champagne would be nice, but the stepwise progression of a book proposal does not rise to the level of Moet Chandon. That level of celebration is reserved for a larger goal.
I can honestly say there were moments when I'd lost my way. I succumbed briefly to self doubt, wondering if it would result in catastrophe. I questioned the writer's "voice" I had used to prepare the initial chapters and fell headlong into a rendition of Ben Stein there for a while. I can thank my writer's group for helping me to "snap out of it". I always envision Cher slapping a young Nicolas Cage for some reason when I think of that line.
Then, I could no longer read my work objectively. I must admit, that was a little scary. It seemed like I was writing just to put words on a page. Was it the early onset of Alzheimer's? I don't think so. I think it was writer's fatigue. What was I talking about? Hmmmmm.....it'll come back to me. I hope.
I intentionally placed pressure on myself to write new chapters for "Writing Between the Nodes", my non-fiction book proposal. I wanted the experience of creating and editing a volume of work within set boundaries. Although it is far from the daily grind of a newspaper columnist or reporter, writing on a deadline is far different than writing at one's leisure.
In the first week, I wrote a draft Introduction along with six draft chapters. In the following two weeks, I drafted two additional chapters and edited five previously drafted chapters. The last few days have been devoted to the Introduction, which oddly, caused the most trouble for me as referenced in my previous post.
So what did I learn? First of all, writing is hard work. There is a mental fatigue that lingers well after completing an ambitious assignment. But, there is a sense of satisfaction and a very strange urge to "get up and do it again", following Jackson Browne's tag line with a slight twist.
For me, it was a different sensation than completing a fiction manuscript, or a major edit of a manuscript. There is a certain finality with a manuscript, not knowing if you will return for another edit. And again for me, there is a short period of depression following a large project. I had a similar experience as a project manager. It's hard to explain, but it is like part of you is missing.
This project is somehow different. Perhaps it is knowing it may not be over. That will, of course, depend on my ability to convince a publisher that I have a marketable idea. There is no post project melancholy. But, although I feel satisfied at having completed an interim task, there is also no great feeling of accomplishment. It is held in limbo, waiting for some indication that my work was on target. Perhaps then I might break out the Welch's grape juice. Champagne would be nice, but the stepwise progression of a book proposal does not rise to the level of Moet Chandon. That level of celebration is reserved for a larger goal.
I can honestly say there were moments when I'd lost my way. I succumbed briefly to self doubt, wondering if it would result in catastrophe. I questioned the writer's "voice" I had used to prepare the initial chapters and fell headlong into a rendition of Ben Stein there for a while. I can thank my writer's group for helping me to "snap out of it". I always envision Cher slapping a young Nicolas Cage for some reason when I think of that line.
Then, I could no longer read my work objectively. I must admit, that was a little scary. It seemed like I was writing just to put words on a page. Was it the early onset of Alzheimer's? I don't think so. I think it was writer's fatigue. What was I talking about? Hmmmmm.....it'll come back to me. I hope.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Peculiar Blindness
I thought things were going very well, at least, until now.
I attended my writer's group last night with a newly written introduction for my proposed book. I thought the introduction would help the reader understand both my purpose and my thought process. Easy stuff, right? Wrong! I simply failed to see the glaring issues until it was too late.
The comments from my group were justifiably critical regarding style, voice and redundancy. While it may come as a surprise to some, writer's must seek unbiased feedback for their work, or risk falling under some hypnotic trance.
Oddly, I realized some of the issues at the last minute. I usually look over my work one last time while the group reads. Holy Cow! I began to see the redundancies. I could actually "hear" the deadpan voice of that teacher on The Wonder Years, except he was blathering on about writing and engineering. No, that was MY voice! I was the one delivering lifeless drivel, not content to say it once, but to repeat it over and over.
I had read the piece several times. I had a marathon day yesterday editing four chapters that I had hoped to submit this week. I even edited the introduction. What happened?
I simply could not see my errors while in the comfort of my office.
What I need is an excuse. Let's see.....hmmmmm. That's it! The sun was in my eyes! Nah, they'll never buy that. Perhaps they'll believe I have devoted too much time writing and editing and that I am suffering from some form of editor's blindness. That sounds much better, I'm going with that one.
All kidding aside, I really could not see the mistakes but I think there may be a clue to what is actually happening. If I am able to see the errors in the class, then why couldn't I see them beforehand? I think I have a form of writer's laziness. But wait a minute! I have written fifteen thousand words, read the material multiple times and I have already made corrections. Laziness?!!!! That's absurd!
Not so fast. It is a FORM of laziness. It is laziness of the brain and the eyes.
Luckily, I am not the only one to experience this malady. It is actually quite common, but it seems very new to me. This is why writers are encouraged to present their written materials for objective criticism. As for my pride, I think it will recover. We can all use a good dose of humility from time to time. Hopefully, I will learn from this experience. Maybe I should drink a Red Bull before editing. Maybe I should hire a professional editor.
