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Product Details
Notes
INTRODUCTION
learning to write a book is different from just learning to write
do the exercises that seem least helpful, those may be hiding the best lessons
we often confuse thinking and writing, writing is a physical act like drawing
what's in your head doesn't matter, it's the words you get down on paper
remember that even after publication, it will be just as hard to write as it is now
an idea for a book is worth nothing until you do the work to write it
keeping your book as only an idea holds back value from the world
PART 1
Your Writing Wings: Surveying the Book-Writing Terrain
CHAPTER 1
if you get the perfect idea and you save it too long, it eventually dies
don't describe an idea from a distance, write out the idea in prose!
write down what you hear and what you see, transition from ideas to images
this is what real writers do, they work in terms of images and events, not ideas
don't get stuck on ideas, successful writers turn ideas into actual books
spend 90% of your time actually writing, and only 10% thinking about writing
CHAPTER 2
the number one reason books don't get done is that writers do other things
successful writers are not other things also, there just isn't the time and energy
when the book is a struggle, good writers focus on the book, not on other things
limit yourself to one other extracurricular activity at most
start slow when you begin a new book, ramp up your time commitment
gradually transform your life into the life of a focused writer
most writers can't be in book groups while they are actively writing a book
CHAPTER 3
a lot of people say they just want to write one book before they die
but learning to write a book is such a huge intense process
it's like going to Wimbledon to play one match of tennis, or doing one surgery
writers write books, if you want to be good, you have to make it a career
most people have to write many books in order to write one great book
the best way to learn to write is to write, not to read about writing
you learn more by practicing than from any class or how-to book
CHAPTER 4
read one hundred books like the one you intend to write
this prepares you for the discipline of a long term effort
pay attention to what you like and what you love about the books by others
writers learn more from reading similar books than from all the how-to books
it lets you internalize the grammar of plot, shape of narrative arc, dialogue
immerse yourself in the whole book project so you continue until it's finished
read like a writer, analyze the text, make notes on plot, style and technique
the benefit is that you become an expert on your genre, which will show
it will help when you talk to publishers and agents, or when you're interviewed
you need to understand your position in your market, and be able to state it
CHAPTER 5
a common mistake is to rush through something when you're nervous or afraid
writing too fast can get the project done, but done badly
great books take a really long time to write, write them slowly, don't rush
some inspired sections may come quickly, but finishing the book will take time
slow is good, because it lets the best ideas and words rise to the top
allow yourself to explore new directions, write with no purpose, contemplate
some of the best authors may publish one book every five to twenty years
why are you rushing to finish your book, is it for money, for some other feeling?
hurrying through a book is just wasted time, you don't get anywhere if you rush
remember that good writing isn't just typing
CHAPTER 6
you can have multiple writing groups that serve different purposes
groups will change, start, and end, it's a natural process, not a failure
don't stay in a group unless it helps your writing, don't use it just for social needs
most writers are introverts, but it's good practice to contribute to groups
it can give you the same kind of confidence you need to finish your book
the general idea is to learn how to work through your discomfort
all groups will have off days, occasional problems, but you quit any group
CHAPTER 7
your book can't be a side project, a hobby, something to fit into the gaps
you have to live, eat, breathe and sleep your book
it's easier in the beginning when you're excited about starting your idea
it gets harder in the middle, so go back and focus on your desire
make a list of all the reasons you really want to write this book
focus your desire through constant and prolonged exposure to your book
get away from "I should write my book" and get to "I want to write my book"
keep your book in your thoughts everywhere you go, every day, all the time
CHAPTER 8
a good writing session is affected by the previous session and the time between
connecting your writing sessions is how you maintain focus over a long time
spend each night looking ahead to the next day, to prepare and setup
even if you have all day to work on your book, check in at night to keep focus
your novel has to become an integral part of you, like a spouse or baby
look ahead for the dangerous places, the deepest areas to explore, then do it
CHAPTER 9
a common mistake is changing your style and trying too hard in a novel
this often happens when you move from "writing" to "writing a book"
especially for literary writers who want to write the "great American novel"
don't start using different words and style just to fit a goal or trend, be yourself
this comes from the fear of being superficial, being wrong, or being bad or fake
your book has to sound like you
don't be the writer who knows a lot and acts pompous but isn't interesting at all
think about the book you really want to write, not what you should write
make sure you can tell your story in your own natural voice, with your own style
CHAPTER 10
the most common excuse for not finishing a book is lack of time
