tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post6510859934449160511..comments2024-02-25T05:03:48.092-07:00Comments on Eudaemonia: The CurveLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665632105920753931noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-64266038799127628602008-03-16T17:09:00.000-06:002008-03-16T17:09:00.000-06:00I never set out to write award-winning fiction; my...I never set out to write award-winning fiction; my original goal was to be a professional novelist, i.e. writing full-time for a living wage.<BR/><BR/>That goal was altered, a little, by my time in grad school--and by reading John Gardner especially. The more fiction I wrote, the more I recognized what I was capable of. I couldn't write purely commercial fiction because it didn't satisfy me personally. The challenge, then, was to find my niche.<BR/><BR/>I want readers to rate my work highly--so I aspire to write at the top of the genre of my reading roots (women's fiction). I think I could write literary fiction, but not as well as the best of 'em, and certainly not quickly enough to make a living from it (IF I could publish it at all).<BR/><BR/>So yeah, for you I say "just keep writing." I have no doubt you will uncover all the answers you're looking for in the process. <BR/><BR/>Simple, right? :)Theresehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01915740239016736614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-86653106330164080912008-03-14T08:37:00.000-06:002008-03-14T08:37:00.000-06:00I read Zen in the Art of Writing about six years a...I read <I>Zen in the Art of Writing</I> about six years ago, and I remember it being one of the most unique books on the subject I'd read thus far. (Time for a re-read, because I can't remember much except one exercise that I use quite a lot.)<BR/><BR/>"DIY MFA"--I like that! <BR/><BR/>It's definitely a process, isn't it? And one that I really think is best when it's tailored for the individual writer. I'm fairly certain that an MFA program would have made me want to give up on writing had I enrolled in one when I first started this apprenticeship thing.<BR/><BR/>I will have to check out <I>Hope Is Not a Strategy</I>. Thanks!Jennifer Duncanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12628371104827804570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-13385976254485603462008-03-13T23:24:00.000-06:002008-03-13T23:24:00.000-06:00Devon,Thank you so much for visiting and commentin...Devon,<BR/><BR/>Thank you so much for visiting and commenting. You've offered some very wise advice and insight that will stay with me. I'll have to check out LIFE, PAINT, AND PASSION (ZEN IN THE ART OF WRITING -- Billy's recommendation -- just arrived today). You've got a great blog -- hope you don't mind if I add you to my sidebar. And I'll definitely let the crap land on the ground :)Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00665632105920753931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-27321604329124551412008-03-12T07:45:00.000-06:002008-03-12T07:45:00.000-06:00Excellent post.The first draft is when I lose myse...Excellent post.<BR/><BR/>The first draft is when I lose myself in the story. The second and subsequent drafts are about applying the craft.<BR/><BR/>I believe writing is like a muscle. If you don't use it regularly, you lose strength.<BR/><BR/>Unfortunately, in this day and age being published and being a good writer are not always the same thing. We strive to do the best we can with each book and then apply the business knowledge we accumulate along the way.<BR/><BR/>More and more, authors are now expected to churn out 2, 3 books a year instead of one, to fill the publisher's coffers. AND handle all the other promotional tasks publishers can no longer be bothered to handle, dumping it all on the author's shoulders.<BR/><BR/>Regarding painting -- I use gazing at paintings as fuel for my writing. It refreshes me when I'm tired. Also, the book LIFE, PAINT, AND PASSION was more relevant to my writing than most books on the craft of writing.<BR/><BR/>Regarding those who doubt you, are disappointed that you don't publish "fast" enough for them -- I've instituted a zero tolerance policy. I ask, "How much have you published?" Answer: "Nothing".<BR/>Me: "How much do you know about how the publishing business works?" Answer: "Nothing". ME: "Then shut up until you do."