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.
Showing posts with label writers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writers. Show all posts
Sunday, February 13, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Draft first pages
The writer's group offered some very good comments on my first chapter last night. Originally, I planned to include a Preface with an overview of the book along with my reasons for writing it. After receiving many requests from the group, I realize an overview should be part of the main body of the book. Besides, a lot of folks skip over the Preface. So, I will attach the draft version of my Introduction to this post.
INTRODUCTION
The process of creating a story and writing a novel can be intimidating. We all have a story to tell, but the development process seems needlessly shrouded in mystery. At least, that was my perspective prior to writing my fiction novel, Box of Dreams.
I have over 20 years experience in engineering, project management and new business development, but I am also a writer. I know, I know, you are probably saying, “Well.... that’s just crazy talk! Engineers don’t write novels!” Not so fast there, Mr. Liberal Arts Major! Kurt Vonnegut studied mechanical engineering at the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the University of Tennessee. He also looked a little bit like Albert Einstein.
Holistic Approach
Writing is not pure art. That is, writing involves a process. On the other hand, writing is certainly not pure science. The process of writing is a combination of art, science and nature. It has a conceptual phase, a development phase and an execution phase, all bound by a particular environment, much like a project in the business world. It involves all of the brain. Having wonderful, creative ideas is simply not enough without a process. Understanding process is simply not enough without creative ideas.
In business or engineering, a successful project begins with a conceptual phase of development in which ideas are allowed to flow freely. It often involves brainstorming, which is a process of tossing ideas around until a viable solution begins to form.
This approach is used frequently in the automobile industry. It is the integration of art and engineering. Furthermore, designers may begin with a particular body style, which is an art form. The body style might determine the space requirements for designing the interior of the car as well as the mechanical aspects. So, the overall design of the car may be confined to limitations of space, due primarily to aesthetics.
Building design often follows a similar process of art and engineering. An architect may begin with an overall building design that is both interesting and pleasing to the eye. The structural engineer must then find a way to design within the overall parameters set by the architect. Keep in mind, if the architect’s design does not consider the principles of physics or market conditions, then the project will likely fail. If the structural engineer does not work within the confines of the architectural design, then beams stick out of windows and the whole thing just gets ugly!
Writing a book is very similar. During the early stages of a story, concepts may be shaped like clay before a writer must commit valuable time to further development. In addition, design and scheduling techniques may be used to develop a compelling story.
I demonstrate my unique process for integrating the craft of writing with engineering and business and apply it directly to writing my novel. It worked for me and it can work for you. I also provide an example by which you might develop your own unique process. After all, it is your thought process that is most important.
About the Book
In this book, I describe the steps used for writing my fiction story, “Box of Dreams”, using very specific examples that follow each stage of manuscript development. Perhaps more importantly, I share a method I developed specifically for developing and writing my story. I also describe the most fundamental elements of writing and share my thoughts on the writing business. Finally, I describe how I developed my unique method and suggest steps for tailoring your own process to your specific needs.
I kept copious notes while writing “Box of Dreams”. My intent was to record the information obtained along with the individual steps for writing my manuscript in case I might want to follow a similar process at some point in the future.
I was fearful of forgetting what I had learned because some of the information was very new to me. Also, I had struggled to find a single source of information that addressed all of my questions concerning the writing process and the business of writing.
After completing my fifth revision, I realized I had collected a respectable amount of information consisting of my methods and my research into the topic of writing. In addition, I realized I had a compelling story and that my process could be used by others.
This application is presented in very plain language, but it is also condensed and arranged into a logical sequence that I believe will help an aspiring writer to better understand the process of writing. It is, in essence, a roadmap through a variety of issues that writers face with a particular method that I developed as a tool to help simplify the process. Stated differently, it is a perspective of an aspiring writer approaching a venerated profession, which has value as a unique point of view.
