As it turns out, writing is hard work in a way storytelling is not. Writing being in some ways separate from storytelling.
Anyway, I've been thinking about my writing process as I begin yet another project. Every single time I start a new story, no matter how big or small a project, there's always an initial moment of something like panic. Something of...Wait, wait. How do I do this again? Is this how it works?
I can't imagine that's just me.
It's the kind of thing that starts to freak you out if you think about it too much. Like driving a stick shift. If you start thinking about what you're doing, you inevitably pop the clutch. And yet storytelling is not a magical gift that some of us have and some of us don't. It's like any art. You train and train and hone your craft. Nobody is born pen in hand.
That said, I guess just as some people are born with perfect pitch, some people have a knack for wordsmithing. But without training and discipline, is raw talent of any practical use?
Anyway, one thing that intrigues me is how, no matter how skilled you are at your craft, every book cannot be a smash hit. Every book is not necessarily better or more popular than the book before, even if you are consistently improving as a writer. I suppose that has to do with some of the intangibles that go into storytelling. Despite the fact that all our stories have beginnings, middles, ends, character and plot arcs and dialog and sexy parts...all the basics...there is no tried and true formula for writing a successful book.
What I mean is, even if you love everything Author X does, you're still going to have favorites among those titles. Every book is not going to elicit the exact same response from you when you see the different titles. Some will be your most favorite, some will be your least -- and that is true even if Author X is an autobuy author and you "love" everything Author X does.
And if you happen to be Author X, you're as puzzled as anyone. I think we've all been there. You're working on something, the idea was solid, the work is good, and yet you hit a certain point and you realize this isn't going to be one of your favorite stories. Or the opposite happens. Something clicks and you recognize that this is going to be one of your best. And yet the process by which that happens is generally no different. Is it just a happy set of coincidences? Does it have something to do with the way the stars align?
I don't know. I know it's always a little disappointing when a story doesn't quite ignite. And it's always a little thrill when it does. That's where the magic comes in, I guess.
11 comments:
Great article! I always feel paralyzed at the beginning of every new story. I'm scared to actually start typing the first sentence, afraid I've completely forgotten how to write or that I won't actually like the characters. In other aspects of my life, I'm very much a planner, but if I plan out my stories too much then I over think them and panic that I'll never get them write. Sometimes I have to just try to write on autopilot and see where I end up.
Hi Silvia. I do find it odd that after all this time I still have that sensation of having to reinvent the wheel.
Maybe because with each new story we're starting from scratch. Even though the process is roughly the same, the page is blank and somehow we have to fill it with a story that will capture readers for hours on end.
I am afraid that I am just a one trick pony. After polishing, rewriting a couple of times, and polishing again, I have finally submitted my novel for publishing. I have been working on it so long that I am afraid I won't be able to come up with any other good story ideas. Any suggestions what to do about that?
What you say makes a lot of sense. I have zero talent when it comes to writing. I don't have perfect pitch, but I have learned to carry a tune and I've sung in public and that fear never goes away. I'm always afraid I'll forget the words, or I'll open my mouth and a big ol burp will come out. Do you think it's the fear that makes us good, or are we good in spite of the fear? I've also noticed a direct correlation between how difficult something is for me to learn, and the enjoyment I get out of performing it. Do you find that the stories you struggle with are the ones you're most proud of? Or do you prefer the ones that you just sit down and it flows. Interesting post, Josh. Thanks.
Gloria, I think it's reasonable to take a little time to refill the creative well. You have to allow yourself some down time between projects.
Now is the time to read a lot (outside of the genre) and and watch movies and read the news and check out what's selling at the bookstore. It's great to just let ideas percolate. If you keep notebooks, go through them and see if anything catches your eye.
Play around with ideas and scenarios and when inspiration hits, go with it. See if it's strong enough to carry a story the distance.
So long as the fear isn't crippling, Marilyn. A little fear makes us work harder. Too much fear and we can't function.
There's got to be a balance. Finding it is the trick.
I'll second (fourth?) - this is an interesting topic.
I have to say, I was hoping that flash of blinding panic would eventually fade. I suppose the upside is I seem to be in good company. Self-doubt is the worst thing to deal with when writing, and it definitely hits at the beginning of each new story (along with the "How do I do this again?"). Pour in worry over reviews, sales, trying to generate interest, and the author neurosis pot overflows - not a pretty sight.
Why do we turn out a masterpiece one day and fire paper the next? I think you hit it with the stars aligning, Josh. ;-)
Maybe it has to do with how much your heart in is into it. Way back in art school, my teacher used to get pissed at me. He'd say, "I don't understand you. One day you create a masterpiece and the next three you do nothing." It wasn't until I got older that I realized why. Simply, I didn't feel like it.
The creative process doesn't come with an on-off switch. So, perhaps there are days when the stars are aligned and all your creative juices are flowing like a tidal wave. Other days, its just a trickle. You still have the skill, and you're still going to turn out a great product, but that extra little tiny "it" factor no one can put a name to, could be kicking back in recharge mode.
I don't have enough writing behind me to compare, but I certainly have well more than my 10,000 hours with art. I make a few extra bucks doing portrait commissions. Even when I take on a job that I really don't feel like doing, I know its still going to be good. The clients are always happy. But my very best work? That comes when I am thoroughly and completely lost in it - and the stars are aligned. ;-)
Oiy. Premature "publish".
I meant to add on there, thank you for another great post, Josh! :-D
Riley, I don't want to scare you, but last night I decided I hated my writing "voice." :-D
I'm hoping this is a temporary thing.
Frankly, I think it only gets harder as you go along. The more you learn, the more you realize how much you have yet to learn. Plus, you use up all those initial ideas and you have the added strain of trying to never repeat yourself.
I'm not sure why people think writing is all cocktails and literary quips when what it really gets down to is bloody hard work.
I think perhaps you're right, LC.
I think maybe the comforting thing for writers -- for all artists -- is if you're trained and skilled, then even when you work by rote you'll turn out good stuff. Stuff that will ultimately even be someone's all time favorite!
Sometimes they only comfort is the reminder that you know this path and you can walk it in the dark.
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