<BR/><BR/>They can throw crap at you, but you can always step back and let it land on the ground instead of on you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-76197912108905942402008-03-11T22:11:00.000-06:002008-03-11T22:11:00.000-06:00Melissa, It is a complicated answer for me too. I ...Melissa, It is a complicated answer for me too. I do want to be published but only when I've written what I think is the best book that I possibly can and I know I'm not there yet. And you're right, once I had more clarity on what I truly wanted to accomplish, my anxiety level went down and the writing became much more fun -- er, maybe fun isn't exactly the right word, but it feels more natural and comfortable. Maybe that means I'm starting to find my voice. <BR/><BR/>Jennifer, Okay -- you need to get out of my head immediately :) I'm drawn primarily to literary fiction too and I find myself admitting it as if it's a bit shameful for some reason. Maybe I feel like people perceive my taste as snobby -- but I guess I can't worry about that. I love those books too and I've just finished one by J.M. Coetzee and one by Martin Amis and the skill they have makes me both incredibly awed that human beings are capable of such things and rather than make me frustrated, it steels my resolve. I know I'll never write like they do, but I also know there is a groove for me and eventually I'll discover it.<BR/><BR/>I've called what I'm doing alternately my DIY MFA program and my apprenticeship, but I'm actually pretty happy with where I am right now and I'm content with my journey.<BR/><BR/>In my business life, (sales) I found a book a year or two that encapsulated some of the frustration of working in a start-up environment. It's called HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY. I was so taken by its message (mostly because it confirmed all of my ideas -- does that make me a narcissist? If not, something arrogant I'm sure), but it applies to every goal in life. <BR/><BR/>Hope, for me is something to cling to in desperate times. It can't be an integral component for reaching a goal. Plugging away is part of the plan. Reading and reading and writing and learning from others are all part of that. <BR/><BR/>I find incredible peace with knowing I'm doing the best I can. So glad to hear from you on this!Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00665632105920753931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-33337438923145657042008-03-11T19:16:00.000-06:002008-03-11T19:16:00.000-06:00So much to think about here, Lisa! I think your t...So much to think about here, Lisa! <BR/><BR/>I think your theory is spot on: You can't know how to skillfully bend or break a rule until you understand what happens when you obey it. You can't write a good metafiction until you understand how to write good fiction to begin with.<BR/><BR/>I think writers often write the kinds of stories they like to read, and the kinds of stories they like to read often determines what the writing and publishing process will be like for them. While I love to read many different genres (and hope to be able to genre-hop once I understand how to tell a good story to begin with), I am drawn primarily to literary fiction, both as reader and writer. I love stories that come packed with ideas and philosophies, so it seems like the logical thing to want to create in this vein. Sometimes I think it's a crazy thing to aspire to, and I feel like a bit of a snob in a way. <BR/><BR/>I think I may have blogged about this, but one of the things I've always found strange and upsetting is that practically the first question out of someone's mouth when they find out that I write is, "What have you published?" It sort of lets the air out of the conversation. It's difficult for them to understand that publication may be the yardstick of success for some writers, but it's not the yardstick for everyone. Publication is my goal, but I honestly don't see it happening for a long time (except, perhaps, for short stories or essays). <BR/><BR/>Not too long ago, a friend of mine told me that reading Rilke's <I>Letters to a Young Poet</I> made him realize that he'll probably never be a published literary artist, and I wanted to argue him into having more faith in himself. He says that he doesn't have it in him to devote himself solely to learning the craft of fiction writing; his interests are wide and varied, and he makes his living through business. And he doesn't, I don't think, want to publish for the sake of being published. I think I understand him better for reading your post tonight. <BR/><BR/>I earn my living through other work, so I don't need to publish for money; that frees me up, I think, to publish when, where, and how I want to. If I ever put my name to a manuscript and sell it, I want it to be the best it can possibly be at that point in time.<BR/><BR/>This isn't because I'm craving critical or commercial acclaim, although I doubt there's a writer alive who would honestly dismiss these things (or the advantages they provide). A long time ago, I made a vow to myself that I would try to limit competition to myself alone. That's helped me a LOT as I've read manuscripts by other apprentice writers who I know are more skilled than I am, especially when those writers are also friends. <BR/><BR/>Rejection letters and negative reviews will still sting, I know, but I want to make sure that, when everything's said and done, I can sit back and say that I've improved, I've outwritten myself.