but successful authors generally have other jobs, family, and the same problems
the core issue is not lack of time, but lack of energy and focus
social interactions and making others happy uses up creative energy
CHAPTER 11
pay attention to your complaints and excuses, this can lead to self-sabotage
it's really hard to detect yourself whining, but try to notice body language
you might be talking louder, getting worked up, having a faster heartbeat
whenever you argue with someone about how right you are, stop and think
CHAPTER 12
there will be lots of "should" statements
"this should be better" or "i should be done by now" or "i should like this more"
writing is driven by the unconscious mind, not the conscious ego that is logic
rebel against all the "should" ideas, and find your way naturally instead
train yourself to be comfortable not knowing, become free-floating
writing a book is like swimming across a giant lake alone, deal with the panic
instead of saying, i should finish this book, ask how you can explore the path
if you think you should do something, it often seems like a strong, clear feeling
but it might be better to keep it hazy, to play around with new ideas and see
don't write to get others to like you, or to get money, respect, fame, or glory
get into a place where you're free to find out new things, to play and discover
the process of doing your unique book teaches you to handle fear itself
write your book in your own way, don't do it for external reasons or for others
use writing as a way to find out more about yourself, to see more perceptively
don't write just to tell other people about your book and impress them
don't think about how much any particular person might like or dislike your book
picture yourself writing day after day for the rest of your life, as a discovery
CHAPTER 13
adjust your goals and standards based on your current cycle
so if you're struggling, lower your standards for this writing session
and if you're doing well, raise your standards and push for even more
when you're in the flow, you can write longer and work on harder scenes
notice when your writing is forced, when you're not writing from deep inside
learn to feel comfortable in the place of not knowing what to do next
trust that you'll figure out what's good and what needs to be changed or cut
allow your first efforts to be good enough, not great, so that you enjoy it more
nothing really bad will happen if you write a bad book, you can always revise
CHAPTER 14
give yourself over to the process of writing, let the book write you
you have to have faith in something no one else can see
you spend lots of time thinking about something with no guarantees
you have to believe in your novel-in-progress for a long time without any proof
sometimes miracles will happen, like when you find the creative flow
but most of the time you push along accepting that there is meaning in it all
you may spend your whole life writing without ever being rewarded
but that's like religion, you do it because you believe in it, not for the rewards
writing is bearing witness to what we see and experience in our lives
you write because you believe in something bigger than yourself
it's the power of the words, sharing them with others, adding value to the world
CHAPTER 15
we often think we don't know enough yet to finish the book well
but no one ever feels completely ready to do a whole book, you have to just go
learn to write a book by writing it, everything else is just an excuse
nothing bad is going to happen if you write a horrible book
use the book itself as your teacher, try things, see what happens, and learn
you have to trust your book, trust your subconscious, work in the dark
a book will take you from where you are now to a wiser, better self
you have to go on a voyage of self-discovery, ask the book questions and learn
just when you've figured out one major thing, you'll be taken to the next level
there will always be room to grow, so embrace the process of growth itself
your unique book is tailor made to teach you important things about yourself
you'll never be completely prepared, you have to go by instinct and adjust
the growing edge is the part of you in constant contact with the unknown ahead
don't just say i'm going to do this, say i'm going to learn how to do this!
your reason for writing must come from deep inside, not because you have to
thinking about writing is like sitting on the sidelines, it's a reason to write
your motivation can come from a clear and specific book project
ask yourself, what are you writing for? what is the meaning of your book?
you know what you need to know, and you know how to find out the rest, so go
you have the same time as everyone else, plus your unique life experiences
PART 2
The Long Haul: Strength-Building for Book Writers
CHAPTER 16
limit yourself to six books per writing project
read three books on craft and three books exactly like the one you are writing
remember that your main goal is to write, not to read casually
analyze the books you read in detail, break them apart and study them
don't just keep jumping to new books, read deep instead of wide
don't make the mistake of looking for the magic answer by reading a book
the magic is in writing your own book, that's where you'll find the answers
reading a book on writing can trick you into thinking you're making progress
but you haven't actually done anything, you're still just preparing to write
read a hundred books, but do it before you start writing, then narrow down
find the three books closest to your book, and keep going back to them
type out paragraphs from those other books when you're stuck on your own
take apart their chapters and outline those books to figure out their structure
work the books in detail rather than just reading them like a casual reader
look at their openings, their chapter endings, the twists and surprises, etc.
