....and say that this writing journey is going to be tough. I recently read a blog post (forgive me for not remembering where, if you see this and it was you, please let me know so I can credit you!) in which the writer of the blog was asked to talk to someone about writing a book. Basically, the person who called didn't really want help exactly, what she wanted was a free pass to agents, publishers etc.
I have never been the type to want a free pass - I like to work my ass off to achieve. However, I did understand the feelings of the person seeking advice, only to completely dismiss it because, obviously, she knew better. In the past, I have felt like I didn't need advice from others. Mistakes were passed off as being "my style," but really, they were just mistakes. Granted, most of these dismissals happened in my youth, and I am only just now getting back to fiction writing. But I was definitely guilty of biting (off!) the hand that was trying to feed me.
I read a reasonable amount of fiction, and I have been scavenging through writing blogs like a crazy person for the last few days. What I have come to realize (or realized ages ago but didn't want to admit) is that I was just too lazy to learn before. I thought my "talent" would be enough to get me through, but in reality, there is still so much more I need to know.
So, this is me being honest, and saying that part of my writing journey is going to involve learning, and hopefully sharing any useful bits of advice or self-learned lessons along the way. I suppose this is lesson number one. Never be afraid to be honest, and don't ignore the advice of people who want to help simply because you are too proud.
I have never been the type to want a free pass - I like to work my ass off to achieve. However, I did understand the feelings of the person seeking advice, only to completely dismiss it because, obviously, she knew better. In the past, I have felt like I didn't need advice from others. Mistakes were passed off as being "my style," but really, they were just mistakes. Granted, most of these dismissals happened in my youth, and I am only just now getting back to fiction writing. But I was definitely guilty of biting (off!) the hand that was trying to feed me.
I read a reasonable amount of fiction, and I have been scavenging through writing blogs like a crazy person for the last few days. What I have come to realize (or realized ages ago but didn't want to admit) is that I was just too lazy to learn before. I thought my "talent" would be enough to get me through, but in reality, there is still so much more I need to know.
So, this is me being honest, and saying that part of my writing journey is going to involve learning, and hopefully sharing any useful bits of advice or self-learned lessons along the way. I suppose this is lesson number one. Never be afraid to be honest, and don't ignore the advice of people who want to help simply because you are too proud.
While I completely agree with everything you said, and think its important to know the difference between having your own style, or just being plain arrogant/ stupid by not listening to advice, I think it's a double edged sword.
ReplyDeleteIf you get too bogged down with the rights and wrongs of writing early on, and you're too focused on what publishers, agents etc. look for you'll never get anything done.
Yes there is a time to look at your mistakes and learn how to improve your writing.
However, there's also time to JUST WRITE.
Often I find myself poring through writing blogs reading tips, tricks and advice, only for me to then lose faith in my own writing and achieve nothing.
Oh, I have no plans to abandon writing in search of learning new skills. :) My point with this post was merely to take responsibility for past writing mistakes in order to clear the way to start afresh. :D
DeleteAnd now it actually is time to just write...but sadly it's for the day job lol!
Oh, I didn't think that for a minute. And perhaps what I said was as much for my benefit as it was for yours.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of take responsibility for past writing mistakes in order to clear the way to start afresh. :D
LOL gotta pay the bills somehow, eh?!
I'm writing fanfiction of all things! LOL
Hee hee, I just figured you know how bad I am for obsessing! :p
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think this whole blog is going to be a fresh start and I am really looking forward to it!
Yup, but it is a horribly slow day today. Might have to work some of Saturday to make up for it :(
LOL I can be just as bad, believe me!
ReplyDeleteA fresh start is a great idea. :D I hope it continues to motivate you.
Damn. Having to work on a Saturday sucks. Hopefully it won't come to that, and the week will pick up.
I've had a couple of those "free pass" calls myself. I applaud you for being willing to plant yourself in the chair and learn what you need to learn to write a novel. And blogging about it along the way will help!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think it is definitely time I got more honest about what I need to do to make this novel work. I know it will be challenging, but the worthwhile things always are.
DeleteThanks so much for commenting, I have been reading your blog on and off for a long time and I really enjoy it! :D
I think there is something quite empowering when you learn ways to improve that you thought you were already good at. Pride really is like a lie we tell ourselves. It really is true--The truth shall set you free :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteSince seeking a little advice and applying what I've learned, I can already see huge improvements in my work, so it must be a step in the right direction! :D
There is so much to be learned online! And so much support! I was always the opposite, thinking I wanted to do this but I couldn't afford nor did I have the time to go to school for it.
ReplyDeleteMan were my eyes opened! So much advice and so many things I could've never learned if I had just given up. :)
Time was another issue for me, I must say. Working full time made it difficult to even write, let alone learn lol.
DeleteBut yes, there is a LOT online to learn and so many amazing people!