<BR/><BR/>I consider myself an apprentice writer, and I don't see myself dropping that appellation in the next decade or so. I have loads to learn. Sometimes it seems an insurmountable task, but as you say, that's all the more reason to break it down into daily chunks and keep on plugging away, every chance you get. None of us know for sure how far we'll get, because none of us can be certain that we won't get hit by a bus tomorrow (sorry to be completely morbid, but you know what I'm saying). And so the only thing to do is write, and then keep writing.Jennifer Duncanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12628371104827804570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-1883199214768277282008-03-11T10:09:00.000-06:002008-03-11T10:09:00.000-06:00I loved your post, Lisa, and there's great discuss...I loved your post, Lisa, and there's great discussion here in the comments. I'll try and chime in with my two cents.<BR/><BR/>I thought of this question - why am I writing this book, or rather, why am I writing? - the other night when I sat in bed with a hard copy of my manuscript, taking notes and writing down character changes, etc. I asked myself, "Why am I doing this? What if no one ever reads this? What if it's never published? Do I care?"<BR/><BR/>And there's a complicated answer. Yes, I care if it doesn't get published because that's my ultimate goal. But if nothing I write ever gets published, well, I don't care - because I'll still write. <BR/><BR/>I like how you've slowed down in your process - I've done that, too. I HAD to do it - yet I didn't realize it at the time. I was so focused on getting published that I had a hopeless sense of urgency that completely exhausted me. So I stepped back and realized that I needed to refocus on the writing itself. And boy, was it ever the right decision to let go of that monkey on my back, the "you need to get published now, NOW, NOW!" I can't tell you how much better I feel - and I'm definitely enjoying the writing process now. LOVING it, in fact!Melissa Amateishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16086267508858187716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-20839097515900953072008-03-10T22:29:00.000-06:002008-03-10T22:29:00.000-06:00Orchid Hunter, Why did you stop? Going on eight ye...Orchid Hunter, Why did you stop? Going on eight years -- that's a long time to be followed by these characters. I truly envy you that the story is all there, just waiting to be written. What you've said reminds me of something I read in a book about Woody Allen. He writes very quickly, but before he begins the physical writing he thinks and he takes walks and he thinks some more. By the time he actually begins to write, he's worked the whole thing out. It's all there -- why not start again? Your posts are brilliant and I imagine that any story you've been carrying around with you for that long is one I and many others would love to read. I hope you pick it up again. Maybe this is a sign to YOU.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00665632105920753931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-82688671601390677292008-03-10T22:09:00.000-06:002008-03-10T22:09:00.000-06:00At the beginning of this century, I started writin...At the beginning of this century, I started writing a small, funny novel. Twelve thousand words in, life happened to me, and hasn't stopped since. I've never written another word of it, but the story resides - fully-formed - in my frontal lobes. The characters follow me like mute shadows. I think about them all the time, as if they were real people. The question for me is not 'why are you writing that book?', it's 'why did you stop?'.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16532403180123519635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-50307591062686367012008-03-10T21:19:00.000-06:002008-03-10T21:19:00.000-06:00Ello, I know what you mean about professional writ...Ello, I know what you mean about professional writing and fiction writing. Of course I'm in sales so some might say that my professional writing might occasionally border on fiction :) But it doesn't! I feel very much like a rookie, but if I go back and look at things I've written even three months ago, I feel like I'm getting better. Lately I have it in my head that if I learned a bit about poetry, perhaps my prose might become a bit more...lyrical? I'd like that. A seed has been planted.