figure out the solution to your problems by looking at those three other books
you'll get stuck several times a day, but these six books will be your guides
the point of limiting to six books (three on craft, three novels) is to focus
reading new books and more books is really just a distraction, procrastination
you cannot be a writer and a recreational reader at the same time
celebrate finishing each complete draft by taking a vacation and reading again
be careful when choosing your six books not to pick what you "should" read
be true to yourself and the book you want to write, not to external influences
CHAPTER 17
your writing is like a family member, with its own needs and moods and joy
sometimes you can come up with your own version of reality to help motivate
believing something that's slightly adjusted is fine as long as it works
one way to do this is to lie about your work commitment to writing
say that you have to do something else that people understand, like a meeting
when in fact you're using that time for writing, but they don't have to know that
you can even pick an area that's close to your research for your book
like tell people you have a meeting with a group related to some topic
it's difficult for most people to understand if you say you'll be working alone
a group meeting commitment makes more sense to most people
people will say dumb things like how easy you have it, playing with art
writing demands a very precise state of mind, and it's not easy to get into
forming and maintaining a daily writing habit makes the writing easier
if others know you're writing, you can imagine them thinking about you doing it
and that creates even more pressure to write something great because of them
CHAPTER 18
don't wait to write until you think you can write the perfect book, it'll never happen
don't make a long list of all the qualities your perfect book should have
your book is going to have many flaws, just like you the author
but the flaws are what make it interesting and complex and able to grow
you can plan to write your perfect book, but in the meantime, write other books
if you want to write the perfect book, make yourself into a great writer
you do this by writing not-so-perfect books, and gradually improving your skill
think of writing a book that is a lot like you, imperfect but unique and personal
if you're stuck, trying writing love letters to your book each day, like journal entries
talk about the difficulties but also the good times, the rewards, the fun memories
get the writing back to how it was in the beginning, when it was "just for fun"
stay engaged to your current project, don't drift to the "sexy next book" idea
don't focus on the problems with your book, accept the flaws and have fun again
make a long term commitment to your book, i'll stay with you even when it's hard
CHAPTER 19
keep up your daily writing even when traveling, otherwise it's too hard to return
plan out a trip ahead of time, with each day's writing task marked out
pick easy assignments for each day, but make sure every day is covered
make sure you write on the first day back from a trip too, otherwise it's lost
the hardest thing in writing is trying to start back up after stopping
don't be too ambitious on a trip, just keep a tiny bit to stay connected to writing
if nothing else, at least read some of your book-in-progress every day on a trip
if you can't bring your book with you, get someone to read it while you're gone
have them email you feedback and critiques on chapters so you stay connected
practice moving between the writing life and real life smoothly
CHAPTER 20
new ideas are going to popup while you're working on your current book
these will hint that they are easier projects, more publishable, etc.
do not jump to a new idea, stay with your current project until it's finished
new ideas tend to come up when you're struggling, so they are tempting
they will often appear just before a major breakthrough on your current book
have the courage to stick with it, to push through instead of starting anew
remember that new ideas are unknowns, promises that may not be true
they may seem fun and full of possibility, but don't be lured
every book in your head will seem easier than the one you're actually writing
take note of new ideas and jot them down, but don't get too involved with them
you need to write one book at a time and finish it, with focus and dedication
that's how you learn to write and finish a book, by really doing it to the end
it's easy to make lots of false starts, but you'll never learn to finish that way
lots of people can start books and get ideas for books, very few can finish
at most, take one day to evaluate a new idea and write it down in detail
even if your current book is a bad idea, you'll learn more by finishing than quitting
if the new idea is really powerful, you'll know it because it will dominate
CHAPTER 21
many people start many books and get stuck in the middle
one reason for this is because there isn't enough spark in the original idea
there has to be strong enough energy to drive the project through to the end
the middle of a book is like a desert that's long, lonely, and easy to get lost in
common mistakes are working too fast, not working daily, and getting bored
you need to have some element of discovery in the middle, something to find
it's best if you can figure out something and learn something through the writing
otherwise your writing will feel forced, stale, flat, pre-planned and canned
use braiding to intertwine three or four strands of story lines
think of three different subplots happening at the same time, each told bit by bit
you can use this technique even with nonfiction, choose three topics or angles
cycle through the different approaches toward information in nonfiction
this keeps it interesting to write and explore and interesting to the reader
the author judged a national essay contest
only about 10% of the pieces even remotely worked
the reason is because most were about only one thing
that left no room for exploration, to discover interesting things on the side
art relies on surprise, readers need something to figure out, to ponder
get more than one thing going on at the same time
