DIARY OF A FIRST NOVELIST: My Favorite Book on Writing

Sometimes I'm embarrassed by the number of how-to-write books I've accumulated in my life, and by how often I still consult them. Shouldn't I have graduated by now? Do I still need to turn to the writing gurus for advice?

Actually, I do--and in some way more than ever. Just as the literary guides helped me to learn the mechanics of style, taught me how to write an irresistible query letter on hopeful days, and reminded me that rejection was part of the writing life on less hopeful ones, I now turn to my favorite manuals for advice on promotion, the challenges  of writing a second novel, and the lesson a writer can never hear often enough: the importance of daily discipline. 

At times, I admit it: my collection of writing guides and manuals was nothing more than an excuse not to do the work. If you write, you know what I mean. You  announce to family and friends that you need to be left alone so you can write during the sacred hours of say one and three; you get your coffee; then you turn on the computer and type your title, or Chapter One, or just your name. 

And then something happens. You have no idea what to write next. And what's more, you're  struck by the fear or laziness or the vast sum of every insecurity you've ever had. At that moment, out of the corner of your eye, you catch sight of one of your favorite books on writing.

Hmm, I wonder how Stephen King or Anne Lamott dealt with this feeling, you think. Clearly, before you write another word, you better find out. Before you know it, the entire hour or two you've set aside to write has passed; and while you may know a lot more about how one of your favorite authors  got their book written, you haven't made a bit of progress in your own.

Eventually,  you learn to make rules for yourself; and one of those rules is that during your designated writing time, you won't do anything but write! If a writing guide is worth its salt, it will remind you of that so forcefully that you'll singe your fingers on its pages if you try to open it during your sacred hours.    

Of all the books I've collected, MAKING A LITERARY LIFE by Caroline See,  is the one I've read and reread most often--in non-designated writing hours, of course. I love it both for its practicality, and for its generosity. I also love it because it's recommends a fairly undemanding program that even a busy waitress or mother could fit into her schedule:

1. A thousand words a day -- or two hours of revision -- five days a week for the rest of your life.

2. A "charming note" that does not ask a favor from a writer, editor or agent -- five days a week for the rest of your life (or flowers, lunch, drinks, a helium balloon, etc.)

If we all adhered to Caroline See's modest program, we might never become as prolific as Joyce Carol Oates or James Patterson,  but we'd definitely get the book written. (And remember, no one's stopping you from doing more than the prescribed 1000 words.)

I especially love the idea of the charming note-- especially now when you can write a note without ever digging out the stationery or searching for a stamp. All you've got to do is fire off an email. The elegant Carolyn See might be appalled by this short cut, but for me, the point is reaching out--and maybe even making some lonely writer's day.

Think about it. If every aspirant spoke one kind word to or about another writer every day, maybe writers would be a little less famously neurotic. And if that's too much to hope for, it would at least make the literary landscape, so frequently riddled with cactus and barbed wire fences, a lot more more friendly place.

What about you? Do any of you have a favorite book on writing?

Patry Francis, Books Correspondent

Patry's column, Diary of a First Novelist, published every Thursday to Gather Essentials: Books. It will detail all she knows--and is in the process of learning--about writing and publishing.  

To learn more about Patry and her debut novel, The Liar's Diary, visit her Website.

 

You can find all of Patry's articles, Diary of a First Novelist, at www.gather.com/patryfrancis

Keep up with Patry’s other postings and Gather activity by joining her Gather network -- just click here and select the orange “Connect” button on the left-hand side of the page

 
You’ll find Patry and other Book Correspondents, plus celebrity author content and plenty of other bibliophiles at Books.gather.com