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00665632105920753931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-22026656565812445882008-03-10T14:01:00.000-06:002008-03-10T14:01:00.000-06:00What an excellent post! So very thoughtful and wel...What an excellent post! So very thoughtful and well done! I can tell you I have been working on my two different books from the year 2000. While I consider myself a professional writer in the sense that my professional life was all about writing for business and legal reasons, I still feel a rookie when it comes to creative writing. I've been working on it for so many years now, I think I can actually see improvement. My first attempts were pitiful. Now, I can see how much better I've become, and yet I am still not there yet.Ello - Ellen Ohhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18311917335471167591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-68961673107447715162008-03-10T12:01:00.000-06:002008-03-10T12:01:00.000-06:00Usman, I think we're on the same page (pun intende...Usman, I think we're on the same page (pun intended). I love Amadeus too! I think there are a million lines in that movie that are brilliant and sometimes I quote them and people have no idea what I'm talking about so they think I'm nuts. I suppose I am. :)<BR/><BR/>Julie, More excellent food for thought. Thank you.<BR/><BR/>Patti, I think just about anything is achievable with enough hard work and persistence. And actually I think your running analogy works very well, especially when thinking about novel writing, which many have compared to a marathon that requires a lot of endurance.<BR/><BR/>Bill, I am so glad you stopped in! I have been enjoying your insights at Charles G's site and keep meaning to check your blog -- which I now have and it is wonderful. I would be honored if you linked to me and I'd like to add Chapter and Verse to my sidebar too.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for the Ray Bradbury recommendation. It sounds like just what I need to read at this stage.<BR/><BR/>K, I'm so happy you read past chapter 1! Thank you so much for the encouragement. I was thinking after hearing Carleen's talk that I'll bet the final story has only passing resemblance to what I have so far, but that's probably a very good thing. Maybe when I get back in town later this week we can shoot for having "not coffee" :) Thank you from the bottom of my heart.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00665632105920753931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-28748244371422692222008-03-10T11:47:00.000-06:002008-03-10T11:47:00.000-06:00Another one for the TBR pile from Billy. Gotta lov...Another one for the TBR pile from Billy. Gotta love Mr. Bradbury. <BR/><BR/>SO MUCH to read and think and write about on this topic, Lisa. All I know: I read your first ten chapters Friday morning while en route to Boston and almost called you to cheer you on! Can't wait to read more. I'll be happy to offer more details along the way but for now just keep plugging for the love of it; I guarantee your readers will love it too. K.Sustenance Scouthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12980573661955592633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-64203505043535376012008-03-10T10:20:00.000-06:002008-03-10T10:20:00.000-06:00I really enjoyed this post and think you have a re...I really enjoyed this post and think you have a really sensible attitude toward writing. I guess it's nice to get a big paycheck, but I have always been content to take my time and get published by small presses. At least someone is reading the novels and poems.<BR/><BR/>I also like what you said about books on writing. I am not a big believer in such books to begin with since, as you point out, the only real way to learn how to write, imho, is to read a lot and write a lot. (It's what Stephen King said in ON WRITING.) I take all the other advice with a grain of salt. <BR/><BR/>The one exception is Ray Bradbury's Zen in the Art of Writing. It's a marvelous book, filled with a more practical "sit down and don't overthink what you're doing to the point where it becomes agony." His premise is that when you relax, the words begin to flow.<BR/><BR/>You have a lovely site. I'd like to link your site to my Chapter and Verse blog if that's okay.WHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14815646433314236886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-13423508014396967102008-03-10T08:15:00.000-06:002008-03-10T08:15:00.000-06:00"Talent and potential have very little bearing on ..."Talent and potential have very little bearing on whether or not a writer can go on to finish and publish a successful book."<BR/><BR/>Man, this could be tweaked and used for every goal one has in life. I have often told Boy that while talent plays a part, determination plays the larger role in getting what you want.