Writers Need This Trait

Our quote today is by Octavia Butler, who is a science-fiction writer. She didn't sugarcoat her thoughts in this one. The reason I like the quote is that she highlights one of my two keywords for writers--persistence. 

When we start writing, our work doesn't look professional yet. It isn't usually an example of strong writing, poetic prose, or scintillating sentences. We shouldn't expect it to be any of those things when we begin our writing journey. 

If we're persistent and keep writing week after week, day after day, we can become a better, stronger writer. If a newbie writer writes something every other month, or even once a month, it's not enough. Cliche that it may be, the saying "Practice makes perfect" can be applied here. 

A sculptor starts out making simple pieces of art, and he/she learns along the way. With each new sculpture, the artist improves and most likely learns something, too. A carpenter who is just starting out cannot be classified as a master carpenter, but after years as an apprentice and then on his own, he perfects his trade. If you've ever read any of Julia Child's books about the art of cooking, especially French cuisine, you'll know that she was not a born chef. She learned from her many mistakes, but the most important thing was that she persisted. She was a very determined woman. 

Determined is what writers should also be. Persistence is what helps you continue with determination. Most poets don't write prize-winning poems with their first or second try. They pen scores of poems before they reach success in winning a prize or achieving publication. 

Persistence in writing means writing something every day. You needn't write an entire story daily, but do write a few paragraphs, a journal entry, or a writing exercise. Write a letter to a friend! But write each and every day. 

Persistence means not giving up when a writing project doesn't go well, or when rejections arrive. Keep going, keep learning.

Persistence means reading about the craft of writing. It means attending workshops and conferences to continue learning.

By now, you may have remembered, or guessed, my other keyword for writers. Patience. That persistence which I recommend takes patience. They go hand in hand, and each one can benefit new writers, intermediate writers, or the highly successful ones. 

Octavia Butler knew what she was talking about!

 

Writers--Take Your Time!

 One of the toughest lessons to learn when you first start writing is to take you time. You're eager. You're inspired. You're excited about this new adventure. Thats when you are in danger of hurrying through a writing project. That goes for experienced writers, too. 

You've written your first book and are ready to find an agent. Isn't that how it's done? Look at lists and choose a top dog. With one book under your belt, are you ready for the big time? The vast majority of new writers are not. 

Nellie Newbie hasn't got time to do writing exercises. She's on to bigger and better things. Those piddly exercises are a waste of time. Aren't they? 

Norbert Newbie doesn't want to write short stories. Nope. He is going to dive right in and write a novel. His buddy, Norman Newbie is bypassing the short stuff, too. He's going to write his memoir. People are going to love it, he says. 

Even experienced writers don't always take the amount of time on a writing project that will make it well-written and publishable. Some get inspired, hurry through, spend little time on revision and editing, then ship it off to an editor. They're miffed when it gets rejected. 

Let's look at these situations, one by one. 

YOUR FIRST BOOK:  It's exciting to have a book finished and be ready to find an agent to represent you and sell your book. For a lot of money, you hope. Most first novels are not outstanding. They're a learning experience for the writer. That's not to say they won't someday be published. It's better to start with small presses or an agent that is reputable but not in the top tier. Your odds are going to be better if you go that route. Authors who are household names didn't sell their first book through a top agent or publishing house on the first try. Perseverance comes in play here. You need to be willing to shop that book in many places.

WRITING EXERCISES: Nellie Newbie doesn't want to waste time doing writing exercises. She should give them a try as they can add to what she already knows about writing. She knows she can 'tell' a good story, but maybe a few writing exercises will help here learn to 'show' that story, which makes it more likely to be published. There are different kinds of exercises, and they all can help you to be a better writer. Even experienced writers can benefit from doing a warm-up exercise before they begin on the day's work.

WRITE SHORT STUFF FIRST: Most writers want to write a book, and they set out to do so on their first writing project. Instead, write short pieces first. Fiction, whether flash or longer, personal essays, critical essays, articles, short memoir and more. They're easier to get published, not a piece of cake, but easier than a first novel. Get several published in magazines, ezines, websites etc, and you have something to show an agent or book publisher. Some authors can expand a short story into a full-length novel. 

TAKE YOUR TIME: When inspiration hits, and you are eager to begin writing, you might want to go too fast. You could skip some vital steps. A newbie writer finishes a short piece and thinks it's ready to send out into the publishing world. They can't be bothered to let it sit for a while, or to edit and revise at least a couple times. Norbert and Norman Newbie need to slow down. If they don't, they're in for some disappointment. 

Today's poster highlights one of my key words for writers. Persistence. Along with that goes Determination and Patience. Things don't happen fast in the writing world. That's one of the first lessons we must learn.