I've been avoiding my blog, plain and simple. Afraid of it, really. It can, you see, be a time-sucker, magic-buster and dasher of dreams.
I now have a goal of writing a novel and am determined to stay focused. But when I discuss my goals they have a way of rolling down a snowy hilltop towards lower elevations until they end up in a puddle next to some stupid Joshua tree, breathing life into a scorpion or some other heartless desert dweller.
Over the next few months, I'll be posting less and reading more. My friend Holly Jahangiri was kindly cruel enough, in the most gently pragmatic manner possible, to nudge me towards full realization of the importance of having an actual product (book, script, article) under one's arm while in the pursuit of a career in writing. Ain't no agent in the world going to look at my blog and proclaim me an artistic genius in the rough and sign me, then beg me to write the next great novel, and offer to put me and my family up at her nanny-filled resort in Antarctica for the time being to assure peace, quiet and uninterrupted writing time.
My short-term goal is to finish reading a few fiction-writing books I've left simmering on the back burner while I oh, I don't know, thrust myself further away from my goal on a daily basis by spending my time doing things that don't support it.
Then, once I've finished the books, I'm going to fire up yWriter and lay down my first complete novel. I realize I may need to spend a year or so editing and re-writing it, but I'm okay with that. Writing is, after all, re-writing.
And once that bad sucker is as good as I can get it, I'm going to wrap it in a pretty little bow and send it off to unsuspecting agents and publishers, being careful to adhere to their submission guidelines, while I take the next six months to recover from the complete brain and soul-wrenching I just served up for myself get started on my next novel.
I'm well aware that I may be doing this for eight to ten years before I get good enough to produce a publishable work, and I'm fine with that. Okay, I'm not fine with that. That's was a fib. But I've accepted it.
What I'm struggling with at present, while reading storytelling books, is the compulsion to plot. How does one hold back long enough to learn before plodding forward like the "Hey Kool-Aid!" guy and splattering one's sugarless mental grape juice on all manner of expensive, resentful journals?
I'm always teetering between YA Fiction and Romantic Comedy. Which to focus on? TELL ME! Sigh. I realize now that nobody else can tell me that. Only the story can make it plain. And so I read and jot down ideas and just know that it will happen, because I'm finally ready to get out of my own way and allow it to happen.
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By the way, I created a second twitter account for following other budding writers like myself, and those in the field - @HeatherKephart. (I only follow writers, editors, etc., on that account, my blogging/general twitter account is @Happymaker.) I have found in the past that I am unable to reach goals unless I surround myself with like-minded people. Otherwise, I get too distracted. Here's to our dreams!
I have a novel idea [pun intended]. Why not write a YA Romantic Comedy? They are all the rage and get 'em while they're young, I always say [not really, it just sounds good]. I have been batting around a few thoughts on my unfinished and desperate to get my attention NaNo novel. Time to block out time for the real writing and move towards the goal. You can't be rejected if you never submit anything. Like I always say [and I really do this time], the worst they can say is no. 8O
ReplyDeleteHi Anne! Grooooooooan!!! :P That was good.
ReplyDeleteI do think of writing YA Romantic Comedies. I guess I'm not sure if I will be able to write a YA novel. Granted, I'm a bit immature but I'm not sure if I can connect with what matters to today's youth. Perhaps if I focus on the constants.
I just really want to entertain them, you know?
And from what I've heard we'll be lucky to even get a "no"! Hey, at least it's a response. :)
Hi Heather,
ReplyDeleteOk, so if we're regular readers of your blog, and fans of Heather on facebook, does that me we get to read some of your early stuff (so we can say we knew you way back when)?
Oh, also, can we give you feedback? ... you know so that maybe one day when you write your big published novel we can get listed on that page in the front that people skim over, and wonder "who the heck are those people?" :-)
.-= Todd Morris´s last blog ..My Favorite Lens =-.
http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/02/11/sunshine-award-6th-12th/
ReplyDeletean award 4 u.
.-= jingle´s last blog ..Sunshine Award (6th-12th) =-.
I reckon Holly has a good point Heather, and as hard as it must be to start, I've a feeling that once you do it will all come together.
ReplyDeleteOf course you know that we will all be rooting for you and sitting in the sidelines patiently waiting for a autographed copy.
.-= Sire@WassupBlog´s last blog ..Quick Update On People Search Money Opportunity =-.
Thanks, jingle!
ReplyDeleteNot so secret anymore Heather. :)
ReplyDeleteBut you know me, I'll make sure I keep everyone up to date.
.-= Sire@WassupBlog´s last blog ..Quick Update On People Search Money Opportunity =-.
You really do? I was just fishing. I know you write, so I was curious what you might be up to. But I can *sigh* see that I'll have to *sigh* wait along with everybody else. :D
ReplyDeleteWell there is one post you won't have to wait for, and you're in it :)
ReplyDelete.-= Sire@WassupBlog´s last blog ..Quick Update On People Search Money Opportunity =-.
