tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post665784451951384682..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: How to measure "letting it sit"Janet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-21610573547067426582016-05-20T08:06:42.675-04:002016-05-20T08:06:42.675-04:00For me, I like to write the draft as quickly as po...For me, I like to write the draft as quickly as possible (that can take a month or a year+), because it helps me focus on plot and character arcs first and not on lovely, lovely prose. I get it all out in one go and if I think some scenes need to be deleted, I go straight into big picture edits. The great part is that while I'm killing my darlings, I automatically go into polishing mode too.<br /><br />If I think it's in good shape, I send it out to betas and don't open it again until I get their comments (it can take 2 weeks, it can take 3 months). <br /><br />Then I fight the beast for every word and missing comma. <br /><br />By getting the draft out faster, I found that I don't recognize my words and I can distance myself, which I had a hard time with before adopting this process. It works for me at this stage. <br /><br />But I think the 5k rule is amazing. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14564636542312858269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3782081417110026042016-05-18T05:19:10.143-04:002016-05-18T05:19:10.143-04:00"Let it sit one day for every 5 thousand word..."Let it sit one day for every 5 thousand words" - at last! Something measurable! Thank you, QOTKU!!!Kae Ridwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10356868531870405990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-25481936500287599352016-05-18T01:41:54.127-04:002016-05-18T01:41:54.127-04:00Julie: That man could read a phone book out loud f...Julie: That man could read a phone book out loud for hours, and I'd listen, enrapt. <br /><br />And if anyone is looking for something writing-related where you might see a man in a kilt speak with a thick brogue, come to the Surrey International Writer's Conference. Registration opens June 1st and meet Jack Whyte. Barring an emergency of some sort, I'll be there.<br /><br />Kate: I'm afraid I don't know how to turn it off, and I'd be afraid to try. Mine does break down once in awhile, turning itself off, and life kind of sucks when it does that. So when it's working, I'm perfectly happy to let it keep working. And when it works, I'm writing like crazy, in preparation for the next breakdown.BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-18788563127020303632016-05-18T00:06:17.102-04:002016-05-18T00:06:17.102-04:00Panda,
I reference Jack because I admire him grea...Panda,<br /><br />I reference Jack because I admire him greatly as a writer and a teacher. If you ever get a chance to take a workshop from him, jump at the opportunity. The last workshop I took from him on historical research and timelines was absolutely brilliant. It's made all the difference in the world in my current work.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Whyte/e/B000AQ40J6/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1463543171&sr=1-2-ent" rel="nofollow">Jack.</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0JWWPoWDFE" rel="nofollow">Here is a piece with him reading one of his poems.</a> Obviously, it's a treat just to listen to the man speak. At least it is for me, but I'm a sucker for a man who belongs in a kilt.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-63386551065039536962016-05-18T00:00:03.312-04:002016-05-18T00:00:03.312-04:00I usually let my WIP#1 sit after I have the whole ...I usually let my WIP#1 sit after I have the whole story down and I go and draw or create a related illustration, then I have another Idea for a book/story and that knocks all the drivel from the first book (aka WIP#1) out of my head.. <br /><br />My WIP#1 sits on the shelf reminding me it's there but not beckoning...not yet.<br /><br />Then in a month or so something sparks in a comments (like the ones I read here or on other blogs) or some targeted researching and my attic brain opens the file drawer marked WIP#1. I go to the file folder (figuratively my dears...I am not that organized in real life) and I pull out the awkward or slow parts and play with them.<br />I see what is wrong or dumb or just plain boring and tweak the heck out of it. Then pull stretch, erase, revise until my thoughts are tired.<br /><br />I refile that WIP#1 and go to bed or go on to something else. These breaks are my mind's way of churning out solutions while I'm not actively thinking about the story. I works every time for me.<br /><br />I do this not only with stories, I also use it with illustrations, stories, designs and other projects. I will have to live to be 372.5 years to get most of it done...but I will never get bored!<br /><br />Does anyone out there know how to turn your brain off?Kate Higginshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09861373649696211491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-85033488735464404852016-05-17T23:57:36.865-04:002016-05-17T23:57:36.865-04:00(((hugs))) Claudette(((hugs))) ClaudetteBJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-57577073662475521072016-05-17T23:55:54.964-04:002016-05-17T23:55:54.964-04:00This is probably too late for anyone else to read,...This is probably too late for anyone else to read, but…<br /><br />At the end of a long, long day, finding 80+ comments from so many incredible people who are such talented writers and who care so much about their craft and each other is overwhelming. And, yeah, it made me a little teary.