Organization
This book is organized to reveal the simultaneous development of my process and book in chronological order. I will begin with a little about my writing background. Then, I will provide the initial inspiration for writing “Box of Dreams” which is a short story entitled “The Vase”. From there, I will describe each element used to develop the story while referencing some of my resources. These elements will be introduced separately but will continue development throughout the book. Finally, I will describe the editing process and begin to offer the results of my research on a variety of topics related to the writing business.
INTRODUCTION
The process of creating a story and writing a novel can be intimidating. We all have a story to tell, but the development process seems needlessly shrouded in mystery. At least, that was my perspective prior to writing my fiction novel, Box of Dreams.
I have over 20 years experience in engineering, project management and new business development, but I am also a writer. I know, I know, you are probably saying, “Well.... that’s just crazy talk! Engineers don’t write novels!” Not so fast there, Mr. Liberal Arts Major! Kurt Vonnegut studied mechanical engineering at the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the University of Tennessee. He also looked a little bit like Albert Einstein.
Holistic Approach
Writing is not pure art. That is, writing involves a process. On the other hand, writing is certainly not pure science. The process of writing is a combination of art, science and nature. It has a conceptual phase, a development phase and an execution phase, all bound by a particular environment, much like a project in the business world. It involves all of the brain. Having wonderful, creative ideas is simply not enough without a process. Understanding process is simply not enough without creative ideas.
In business or engineering, a successful project begins with a conceptual phase of development in which ideas are allowed to flow freely. It often involves brainstorming, which is a process of tossing ideas around until a viable solution begins to form.
This approach is used frequently in the automobile industry. It is the integration of art and engineering. Furthermore, designers may begin with a particular body style, which is an art form. The body style might determine the space requirements for designing the interior of the car as well as the mechanical aspects. So, the overall design of the car may be confined to limitations of space, due primarily to aesthetics.
Building design often follows a similar process of art and engineering. An architect may begin with an overall building design that is both interesting and pleasing to the eye. The structural engineer must then find a way to design within the overall parameters set by the architect. Keep in mind, if the architect’s design does not consider the principles of physics or market conditions, then the project will likely fail. If the structural engineer does not work within the confines of the architectural design, then beams stick out of windows and the whole thing just gets ugly!
Writing a book is very similar. During the early stages of a story, concepts may be shaped like clay before a writer must commit valuable time to further development. In addition, design and scheduling techniques may be used to develop a compelling story.
I demonstrate my unique process for integrating the craft of writing with engineering and business and apply it directly to writing my novel. It worked for me and it can work for you. I also provide an example by which you might develop your own unique process. After all, it is your thought process that is most important.
About the Book
In this book, I describe the steps used for writing my fiction story, “Box of Dreams”, using very specific examples that follow each stage of manuscript development. Perhaps more importantly, I share a method I developed specifically for developing and writing my story. I also describe the most fundamental elements of writing and share my thoughts on the writing business. Finally, I describe how I developed my unique method and suggest steps for tailoring your own process to your specific needs.
I kept copious notes while writing “Box of Dreams”. My intent was to record the information obtained along with the individual steps for writing my manuscript in case I might want to follow a similar process at some point in the future.
I was fearful of forgetting what I had learned because some of the information was very new to me. Also, I had struggled to find a single source of information that addressed all of my questions concerning the writing process and the business of writing.
After completing my fifth revision, I realized I had collected a respectable amount of information consisting of my methods and my research into the topic of writing. In addition, I realized I had a compelling story and that my process could be used by others.
This application is presented in very plain language, but it is also condensed and arranged into a logical sequence that I believe will help an aspiring writer to better understand the process of writing. It is, in essence, a roadmap through a variety of issues that writers face with a particular method that I developed as a tool to help simplify the process. Stated differently, it is a perspective of an aspiring writer approaching a venerated profession, which has value as a unique point of view.