<BR/><BR/>you have articulated all that has been running through my brain lately. TO do the good work. To be happy with the end result regardless of the time.<BR/><BR/>to answer the question of why, for me it is simple: i am compelled to get the stories down. they demand a page and their voice. but, to get it right is the tortuous act...<BR/><BR/>it's like running. just start and even though towards the end you think you have no more to give, somehow you make it home.<BR/><BR/>or maybe it's not anything like running...Pattihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05716215892504806470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-38327466360044274262008-03-10T04:17:00.000-06:002008-03-10T04:17:00.000-06:00Fascinating post.Love the analogy with the skiing,...Fascinating post.<BR/><BR/>Love the analogy with the skiing, and also with art.<BR/><BR/>Guess its a truism that a writer is a person who writes. A writer is also primarily a person who thinks - and thinks through what they are saying (in a subconscious zone sense if need be.)So there's a Primary need for 'awareness' in good writing....?virtual nexushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955335598875413324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-64959461080124634222008-03-10T01:00:00.000-06:002008-03-10T01:00:00.000-06:00Lisa, let me add to the chorus. Great Post.It has...Lisa, let me add to the chorus. Great Post.<BR/>It has me thinking and about so many things, the zone, isecurities, wishes and so much more.<BR/>I'll have to end up reading it again. <BR/>For me writing is art. I haven't mastered it, but hope to one day. I want to be published, at the same time I want to be remembered for writing something good. <BR/>Amadeus is absolutely my favorite movie. The part where Salieri says the words you wrote; that was a great part of the movie.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-16804164962085774202008-03-09T20:46:00.000-06:002008-03-09T20:46:00.000-06:00Charles, I'm coming to believe that if we weren't ...Charles, I'm coming to believe that if we weren't plagued by doubt about writing, something else would take its place. I think it must just be part of who we are -- people driven toward creative pursuits.<BR/><BR/>Making that connection -- I think no matter what we believe our purpose is, that's at the core of it somewhere.<BR/><BR/>Steve M, What a fabulous goal. I'd never considered the aspect of telling many stories, but your comment has made me think about how many stories we all have within us. Perhaps it's a good thing for me to keep in mind -- that despite the enormity (at least in my mind) of the novel -- that it's only one story. There are so many more.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00665632105920753931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-70529257525761535382008-03-09T14:28:00.000-06:002008-03-09T14:28:00.000-06:00Your post: powerful and moving. Your doubts and fe...Your post: powerful and moving. <BR/><BR/>Your doubts and fears: normal and human. <BR/><BR/>My goals: tell as many stories to as many people as possible before I die.<BR/><BR/>Critics, etc: I guess I have my hands full trying to tell the story. I'm happy to let those who hear it decide how they feel. <BR/><BR/>Thanks again for that post - wonderful!Steve Malleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17561234111786788616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-69544980356809399442008-03-09T12:32:00.000-06:002008-03-09T12:32:00.000-06:00I don't believe the self doubt ever leaves you. I...I don't believe the self doubt ever leaves you. I'm still attacked by it at times, sometimes even to the point of near paralysis. But at times when I've stopped for a while writing I can't stay away.<BR/><BR/>It is most important that people read my stuff and are entertained. I believe if they are entertained they may began to be sympathetic to my messages about life, but the most important point it to touch someone.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-11890037681321333332008-03-09T11:32:00.000-06:002008-03-09T11:32:00.000-06:00For Rob -- I meant to say that I think I think gen...For Rob -- I meant to say that I think I think genre gets MORE respect than people perceive.<BR/><BR/>And I meant to also tell you that all these months later, your MC and the female character (I forget her name) have very much stayed with me. I've always loved that she smells like nail polish and cookie dough and has a penchant for retro in her fashion sense and decorating sense, and there were expressions you used about the bad guys and the MC's mom not knowing her like he did that have really stuck. I read a LOT and that so much of what I read in your manuscript stayed with me speaks volumes.