<br /><br />Deadline phobia, fear of failure, perfection anxiety are just some of those horrible orange and white cones that obstruct bringing a piece of writing to submission. All your comments bring peace to the process with enough suggestions, strategies, and tactics to manage even the toughest setbacks.<br /><br />It is humbling to be part of this community.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14226720665890665661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-30403981170451643742016-05-17T23:47:13.693-04:002016-05-17T23:47:13.693-04:00Panda: I know the Jack Whyte Julie is talking abou...Panda: I know the Jack Whyte Julie is talking about. Jack writes historical fiction. <a href="http://www.jackwhyte.com" rel="nofollow">Jack Whyte's website</a>BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-78121487231034540242016-05-17T23:34:13.929-04:002016-05-17T23:34:13.929-04:00I liked what DeadSpiderEye had to say about talent...I liked what DeadSpiderEye had to say about talent and showing up to do the work. I remember all too well that I was not a star pupil, but several (well, many) decades later, I'm the one who's been making their living from painting for the last 28 years. (Because I was stuborn and would quit working to get better) I like what Elizabeth Gilbert says in"Big Magic" about ideas showing up to those who are at their creative work stations. The idea that you don't wait for the ideas to present themselves before you get to work, but they will come to you if you are working. I don't claim to be a genius, but I'm pretty darn good at painting, and if I work hard enough, I might come close to that good with my writing/ graphic noveling/ storytelling.<br />But it won't happen if I don't do the work.<br /><br />Arri, welcome to the reef. I'm kind of a newbie here myself, I lurked for a while before jumping in to weasel (panda?) my way in to sit at the popular kid's table in the cafeteria. I am amazed at the generosity of the inhabitants here, sharing advice, experience, congratulations and comiseration.<br /><br />Julie ,several times you've mentioned Jack Whyte... Is this the guy who is also a painter, and his wife is a painter? Never met the man, but I used to read the essays he wrote in Art Calendar Magazine, way back when. I always found his articles inspiring and just what I needed to hear at the time. Funny how paths cross at unexpected times and places.<br /><br />Well that's 3 for me! Panda over and out!Panda in Chiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14160375490647791433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-32956322041394881262016-05-17T22:57:24.885-04:002016-05-17T22:57:24.885-04:00Colin. It's a 270 page book and we picked the ...Colin. It's a 270 page book and we picked the same sentence! You must be an exceptional person.Joseph S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07437663031050410028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-87579497777593507072016-05-17T22:32:02.121-04:002016-05-17T22:32:02.121-04:00I'm not big on concept of innate talent, becau...I'm not big on concept of innate talent, because it runs contrary to pretty much all my personal experience. As a youth, I was enrolled at an art school because holding a pencils straight was the only thing I could do. I thought I was pretty smart and I'd smugly compare my efforts with the scrawls produced by those I considered less able. One particular student, a woman sneaked onto the course as a quid pro quo, for whatever favours she'd rendered for the resident lecherer, er sorry lecturer, produced drawings much like a four year old might do when she first started. Well guess what happened, she got better, in fact there was no one taking the classes who wasn't wasting their time, who didn't get better. All of 'em left as competent draughtsmen and artists, despite the neglect of the wastrel who oversaw their tuition.<br /><br />Yes there is a certain magic that comes over those at the hight of their powers, when they can produce something remarkable but let's face it, that's a transient condition, the rest of the time you're striving for bread and butter. That's what counts in a commercial context, the ability to produce consistently and competently.DeadSpiderEyehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07687178085803686186noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-79581117346919822602016-05-17T22:11:43.163-04:002016-05-17T22:11:43.163-04:00Ahh, man. Yes Guy Clark died today. Many never kne...Ahh, man. Yes Guy Clark died today. Many never knew of him but knew his songs. The list of artists who covered him is huge. It was not just country folk. Jimmy Buffet covered "Boats to Build", Roseanne Cash covered "Better Days". That is a bummer.<br /><br />Thank you JosephCraig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-15368681351581350082016-05-17T22:01:56.676-04:002016-05-17T22:01:56.676-04:00Never underestimate the value of a good night'...Never underestimate the value of a good night's sleep as a writing tool. This is the time the subconscious does its best work. Also, sleep resets the brain chemistry and allows for clearer thought after.<br /><br />This is why so many people wake up the next morning with the solution to a problem (writing or something else).