8O
ReplyDeleteHeather! I know exactly what you mean about talking about writing a book - I've actually become pretty obsessive about not talking about whatever I'm working on. As woo woo as it may sound, I like to keep all the energy for the page. It helps to come up with a one liner to say to well meaning friends and relatives when they ask what the book's about - and you can make this up completely or if it changes, you are under no obligation to explain. Write what you feel drawn to, and most passionate about - that you LOVE getting up for every day. Reading books about writing is good, but you'll make yourself nuts if you try to adhere to everything they say. There is definitely a time to put them away. I think at some point it's best to turn to solely reading whatever's on the bookstore shelf where you want to be :)
ReplyDelete.-= Margo´s last blog ..“Leave the Luggage to Us” Would Have Been a Good Idea =-.
In my country we have a special expression for times like this, several really. They include Good luck and congratulations. Not to mention damn, Texas really looks cold right now.
ReplyDeleteAnyhoo, I am sure that you'll be a success. And if you need ideas I am happy to throw them at you. What about YA romance that involves a girl and a vampire? Or a story about a teenage wizard and his friends. Those have potential.
.-= Jack´s last blog ..A Valentine's Day Fable =-.
Wow. Finally, a goal has been set, and a goal is a goal. Many do not even have that. I won't even try suggesting between a YA Fiction or a Romantic Comedy because as you said, that will come by and when it does, it will flow smoothly. I sincerely hope you can attain your goal and that you succeed with it. I am convinced that with the right mindset and "a lot of work" (lol), it will pay off. Good luck and sorry for being so distant lately. Hope all is well with you
ReplyDelete.-= DiTesco´s last blog ..Are You A Serious Blogger? =-.
Whatever your plans Heather, I'll support you. You can take a leave off from blogging no matter how long you want. You badly need it to accomplish your goal - novel.
ReplyDeleteThe best of luck dear! God Bless!
It's so true, Margo! It's the same even with family. I'm compelled to blab, but when I do it always kills a bit of the magic. When will I learn? I love your one liner idea. I'm tempted to construct one that is much more tantalizing than any project I might see myself working on. But then, wouldn't it be better to write the more tantalizing book? Hmm... I really need to find a way to get past my writing inhibitions. What would Grandma think?
ReplyDeleteMargo, I need help with the concept of writing what you love to read. The books I love tend to be historical fiction and mysteries that that I could not write myself without a ridiculous amount of research. I would like to start slow with a project I can construct straight from my noggin. Just hoping I can make it interesting. I wish I had some specific knowledge that would appeal to others. :-\ Also, I have such a broad range of interest in books! It's my life's problem. I'm such a generalist. I want to narrow my focus in order to succeed, but that goes against my unfortunate nature which, if unchecked, will assure me a lifetime of wallowing in mediocrity. Strong specific focus may border on unhealthy, but it makes people really good at what they do.
I agree about the books. Definitely. But I've never actually taken a writing class outside of your standard college English course, so I have some nitty grittys to learn. The book I'm currently reading about storytelling is giving me a lot of ideas about story structure that just make so much sense, and should cut down on my writing time. In theory. I wish I could be a pantser. But I think I'm a plotter. How does one know for sure? xo
Thanks, Jack - but they would never work. :P
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Madz! Best of luck and God Bless to you as well!
ReplyDeleteHi DiTesco, so good to see you! And thanks for the encouragement. No apologies necessary. Nobody understands better than me how important distance can be, especially especially in re: the internet, to accomplishing what must not be ignored.
ReplyDeleteWhat if you write short, short fiction in your blog? Holly does it. You know, every once in while? I know I'd read it - there's only so much formulaic and snackable posts I can take in a day to be honest. How about it, Nora Ephron? Or is it Jane Austen? :)
ReplyDeleteNot a bad idea, Jan, and thank you. :) To be honest, I've never before written a short story. I should probably get on that! Unless, of course, blog posts count as short stories. But I don't think they do.
ReplyDeleteI agree though, that the feedback I could get from those short stories would be a big help while writing a novel.
Hmm...I am thinking about a writing a screenplay. The Harlem Globetrotters meet Rocky Horror or Rocky Horror meets Gilligan's Island. Might need a collaborator, let me know if you are interested.
ReplyDeleteJack! I'm totally on board. We'll open with "I Can Make You a Zone Defense Man" and ease into "Dammit Ginger".
ReplyDeleteAwesome. Can't wait to see Mrs. Howell sing Sweet Transvestite.
ReplyDelete.-= Jack´s last blog ..Insolent Innocence =-.
I would pay good money for that!
ReplyDeleteI think it would also work in the form of a Bewitched mash-up. Agnes Moorehead was born to inspire that song.
