This week, I’m excited to share that I’ve indulged in a non-fiction book on writing. Continuing education is critical for every career and while the best investment for improving your writing is to write more, consulting an expert never hurts. 🙂
“Disturb a writer in the throes of creation and he’s likely to turn and bite right to the bone, & not even know he’s doing it.” ~ Heinlein
Guilty as charged.
I might add that disturbing a writer in the throes of reading about improving the creation process is likely to garner the same result.
Reading Write Your Novel From The Middle by James Scott Bell spoke to me as an author, as a pantser, and as a reader. The book was one of those catalyst experiences for me. Full of ‘aha!’ moments and more than a few ‘duh’ moments.
As a pantser I typically write my books out of sequence. I find I’m most productive in the draft stage when I’m writing the scene that is working for me at that moment.
It used to mean lots more work in the editing stage, but as I’ve learned to trust my process – my unique process – even that has smoothed out. Bell reached into my pantser heart with this one and not only affirmed my choice to stick with what works for me, but gave me tools to enhance my process.
Naturally, this is a HOORAY kind of moment!
The lasting takeaway for me wasn’t just his no-fail approach (I’ve been applying it to my current works) but the wisdom he shared on ‘voice’. Voice is that elusive concept authors in any genre strive to discover as they progress with the stories inside them. It’s the x-factor that no one can precisely define.
Boiled down, Bell puts voice into one word: Joy: when the writer has joy in the process, it shines through on the page.
Keeping joy in mind as I work through a project from brainstorm to polished manuscript has made a difference for me. On the page, sure, but more keeping joy in mind reduces my stress level even in the dark moments of the storytelling.
Live the adventure!
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