<br /><br />The subconscious knows Every.Single.Rule. Give it a problem and turn it loose. Don't let the conscious work on it. The conscious has too much baggage. But don't overload your subconscious. It'll pick and choose what it thinks you need to be focusing on, and in the morning your conscious might not agree.<br /><br />I <i>never</i> turn in any piece unless I've had a good night's sleep before the last revision.<br /><br /> Her Grace, Heidi, the Duchess of Knealehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17818060864422019573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-14230915866481758892016-05-17T21:34:54.371-04:002016-05-17T21:34:54.371-04:00I'm sorry, I'm really clogging the airways...I'm sorry, I'm really clogging the airways today. I beg forgiveness. I'll restrain myself the rest of the week perhaps.<br /><br />First off, Joe, my dear friend. You'll have to try harder than that to make me unhappy. I'm made of fairly stern stuff. I just don't want you to believe you don't have a perfectly lovely story and lose confidence in it and yourself based on anything I say.<br /><br />"The thing I like best about his quote is my writing desk is in my basement so I'm a few steps closer to the muse than most."<br /><br />I love this and agree, the boys in the back are most often drinking beer and smoking cigars. <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/LaughKillsLonesome.jpg" rel="nofollow"> Mine are squatted around a campfire swapping yarns.</a><br /><br />Donna,<br /><br />I do believe some people are more naturally talented or gifted in some ways. Da Vinci was apprenticed to a very well known artist named Verrocchio who had apprenticed Domenico Ghirlandaio who in turn apprenticed Michelangelo. (More useless Julie information.) Verracchio and Da Vinci corroborated on the painting The Baptism of Christ. This was a common practice. When they finished the painting, Verracchio felt his student's work was so superior to his he never lifted a brush again.<br /><br />Some people are born with a genius for art, music, storytelling, athletics. Most of us have to take whatever talent we have and work constantly to hone it.<br /><br />Some days the words flow for me. (like today apparently, just not on the wip.) I wrote a bit about a wounded drummer boy the other day that seemed to be dictated to me. Many days it's pure work. As long as the words come, I'll take them.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-88358683062710936922016-05-17T21:00:35.638-04:002016-05-17T21:00:35.638-04:00Hah! *fist-bumps Joseph*Hah! *fist-bumps Joseph*Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-70306837139934714572016-05-17T20:58:33.799-04:002016-05-17T20:58:33.799-04:00I just want you to know that I have delayed diggin...I just want you to know that I have delayed digging into THE SINGER FROM MEMPHIS to read the comments. I love y'all THAT MUCH!!! :D<br /><br />Here's a bit more of Stephen King from ON WRITING that, I think, elucidates the "writers and made not born" issue, at least from his POV:<br /><br /><i>... while it is impossible to make a competent writer out of a bad writer, and while it is equally impossible to make a great writer out of a good one, it </i>is<i> possible, with lots of hard work, dedication, and timely help, to make a good writer out of a merely competent one.</i><br /><br />I have to say, most of the time I feel competent. One day, I hope to be good. But I think I was born with enough raw material that I'm not bad; but not enough that I'll ever be great.<br /><br />Now, Corby awaits! Good comments, everyone. :D<br /><br />Oh, and <b>HELLO, HANNAH H!!!</b> Welcome to the Shark Tank! :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-73586658577628849172016-05-17T20:36:19.984-04:002016-05-17T20:36:19.984-04:00Since Guy Clark died today and I'm feeling bad...Since Guy Clark died today and I'm feeling bad over it; and I wrote something that made Julie unhappy and I'm feeling bad about it; and I'm made teh world and I'm feeling bad about it, I'm jumping into a fray without anyone asking me to. <br /><br />Here is what Stephen King wrote: <br /> “I am approaching the heart of this book with two theses, both simple. The first is that good writing consists of mastering the fundamentals (vocabulary, grammar, the elements of style). . . . The second is that while it is impossible to make a competent writer out of a bad writer, and while it is equally impossible to make a great writer out of a good one, it is possible to make a good writer out of a merely competent one.”<br /> . . . .<br />“If you don’t want to work your ass off, you have no business trying to write well—settle back into competency and be grateful you even have that much to fall back on. There is a muse, but he’s not going to come fluttering down into your writing room and scatter creative fairy-dust all over your typewriter or computer station. He lives in the ground, he’s a basement guy. . . . You have to do all the grunt labor, in other words, while the muse sits and smokes cigars.” <br /><br />The thing I like best about his quote is my writing desk is in my basement so I'm a few steps closer to the muse than most.<br /> Joseph S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07437663031050410028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-4123688620880901582016-05-17T19:31:22.217-04:002016-05-17T19:31:22.217-04:00"It is... my attempt to show how one writer w..."It is... my attempt to show how one writer was <b>formed.</b> Not how one writer was <b>made.</b> <b>I don’t believe writers can be made."