Organization
This book is organized to reveal the simultaneous development of my process and book in chronological order. I will begin with a little about my writing background. Then, I will provide the initial inspiration for writing “Box of Dreams” which is a short story entitled “The Vase”. From there, I will describe each element used to develop the story while referencing some of my resources. These elements will be introduced separately but will continue development throughout the book. Finally, I will describe the editing process and begin to offer the results of my research on a variety of topics related to the writing business.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Milestone event
I received a note yesterday from the nice folks at Sourcebooks. I am very encouraged as they are looking for two additional chapters to accompany my previously submitted non-fiction proposal.
Wait a minute! Didn’t I mention the non-fiction proposal? I guess not. I submitted a non-fiction proposal to Sourcebooks as a companion book to my fiction book. The non-fiction book is tentatively entitled “Writing Between the Nodes” which is a method I developed while writing “Box of Dreams”. It is also a roadmap intended to help aspiring writers through the daunting task of writing a book. My intent is too provide an up-to-date helpful guide in very plain language, while citing references from my own research.
As for my earlier comments regarding my love for writing fiction, that still remains. But, it IS a proposed book ABOUT writing.
Ok, so I should offer a little explanation about book proposals. A book proposal is a general outline for a book idea that writers (mostly non-fiction) may submit to a publisher. In the case of Sourcebooks, they accept unagented book proposals for non-fiction. They do not usually accept unagented submissions for fiction (except in the romance genre). So, how do I know this? I looked at their website Sourcebooks.com.
Which brings me to my unagented submission for my fiction manuscript, “Box of Dreams”. Sourcebooks ran a promotion during the Summer for aspiring writers to purchase a book called "Publish This Book" by Stephen Markley . It is an interesting concept book written as a memoir but it also provides insights into the publishing business. I recommend it. Anyway, with the proof of purchase for the book, the purchaser could submit 5000 words from a manuscript for review. I bought the book and submitted 5000 words from my fiction manuscript and eventually received some positive comments back from Sourcebooks encouraging me to make a few revisions and send the whole manuscript.
The note I received yesterday offered more encouraging words for my manuscript. However, like the proposal, it is far from the point of acceptance. Furthermore, even with revisions, it may not fit into their targeted markets. I must revise the manuscript again. I will provide some details of my revisions in future postings. But for now, I am very pleased to have an opportunity to resubmit my manuscript and will likely turn to a professional editor for advice.
In short, there is much work to be done.
Wait a minute! Didn’t I mention the non-fiction proposal? I guess not. I submitted a non-fiction proposal to Sourcebooks as a companion book to my fiction book. The non-fiction book is tentatively entitled “Writing Between the Nodes” which is a method I developed while writing “Box of Dreams”. It is also a roadmap intended to help aspiring writers through the daunting task of writing a book. My intent is too provide an up-to-date helpful guide in very plain language, while citing references from my own research.
As for my earlier comments regarding my love for writing fiction, that still remains. But, it IS a proposed book ABOUT writing.
Ok, so I should offer a little explanation about book proposals. A book proposal is a general outline for a book idea that writers (mostly non-fiction) may submit to a publisher. In the case of Sourcebooks, they accept unagented book proposals for non-fiction. They do not usually accept unagented submissions for fiction (except in the romance genre). So, how do I know this? I looked at their website Sourcebooks.com.
Which brings me to my unagented submission for my fiction manuscript, “Box of Dreams”. Sourcebooks ran a promotion during the Summer for aspiring writers to purchase a book called "Publish This Book" by Stephen Markley . It is an interesting concept book written as a memoir but it also provides insights into the publishing business. I recommend it. Anyway, with the proof of purchase for the book, the purchaser could submit 5000 words from a manuscript for review. I bought the book and submitted 5000 words from my fiction manuscript and eventually received some positive comments back from Sourcebooks encouraging me to make a few revisions and send the whole manuscript.
The note I received yesterday offered more encouraging words for my manuscript. However, like the proposal, it is far from the point of acceptance. Furthermore, even with revisions, it may not fit into their targeted markets. I must revise the manuscript again. I will provide some details of my revisions in future postings. But for now, I am very pleased to have an opportunity to resubmit my manuscript and will likely turn to a professional editor for advice.
In short, there is much work to be done.
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