I attended my writer's group last night with a newly written introduction for my proposed book. I thought the introduction would help the reader understand both my purpose and my thought process. Easy stuff, right? Wrong! I simply failed to see the glaring issues until it was too late.
The comments from my group were justifiably critical regarding style, voice and redundancy. While it may come as a surprise to some, writer's must seek unbiased feedback for their work, or risk falling under some hypnotic trance.
Oddly, I realized some of the issues at the last minute. I usually look over my work one last time while the group reads. Holy Cow! I began to see the redundancies. I could actually "hear" the deadpan voice of that teacher on The Wonder Years, except he was blathering on about writing and engineering. No, that was MY voice! I was the one delivering lifeless drivel, not content to say it once, but to repeat it over and over.
I had read the piece several times. I had a marathon day yesterday editing four chapters that I had hoped to submit this week. I even edited the introduction. What happened?
I simply could not see my errors while in the comfort of my office.
What I need is an excuse. Let's see.....hmmmmm. That's it! The sun was in my eyes! Nah, they'll never buy that. Perhaps they'll believe I have devoted too much time writing and editing and that I am suffering from some form of editor's blindness. That sounds much better, I'm going with that one.
All kidding aside, I really could not see the mistakes but I think there may be a clue to what is actually happening. If I am able to see the errors in the class, then why couldn't I see them beforehand? I think I have a form of writer's laziness. But wait a minute! I have written fifteen thousand words, read the material multiple times and I have already made corrections. Laziness?!!!! That's absurd!
Not so fast. It is a FORM of laziness. It is laziness of the brain and the eyes.
Luckily, I am not the only one to experience this malady. It is actually quite common, but it seems very new to me. This is why writers are encouraged to present their written materials for objective criticism. As for my pride, I think it will recover. We can all use a good dose of humility from time to time. Hopefully, I will learn from this experience. Maybe I should drink a Red Bull before editing. Maybe I should hire a professional editor.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Writing builds character
Writing is an unconventional way to learn about any topic, but it can be motivational because a writer must research areas of particular weakness to avoid embarrassment. This is not a new concept. Anyone who has written a term paper should confirm that it works, following any respectable level of diligence.
I recently wrote everything I knew about character development, but found it necessary to verify facts. This learning process is extraordinarily effective as it not only tests my ability to write on the topic but also uncovers some potential misconceptions. It is a process of learning by doing (having the gall to write a book in the first place) and then another process of retracing the steps to evaluate what works and what does not work.
Perhaps more benefit is in the need to expand a topic beyond my own sphere of understanding and/or experience. For example, I must research the topic of character development to present a comprehensive view. It provides an opportunity to fully explore what I know and what I do not know.
My adventure into character development began a few weeks ago when I drafted a new chapter for my book proposal. I went back several times to edit my work, adding necessary transitions but also checking my facts. I am more confident now that most of what I wrote was in good company among far greater practitioners than myself. But, I must also supplement what I know with areas that I do not know to provide a more balanced viewpoint. Again, this is extraordinarily valuable as I discover areas of weakness and then feverishly work to make up for my deficiencies. Now I know the material well enough to pass the test.
I recently wrote everything I knew about character development, but found it necessary to verify facts. This learning process is extraordinarily effective as it not only tests my ability to write on the topic but also uncovers some potential misconceptions. It is a process of learning by doing (having the gall to write a book in the first place) and then another process of retracing the steps to evaluate what works and what does not work.
Perhaps more benefit is in the need to expand a topic beyond my own sphere of understanding and/or experience. For example, I must research the topic of character development to present a comprehensive view. It provides an opportunity to fully explore what I know and what I do not know.
My adventure into character development began a few weeks ago when I drafted a new chapter for my book proposal. I went back several times to edit my work, adding necessary transitions but also checking my facts. I am more confident now that most of what I wrote was in good company among far greater practitioners than myself. But, I must also supplement what I know with areas that I do not know to provide a more balanced viewpoint. Again, this is extraordinarily valuable as I discover areas of weakness and then feverishly work to make up for my deficiencies. Now I know the material well enough to pass the test.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Consultation with Book Doctor, David Sterry
I enjoyed my conversation with David Sterry yesterday. He was very accommodating and provided some extraordinarily insightful comments regarding my pitch AND possibilities for my fiction manuscript.
I agreed to send a copy of my manuscript to him after completing Revision Six. I believe my story is still a little flat in places and in need of yet another edit. Writing is hard work, in case anyone has any doubts.
David is an actor with an amazing list of credits. He is also an author of 12 books whose most recent book made the cover of the Sunday New York Times Book Review. His wife, Arielle Eckstut, is an agent at large with the Levine Greenberg Agency, author of 7 books and successful co-founder of Little Miss Matched.