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00665632105920753931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-8274521259932787532008-03-09T11:04:00.000-06:002008-03-09T11:04:00.000-06:00Larramie, You are the most supportive blog pal a w...Larramie, You are the most supportive blog pal a writer could have. Thank you.<BR/><BR/>Steve, I didn't know that about Jack Kerouac, and your anecdote serves to reinforce my thought that even (and maybe especially) people who are doing things out there on the fringes of experimental fiction had to learn the basics of craft/the rules, before going on to break the rules. Aristotle was on to something.<BR/><BR/>You're on to something with Things Done and Left Undone and I am confident you'll succeed with it. You're doing something I've personally never seen before and it's wonderful. <BR/><BR/>I love the idea of the NPR interviews and like you, I will be eternally grateful to Tim and our DC readers and writers. I think the DC has broken something loose for me too. Thank you for always reading and for your thoughtful and very kind comments.<BR/><BR/>Cindy, You have a great approach and a great attitude and your writing is incredibly clean and polished, even in first draft form. I feel exactly the same way that you do about outside encouragement. I take it all in stride, but in the end, it's me that I have to please. Thanks for always reading and commenting. It helps a lot and don't worry. I'm never giving up. :)<BR/><BR/>Rob, I don't think genre gets far more respect than many genre writers perceive. There are masters writing in all areas and my theory is that since academics and literary scholars tend to make up the critical community, we only see serious reviews of the work they gravitate toward. It would not surprise me to see literary criticism branch out at some point so that individual genres get more critical attention and the good, the bad and the ugly in each are more clearly distinguished.<BR/><BR/>Writing for income is a perfectly honorable purpose. In fact, I think that it's important that all writers can be honest with themselves about goals since the reason we write must dictate how we approach our craft. <BR/><BR/>It's all about business for the publishers and none of us can ever forget that. <BR/><BR/>Yellow, I feel pretty comfortable in revealing myself here. The pursuit of any kind of art is an incredibly difficult thing and I think it's important to constantly revisit and analyze our motivations and our goals, as well as our insecurities (so that we can figure out how to lessen them) and finally, our expectations. The path to all pursuits in life is much more difficult and heartbreaking is we don't have realistic expectations. My insecurities lessen every day as I accept my limitations and work toward understanding and overcoming them and as I learn to trust my own ability to judge my work. I think you answered your own question. "Why do we put ourselves through this?", because we can't not. Keep painting. Scott and I enjoy checking in on you and watching you grow.<BR/><BR/>Yogamum, I believe you're right. I think the thing that has alleviated much of my anxiety is recognizing that each of us has her own path and with the help of, or in spite of outside input, we simply need to stay on that path.<BR/><BR/>I also admire any writer who can consistently write salable work and in particular, those who are able to make a living doing it. I'm pretty sure that's not in the cards for me, but I'm content with where I'm going.<BR/><BR/>Judy, Yes, I do think we have very similar goals. It's that desire to connect through words that's most important to me. <BR/><BR/>I'm excited about your plans to post about process. You and Carleen both seem to have taken a similar length of time to write your first novels and have subsequently followed up with second novels in a much more compressed time line. Of course, I think you were both able to also segue to writing full time after novel number one, which certainly had to help, but I think your posts on the process of writing novel number three will been fascinating.<BR/><BR/>Josephine, I have no doubt that you are on the cusp of becoming a very successful writer. You know exactly what you want and you've worked to figure out exactly what your path must be to get there. <BR/><BR/>Great insight on the reasons people leave so many novels unfinished and I think you're exactly right. I put my first two attempts aside because I really didn't have a clear idea of where I was going with them. I started with a premise for the one I'm working on now, so even though it's unclear to me right now exactly how it will end, I had much more concrete ideas about where I was going with it than I did with the others and I think it's because those other experiences taught me a lot about what the bones of the story had to have. <BR/><BR/>I'm also glad to have summoned the ghost of Orson Welles for you! As I observe the world and read the agent blogs, I can't help but believe that far too many writers are sending out half-baked work. This journey will be extremely unpleasant and unsatisfying for those without the patience to revise, edit and polish and without the proper expectations about the industry.