it's okay if you don't even know how everything will work out, you'll discover it
let the happy accidents occur through inspiration
let your book teach you what it's really about as you write it
good writing has layers, it does more than one thing, readers appreciate that
CHAPTER 22
your internal editor will constantly try to interrupt you, it has good intentions
but the criticism, even with good intent, ends up paralyzing you instead
one option is to imagine a whole group of commentators, all saying things
then get a majority vote when there is an important decision to make
but for little things, don't vote or censor or analyze, just let it go for now
editing while you write is safe, but it blocks all the great spontaneous stuff
write badly, make a mess and don't clean it up, purposely screw things up
CHAPTER 23
don't shy away from the truth in your writing, don't be afraid of offending others
show your scars, your imperfections, your flaws, show your nakedness
if you try to just fit in, it will be clear to everyone that you're just faking it
sometimes you may write a story that looks okay on the outside
but it's not true to your voice, you'll be able to feel that it's not right
your goal is not to appease others, it's to reveal what is not easily seen
others will want you to hold back, to be like them, safe and conservative
ignore the critics, write for yourself and to your most trusted open readers
the fear will never go away, learn to write around it and despite its influence
try to focus on the story itself, go where the story wants and needs to go
don't let the petty politics and social norms affect your truth in writing
people will say mean things, they won't understand you, this will lead to doubt
but don't conform to the rules of others, do it your way, that's the only way
focus on your readers who understand, who appreciate, who want to know more
CHAPTER 24
the magic words when writing a book: keep starting again
you won't always be in some easy writing state where you're never stuck
writing means working until you get stuck, then figuring out how to get unstuck
other people's methods can give you ideas, but you have to find your own way
remember your own methods for getting unstuck, think back to previous times
try to describe exactly what happened in detail that helped you break free
method #1 - try making lists of options to pursue next
keep pushing the list to add more and more items, this helps access creativity
you can use this method for lots of things, titles, possible sentences or scenes
method #2 - focus on seeing images, rather than knowing the logical plot
think about what the reader will see in their mind's eye as they read the scene
move the focus away from the logical thinking of plot and towards the senses
artists are told to draw what they see, not what they know
don't draw a tree based on what you've been taught, really look at it closely
in the same way, use your senses and pay attention to life itself in your writing
try to visualize a scene, not from a constructed idea, but with real detail
method #3 - notice your natural rhythm and follow it
you can conjure up inspiration by paying attention to good writing sessions
see what works for you, what puts you in the right state of mind
if you miss a writing day, it will be hard to come back to it, so keep up the rhythm
notice how much you are writing when you're stuck and unstuck
when you're stuck, write anyway, you need the time to ramp back up
notice what exactly is hard, what exactly is stuck, where are the specific problems
this will help you detect when you're starting to get stuck in the future
method #4 - change location and try a new environment
try writing in a coffee shop, the library, an empty classroom, outside
these can all help break your stuck pattern and give you new inspiration
PART 3
Your Written Words Take Shape: Declaring Your Book Finished
CHAPTER 25
revision does not go in a straight line, it's not always an improvement
revision is a process of learning, it lets you see your work in a new light
it's information gathering, it isn't always slow and steady and forward-moving
revision means making a mess, editing is the process of straightening up
most of the time a writer is revising, making new versions to compare
the author spend 80% of her time revising, and only 20% writing and editing
there are no simple instructions on how to write the perfect novel a specific way
you have to work through your writing, by writing lots of versions and trying stuff
each time you work on a piece, you make some parts better and some worse
you end up with different versions of your piece that you can then evaluate
you edit and submit the best version, but you may like an older version later
all the unused versions are not a waste of time, they are part of the learning
like taking multiple photographs of a scene until you get the best image
as you create more versions, you figure out more about what you like most
professional skaters practice a routine, but each version is slightly different
revising is about getting to know your piece better, not always improving it
you revise to find deeper levels in your writing, clearer meaning, stronger prose
you improve a piece through many, many little changes, not simple big strokes
there will be mistakes in your revisions, but you can learn from those mistakes
writing is a process of attempts and failures and occasional magic moments
beginning writers generally quit too soon, they think writing anything is good
but real writers know that revising is the bulk of the work, not the initial ideas
try creating a new version of a scene blind, without referring back to the draft
try writing a new version by hand, without typing it out on the computer
this forces you to slow down, which can filter the good stuff from the bad
CHAPTER 26
when you say you just want to be done, you're afraid of messing up your book
it's the fear of finding major problems or flaws that you'll need to spend time fixing
or finding something big that you won't be able to fix that ruins the story
usually you're not done yet when you first think you are, but you're getting close
you have to be willing to take care of the details, spell checking, typos, titles