I have read their book, The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published. It is a comprehensive manual for aspiring authors with answers to many questions.
I agreed to send a copy of my manuscript to him after completing Revision Six. I believe my story is still a little flat in places and in need of yet another edit. Writing is hard work, in case anyone has any doubts.
David is an actor with an amazing list of credits. He is also an author of 12 books whose most recent book made the cover of the Sunday New York Times Book Review. His wife, Arielle Eckstut, is an agent at large with the Levine Greenberg Agency, author of 7 books and successful co-founder of Little Miss Matched.
I have read their book, The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published. It is a comprehensive manual for aspiring authors with answers to many questions.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Attempting to write amid snow, noise and vampires
Today, I have a consultation call with David Sterry and Arielle Eckstut, The Book Doctors. I will pitch my fiction manuscript, Box of Dreams, to them. As I mentioned in a previous posting, I attended their "Pitchapalooza" event last month. It was a great opportunity to hear other writers pitch their manuscripts to an expert panel.
In the meantime, the non-fiction project has been slightly delayed by the blizzard. Four hours shoveling snow and a house full of wives, kids, puppies, cats and fish are not ideal conditions for writing. Just kidding. I only had one wife, one kid, one puppy and one cat at home yesterday, though it seemed like I had more at times.
I was able to finally finish reading "Dracula" by Bram Stoker. I can strike that one off my list of classics to read before I croak. I think I've now read about half of a list of 100 greatest novels of all time, depending on the list.
I realize perhaps for the first time that even classic novels are not perfect. It's a bit subjective, but it's possible to find flaws. However, classic novels are highly regarded for a variety of attributes that one may possess over the other. The reader can accept the strengths without regard for the weaknesses.
Lawrence Block talks about "suspension of disbelief" in his book entitled "Telling Lies for Fun and Profit". This is the ability of a writer to develop characters, plot and setting that are plausible for the reader. Stated differently, the reader may relate to these elements very easily. Fiction is inherently flawed by the establishment of characters, events and setting that are often far beyond the boundaries of reality. They are creations that the reader will either accept or reject. Therefore, the art of writing fiction is the ability to suspend disbelief so perfection in fiction, like reality, is not possible. The ability to convince the reader becomes a measure of the writer's ability to create plausible characters.
Bram Stoker does this with Dracula. But, I was surprised at some of the underlying themes. Somehow, in my mind, the vampire stereotype was applied to Stoker's Dracula. I never saw him as a creature to be pitied, yet Stoker does present him as a victim. It is also a love story with erotic undertones. I was most surprised at the underlying Christian theme in the story. It is a classic story of good versus evil that passes through a variety of contemporary genres.
Having participated in a writer's group for over a year, I can appreciate the value of reading a story with a critical eye. Nonetheless, I will not allow my attention to detail alter my perspective as a casual reader. That is, I will continue to enjoy a story despite the inevitable flaws that exist in any work of fiction. I enjoyed "Dracula" very much, but I can set aside the critical analysis of the work with the understanding that all fiction has strengths and weaknesses.
So, what was wrong with it? Actually, nothing is WRONG with it. It is a compelling story in which I was able to suspend disbelief. That is, I was able to visualize and relate to characters that are....at least for most of us....nonexistent. BUT, I would say that the story is relatively flat at points. The reason? In some parts, the story offers vivid images with stunning character developments while other parts are repetitive with very little action. In other words, I began to expect the same level of intensity throughout the story. The story was slightly unbalanced in this regard. The end of the story again becomes highly compressed with action and intensity, but the final events end a little too quickly for me. It seemed that Stoker was a little rushed at the end of his story.
These are minor weaknesses for a story written in the 1800's. Sadly, today's writer must maintain a level of interest among readers who are overstimulated and attention deficit. Today's reader expects consistency and highly compressed information from a novel. Nonetheless, "Dracula" belongs in the Top 100 Novels of All Times for its originality and images that continue to inspire a variety of similar stories with similar characters.
In the meantime, the non-fiction project has been slightly delayed by the blizzard. Four hours shoveling snow and a house full of wives, kids, puppies, cats and fish are not ideal conditions for writing. Just kidding. I only had one wife, one kid, one puppy and one cat at home yesterday, though it seemed like I had more at times.
I was able to finally finish reading "Dracula" by Bram Stoker. I can strike that one off my list of classics to read before I croak. I think I've now read about half of a list of 100 greatest novels of all time, depending on the list.
I realize perhaps for the first time that even classic novels are not perfect. It's a bit subjective, but it's possible to find flaws. However, classic novels are highly regarded for a variety of attributes that one may possess over the other. The reader can accept the strengths without regard for the weaknesses.