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00665632105920753931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-18620066934193331282008-03-09T10:10:00.000-06:002008-03-09T10:10:00.000-06:00For those of you both published and unpublished, h...<I>For those of you both published and unpublished, how important is it to you that your work be perceived as good?</I> <BR/><BR/>The only validation I seek is from a magazine editor or publisher's acceptance for publication. <BR/><BR/>Good reviews? Fan letters? Pats on the back? Respect from my peers? Nice, but don't need 'em or seek 'em.<BR/><BR/><I>Is it enough to provide your readers with escape and entertainment?</I><BR/><BR/>Yup. I have no illusion that I'm creating art or changing the world. My job is to entertain, that's it. <BR/><BR/><I>Can you recognize your own shortcomings due to inexperience, or trace a path from inexperience to a gradual or sudden improvement?</I><BR/><BR/>Totally. After 20 years I've developed what I think is the most important trait of all: the ability to self-edit, to look at the work with a cold, cruel eye and eliminate what's not working.<BR/><BR/>Doesn't mean I don't want or need outside editorial comment, just that I recognize that I'm creating a product, and for that product to sell it has to be at a certain level of craft and professionalism.<BR/><BR/>Did I have that ability when I started out, or even five years ago? Nope. <BR/><BR/><BR/><I>Why are you writing that book?</I><BR/><BR/>Money. Pure and simple. <BR/><BR/>Lisa: Whether your at the start or height of the learning curve as a writer, no matter what, you've got to finish every novel. I think one reason people don't is that they start writing as soon as they get a half-baked idea and then fizzle out because they just haven't thought it through.<BR/><BR/>I liked your "we will sell no wine" quote (I'm old enough to remember Orson Welles in those ads) - whether it's having the story fully formed in your head before you write, or submitting a polished and edited MS to an agent, I think patience is the ritual a writer can practice.Josephine Damianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17952030380866201241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-14388502976144140422008-03-09T08:34:00.000-06:002008-03-09T08:34:00.000-06:00Wonderful questions, Lisa--thoughtful, honest, and...Wonderful questions, Lisa--thoughtful, honest, and real. I can say that I think we see writing through a similar lens. My best writing comes when I'm not thinking about it--when I am in that zone and it flows through me and onto the paper. The characters take over. And I don't want to just write a book. I want to write something readers connect with. I don't kid myself and think it's great literature, but I have been so gratified to hear from readers who tell me, yes, that's it, that's how I'd feel, or, perhaps the best comment, "I feel understood" from a mom who had lost a child.<BR/><BR/>I like to think I'm writing more than what I call "vacation books"--the kind of books you just leave by the pool when you're done--it was an escape but nothing more.<BR/><BR/>Now that I'm starting my 3rd book, I'm going to try something new with my blog--I'm going to post about my process at least once a week--how I'm writing it start to finish. We'll see what I uncover about how I write.Judy Merrill Larsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06675069484490433295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567668315717895367.post-15143909982418067712008-03-09T08:27:00.000-06:002008-03-09T08:27:00.000-06:00What a fantastic post. I think there is a place f...What a fantastic post. <BR/><BR/>I think there is a place for all kinds of writers and writing. It's just a matter of finding "your" path -- which it sounds like you're doing.<BR/><BR/>I have an enormous respect for genre writers who can crank it out (Rob!) and I've tried that myself (my NaNo novel was chick-lit). But at the end of the day I actually don't think I have much of a choice in what kind of writer I am or what I feel drawn to write. So I feel like you do, I'm on the path for as long as it takes.Yogamumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02736784200874589271noreply@blogger.com