You forgot the attachment.
ReplyDelete.-= Holly Jahangiri´s last blog ..A Valentine’s Day Ghost Story =-.
::picks self up, dusts off nose, sneezes at Heather:: OMG, I just sneezed on Heather!
ReplyDelete(Oh, that was so not for the common good. But it felt...mind blowing.)
.-= Holly Jahangiri´s last blog ..A Valentine’s Day Ghost Story =-.
I can see Aunt Clara singing "Let's do the Time Warp again!" and sneezing every ten seconds.
ReplyDelete.-= Holly Jahangiri´s last blog ..A Valentine’s Day Ghost Story =-.
Ha! So funny, you nut.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your book. The only advice I would give, being on the other side of writing a couple novels, is to embrace your first one for whatever it becomes, without worrying too much about the genre. Even if you want to make a career of publishing within a specific format (YA vampire novels, for example), I would say to write your first novel without constraints, and see what happens. You may find that what you really want to write about is something you hadn't foreseen.
ReplyDeleteThat's not without its dangers--right now, when describing my first book to people, I find myself constantly saying, "Yes, the mystery/tragedy takes place in a castle–with swords, etc., but that doesn't necessarily mean that unicorns and trolls are involved." The positive is that because it is unique, the conversation moves beyond the major plot details.
You mentioned narrowing the focus, and I think you should. I made the conscious choice to set my novel in a fictional setting (rather than a historical one), because I wanted to focus on telling a story, not researching whether the saber had been invented in the middle ages. There was a little of that, but it was manageable, and certainly didn't kill my progress.
I do recommend writing a couple short stories just to get into the flow. That's how I warmed up. They don't have to be good, but settling into your voice takes a little time.
Lastly, accept that the first words out of your head will likely be ghastly and cliché. This is the necessary base-coat of paint that everyone starts with, and it gives you a guide.
Again, good luck!
Thanks for stopping by J.E., and for the terrific advice! I feel the same way about research, which is why I usually want to throw a fantasy or paranormal element into most of my possible storylines.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I used to work in finance as a registered csa. It's hard to make the shift back into using my imagination and being creative, but I'm willing to work on it. I have a question for you if you're still around. How did you get feedback when you began to write fiction? I'd like to practice with some short stories and whatnot, but I'm not sure of the best way to go about it. I could do it privately of course, but fear (as with public blogging) has been a great tool for me so far in terms of revision and honing my skills. I'm always worried about posting part of a novel I'm working on for much-needed feedback because I worry that I won't be able to get the novel published "for real" after doing so. I've looked into writing.com but for some reason it confuses the bejeezus out of me. Not sure why I can't wrap my head around it.
Anyway, thanks again for coming by. Good luck with your writing ventures.
I just took a look at writing.com and wow, I think anyone's head might explode trying to get involved there.
ReplyDeleteI can't really say when I began to write fiction, but I started by sharing my (probably terrible) work with a small group of fellow writers. That's pretty much how it's done.
So, the best way to get feedback is to know other writers, and to convince them to be brutal with your work. People are nice in general, and they don't want to hurt your feelings. And of course, that won't help you. My best feedback has come from friends and former roommates who are writers themselves, and who know me well enough to be honest.
If you're looking to build a small group of authors to critique your writing, deviantart is actually quite accessible, and it's not too hard to find real critics (at least it was that way a few years ago.) But, as with blogging comments, etc., be prepared to give 2+ real critiques for every one you receive.
As for using your blog for reviews, it depends on your audience. It might not be terribly useful unless you convince people to be harsh--but unless they're skilled writers themselves, they may not be able to.
Lastly, I'll just say that not pursuing the traditional publishing route was a conscious choice for me. I think my work is excellent, and considering today's small advances and the work that first-time authors are expected to do themselves (hire a publicist, blog, promote, travel, for example), I feel a little like the little red hen (I wrote the book, I produced the book, I set up the global distribution ... then I want all the royalties myself...)
It's not for everyone, of course, but it's right for me at this moment. Addressing your point, I don't believe for a second that if I sold 5,000 books and established an audience, a traditional publishing company wouldn't want to pick it up.
My concerns about posting bits of the novel online would be more about possible plagiarism and diminishing interest in the final product. Short stories, though? I posted a few on deviantart without a qualm, and the feedback was helpful. They're a great way to warm up.
Thank you so much for the fantastic, detailed advice. I hope others read your comments in order to benefit from your experience, and get a chance to check out your work. I just came across this article today on how to get your self-published book picked up: http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2010/03/11/how-self-publishing-can-lead-to-a-real-book-deal/ Lots of talented, committed folks out there, like yourself.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to check out deviantart. I've heard of it, but thought it was just for visual artists. What a great tip! You're the best. Following you on twitter now. Take care.