Lawrence Block talks about "suspension of disbelief" in his book entitled "Telling Lies for Fun and Profit". This is the ability of a writer to develop characters, plot and setting that are plausible for the reader. Stated differently, the reader may relate to these elements very easily. Fiction is inherently flawed by the establishment of characters, events and setting that are often far beyond the boundaries of reality. They are creations that the reader will either accept or reject. Therefore, the art of writing fiction is the ability to suspend disbelief so perfection in fiction, like reality, is not possible. The ability to convince the reader becomes a measure of the writer's ability to create plausible characters.
Bram Stoker does this with Dracula. But, I was surprised at some of the underlying themes. Somehow, in my mind, the vampire stereotype was applied to Stoker's Dracula. I never saw him as a creature to be pitied, yet Stoker does present him as a victim. It is also a love story with erotic undertones. I was most surprised at the underlying Christian theme in the story. It is a classic story of good versus evil that passes through a variety of contemporary genres.
Having participated in a writer's group for over a year, I can appreciate the value of reading a story with a critical eye. Nonetheless, I will not allow my attention to detail alter my perspective as a casual reader. That is, I will continue to enjoy a story despite the inevitable flaws that exist in any work of fiction. I enjoyed "Dracula" very much, but I can set aside the critical analysis of the work with the understanding that all fiction has strengths and weaknesses.
So, what was wrong with it? Actually, nothing is WRONG with it. It is a compelling story in which I was able to suspend disbelief. That is, I was able to visualize and relate to characters that are....at least for most of us....nonexistent. BUT, I would say that the story is relatively flat at points. The reason? In some parts, the story offers vivid images with stunning character developments while other parts are repetitive with very little action. In other words, I began to expect the same level of intensity throughout the story. The story was slightly unbalanced in this regard. The end of the story again becomes highly compressed with action and intensity, but the final events end a little too quickly for me. It seemed that Stoker was a little rushed at the end of his story.
These are minor weaknesses for a story written in the 1800's. Sadly, today's writer must maintain a level of interest among readers who are overstimulated and attention deficit. Today's reader expects consistency and highly compressed information from a novel. Nonetheless, "Dracula" belongs in the Top 100 Novels of All Times for its originality and images that continue to inspire a variety of similar stories with similar characters.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The new writer
New relationships are forming between artists and their fans. It is growing out of an increasing need for artists to market themselves, whether signed or unsigned. From my limited perspective, it seems that the curtain has been lifted to reveal an industry that once thrived on mystique. Today's artist is much more likely to expose various parts of their lives in return for fan loyalty.
With expanded communications, artists now have the potential to access many people. Videos, blogs, and podcasts have become an accepted part of world culture. It is exciting, but it is also a bit intimidating because the playing field is much larger. Unless you reside on the popular end of Chris Anderson's distribution curve, you must devote a significant amount of time developing various forms of marketing collateral to promote brand "you". This is the new competitive landscape for the arts. Without marketing infrastructure, the new artist must create a buzz for themselves which takes valuable time away from writing or performing. Today's artist is working around the clock trying to penetrate a diluted market.
For writers, this also applies to the manner in which we approach agents and the publishing business. A writer must write compelling material, but must also rise above the masses just to speak with an agent. Developing marketing collateral is vitally important to gain the attention of a prospective agent or publisher in this highly competitive environment. It is an indicator of both personal commitment and potential success.
So, what does this mean? I believe it signals changes in attitude for everyone on the lower end of the distribution curve. Writers cannot afford to approach the market with a superstar attitude. Today's writer is more likely to mow their own lawn and buy Girl Scout Cookies, rather than live in a 10,000 sq ft. home in Beverly Hills surrounded by a security fence.
With expanded communications, artists now have the potential to access many people. Videos, blogs, and podcasts have become an accepted part of world culture. It is exciting, but it is also a bit intimidating because the playing field is much larger. Unless you reside on the popular end of Chris Anderson's distribution curve, you must devote a significant amount of time developing various forms of marketing collateral to promote brand "you". This is the new competitive landscape for the arts. Without marketing infrastructure, the new artist must create a buzz for themselves which takes valuable time away from writing or performing. Today's artist is working around the clock trying to penetrate a diluted market.
For writers, this also applies to the manner in which we approach agents and the publishing business. A writer must write compelling material, but must also rise above the masses just to speak with an agent. Developing marketing collateral is vitally important to gain the attention of a prospective agent or publisher in this highly competitive environment. It is an indicator of both personal commitment and potential success.
So, what does this mean? I believe it signals changes in attitude for everyone on the lower end of the distribution curve. Writers cannot afford to approach the market with a superstar attitude. Today's writer is more likely to mow their own lawn and buy Girl Scout Cookies, rather than live in a 10,000 sq ft. home in Beverly Hills surrounded by a security fence.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)