</b><br /><br />On this particular debate as to whether writers are born or made, I think Julie/Jason, you're both right, it's just that some people are born with more talent than others. Like a runner who goes out and practices for a year and can suddenly win races while another will train for ten, and still not ever be as good. It's genetics.<br /><br />Betsy Lerner writes about natural talent in THE FOREST FOR THE TREES. That chapter is called, (can you guess?) "The Natural." She questions if this person exists. She states that she won't say there is no such thing as natural talent, but having that natural ability doesn't make writing any easier..."it is some a combination of ability and ego, desire and discipline that produces good work."<br /><br />I have SK's book ON WRITING, but it's been years since I read it. Reading the quote, I think what he means is "forming" is like holding putty. You can mash it, pull it, shape it, until it is what you want. "Made" (IMO) is in the context of all you have to do is follow steps 1, 2, 3, etc. I.e. you can't "make" a writer like you make a cake, do this, do this and do this, presto, bingo! You're a writer! I think what he means is someone who writes over time CAN form themselves into a writer (some will quicker than others.) <br /><br />Just my two cents at the end of a long day!<br /><br />Night all.Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-86134742414253251852016-05-17T19:18:41.083-04:002016-05-17T19:18:41.083-04:00Arri
If I had to list the three writings for whic...Arri<br /><br />If I had to list the three writings for which I've received the highest praise, one was written while I was a college freshman. <br /><br />You see and feel and write things at that age that disappear over time. Take advantage of your age while you can.Joseph S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07437663031050410028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-80445192059140323322016-05-17T18:57:31.792-04:002016-05-17T18:57:31.792-04:00Well, I hope things turn out better for me than fo...Well, I hope things turn out better for me than for some other big damned heroes I could think of!<br /><br />Thanks Julie, everybody. I needed the encouragement. I like to pick impossible dreams; the other impossible dream right now is that engineering degree.<br /><br />Speaking of which, I have homework to do. And maybe I'll write a hundred more words when I should be sleeping.ACFranklinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18142026970098432631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-68888087275404710322016-05-17T18:12:03.411-04:002016-05-17T18:12:03.411-04:00Arri,
You should never feel less than anyone. You...Arri,<br /><br />You should never feel less than anyone. You finished a novel. What does that make you? A big damned hero! Most people say, "I'd like to write a novel."<br /><br />You did it. It's not easy and you better look in the mirror and realize how remarkable you are.<br /><br />Is the job over? No. You realize that or you wouldn't be revising. That's the sign of someone who's serious about their craft. <br /><br />Something else you will realize. Your next book will be better than this book. <br /><br />We're all at different places on our journey and every single one of us started out with a dream. You chose to make your dream a reality.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6NXEDUR3j8" rel="nofollow">Chris Shivers, world champion bull rider, started out making half a jump on a bull. He kept trying and never gave up.</a>Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-92063625721078948782016-05-17T17:50:21.316-04:002016-05-17T17:50:21.316-04:00Julie
I truly appreciated your comments. You kno...Julie<br /> <br />I truly appreciated your comments. You know that. I should have written above something more like "Julie Weathers opened my eyes to ways I could improve it." I go back to your comments on each chapter I revise. If my novel ever hits a bookstore, know you were a big influence on it.<br /><br />P.S. I've got some new dirt in my backyard. It's not old at all. Only a few weeks.<br /><br />John Davis Frain - Your suggestion makes a lot of sense. Thanks.Joseph S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07437663031050410028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-54064840750285318862016-05-17T17:39:26.095-04:002016-05-17T17:39:26.095-04:00*and kdjames.*and kdjames.ACFranklinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18142026970098432631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-85796270657031145932016-05-17T17:38:39.238-04:002016-05-17T17:38:39.238-04:00Thanks BJ. I will try to keep those things in mind...Thanks BJ. I will try to keep those things in mind.ACFranklinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18142026970098432631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-85399306254327515872016-05-17T17:36:24.791-04:002016-05-17T17:36:24.791-04:00Arri, you are leaps and bounds ahead of where I wa...Arri, you are leaps and bounds ahead of where I was at your age. You know you're a writer, you've completed a novel, you've found a community of writers willing to give advice and share experience, you know you have stuff to learn. We all have delicate egos and are easily intimidated in the right circumstances, every single one of us. Some of us have just had more time to figure out how to fake it in public. Please don't go away.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com