don't fool yourself into thinking someone else will find and fix things for you
remember, it took years to write the book, a few more months is worth it
CHAPTER 27
you do not have to have an agent, and even if you do, you need to sell too
a literary agent can help, but they don't have any magic powers
introduce yourself and your book to editors at conferences, meet publishers
study the current publishers and the books they release, read Publishers Weekly
a literary agent can't make you into a famous writer unless you write great books
the author's royalty check for her poetry book this year was $4
you probably need to have an agent for a blockbuster novel
don't focus so much on getting an agent that you don't make your book great
query at least fifty agents before you even think about feeling rejected
don't worry that you're running out of time, take the time to write a great book
don't get sidetracked by business and agents while you're in the writing process
a common mistake is getting an agent who wants the manuscript immediately
but your book isn't done yet, it's not revised and edited, and now you're rushed
CHAPTER 28
most artistic types peak later in life, they tend to learn as they go and improve
the average writing apprenticeship is ten years to learn to write well and sell
younger writers take more risks, play with language and experiment with writing
but older writers have more life experience to draw from, and more technique
don't think that you're too young or too old, both extremes can be successful
all you have is right now, there is no better age or time to be writing
CHAPTER 29
once you've finished your book, before you send it out, go to conferences
some people think the conference is their only chance to get published
but don't act weird, just enjoy networking and learning and meeting people
check writersdigest.com and shawguides.com for lists of conferences
make sure you prepare a conference strategy, goals and a solid plan
research any questions ahead of time so you only ask the important ones
take notes while you're at the conference and learn as much as you can
there will be people attending who just like the idea of writing, but don't write
try to find ten writing partners you can exchange work with over email later
less then 30% of the attendees at a conference are serious writers
a conference lets you practice talking to future agents, editors, and press
CHAPTER 30
to write a book, you have to work hard for a long time with no guarantees
sometimes the book is finished but doesn't sell, you might think it's a failure
but in fact, it can be like a weight lifted, it wasn't a waste of time, it was useful
and once you're done and clear of that project, you can move on to a new book
recognize when a project is over, and don't cling to it, find your true passion
even before an agent says they can't sell your book, you'll know it deep inside
learn to listen to your inner voice, your instinct, and trust what it's saying
everyone will have a dark stage of struggle in their long term career
ask trusted readers if they can recognize that a project is dead, or has potential
learn to distinguish between the normal struggle of writing, and a dead project
CHAPTER 31
don't worry about catching the perfect market timing, write the best book possible
concentrate on writing every day, that's the most important thing
publication will always involve rejection, but it's a separate business from writing
the author's first book was rejected by ninety agents and fourteen publishers
start writing your next book while the first one is being rejected
publishers are interested in writers of books, not just in one book
CHAPTER 32
when your first book is published, it's a mix of emotions
you can see and feel your book in your hands, you get attention from the press
people who read your book will write to you with their responses
you might travel and present talks or readings to people or groups
but at the same time, the publication of your book is often met with silence
you might not see many reviews, your local bookstore may have a few copies
but your advance is probably less than you expected, and your sales are slow
don't expect that your friends and neighbors are going to run out and buy it
remember that most authors are unknown, you won't have a big transformation
for many writers, if they knew how much work it would be, they might not do it
there is roughly a four-month window of interest in your book, then it's gone
make sure you write thank-you notes to bookstores and anyone who helps you
pay a professional to get a good author photo, and don't do a stupid pose
many people might buy your book and never actually read it, even friends
after you're published, you're not done, keep learning how to write better
you must continue your daily writing even while marketing your first book
be able to sum up your book in one sentence, come up with your pitch
people will ask you what your book is about, have a prepared quick answer
you may have bookstore readings where no one comes
if you haven't gone to readings of other authors, don't expect people at yours
friends and others will ask for a free copy of your book
people will steal your books at signing and workshops
others will make false promises of inviting you for a reading or helping you
CHAPTER 33
show up each and every day to write
prepare the night before for the next day's writing session
keep yourself tethered to your book even if you travel
learn to be comfortable being naked on the page, facing the honest truth
say no to friends and distractions when it conflicts with your writing time
don't hover on the edge of a writing life, immerse yourself in it
work through the fear, the doubts, and the hard times, it's worth it
you'll see your progress and your growth and development as a person
write crappy books until you figure out how to write a good one
when you push through your fears, you'll find you have more time and energy
your writing will give you the training to overcome personal obstacles
accomplishment tends to bring on more accomplishment
confidence and focus attract good things into your life |
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