Do you ever have a day when you feel like your writing life has spiraled into this raging river that you have no control over? You try your best to tame Old Man River but it mocks you by going in a completely opposite direction from where you were headed. All those twists and turns make your doubt your ability to make it to your destination.
No worries, I have a three step plan to tame Old Man River...you just need to know which route to take on your path to publication.
You could try going it alone. Isolate yourself from helpful resources, type the same old dribble you tried typing the year before, and hope you stumble upon something that might lead you in the right direction. Old Man River is sure to teach you a lesson or two about not being prepared, but hey, the fact that you at least tried should count for something, right?
Maybe you want to follow the course of successful writers from the distant past. The icons of the day who wrote compelling stories about strong characters and intricate plots. The only problem with choosing this path is it doesn't address the demands and expectations of today's readers. Yes, study the great artists of the written word but don't be bogged down in the writing styles of yesteryear. Have the ability to be flexible and creative in order to stay up with current trends.
The way to tame Old Man River is to gather close as many resources as are available in the technological age. Readers are quickly lost to the latest, greatest shiny object and today's writers must stay one step ahead of the game. Sharpen your skills at workshops and writer's conferences...strengthen your writer's voice by committing to writing daily...and widen your potential readership base by actively pursuing social media sites like Facebook, Google+, Linkedin, Twitter, Blogs, and many more where writers can interact with others and develop a niche for their projects. Speak with as many of today's authors in your genre as you can and find out what THEY did to become a published author. Set goals for yourself and don't give in to the temptation to let Old Man River lead you in the wrong direction.
For myself, I think I will take the scenic route on my own journey to publication...just as soon as I learn how to work the boat...
Good post Donna:)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Doreen, I try...;0)
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Hi Donna .. yes I can .. I tend to do it my way - but am sure the river of life takes me along in its flow .. I feel I'm in rapids at the moment - so much happening .. but your tractor boat looks a little like hardwork?!
ReplyDeleteCheers and have a good taming week .. Hilary
Hi Hilary! Just remember that the rapids never last forever and we tend to be stronger from the ride...;0)
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hmmm.... that last pic looks an awful lot like where I am at the moment... Got to find time to get my head down... *sigh*
ReplyDeleteHi Diane! Sorry you are riding the rapids right now but I know you can handle it! Just remember soon it will be smoothly sailing...;0)
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Old Man River is a pain in the neck. Wild, out of control twists and turns get really old really fast. Good post, Donna. We can tame that pain in the neck.
ReplyDeleteHi Genevieve! Yeah, I've taken a tumble or two from Old Man River in my lifetime but always manage to keep my head above water so I count myself lucky!
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I don't know whether I am cursed or blessed. Writing ws never going to be a career choice having been a punishment at school. I don't even like writing (I do love reading though), so it is somewhat ironic I am now doing so much of it. Sort of sums me up I suppose.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it is because of that 'Ole Man River' holds no fear for me. I have long since given up swimming against the current, now I just go with the flow and see where it takes me. I don't necessarily think it is a bad thing.
Having read your blog for some time now (and others) it has made me realise just how much I don't know about this writing lark. I think I prefer it that way. Being self-critical it is better for me not to know what I am doing wrong or I would never write anything.
It amazes me how disciplined some people can be with writing as they plan ahead and schedule things. This doesn't work for me. When in the mood I can write for hours and get lost in what I am doing. This is usually the most productive. Other times when not in the mood I have tried to force myself to write but it simply doesn't work. I cannot remember anything I have written under duress that has been worthwhile reading.
I salute those among you who can switch on and off. I can't so I will just remain happy in my ignorance and try and absorb some of that wonderful creativity I envy so much.
**On a personal note: Boyhood is now complete and has been submitted. The signs are good but there are no guarantees yet. It is with all honesty I say that without your advice and encouragement I would still be struggling with it. The book will be dedicated to those boys who died but there will be another honourable mention should it go to print. Thank you Donna**
Ahhh, JP, your comment says so much about the wonderful spirit you are! You were forced to write as punishment when you were younger, but now you will write for the pure joy of it and won't be held back by what others may say.
DeleteI understand what you mean about writing when the mood strikes. Despite the organized look of my daily postings, nothing about them are organized, scheduled or planned until moments before I actually sit down to write them. It's the same with my stories...I'm not one of those writers that outline or have pages of detailed planning before they even think about writing the first word. The voices in my head simply tell me it's time for a story and I oblige them...;0)
I am so pleased to hear Boyhood is now complete. The trials and heartache of bringing your story to life and honoring those lives sacrificed along the way should help with the healing process. You have a wonderful writing voice which isn't something that can be taught...any technical aspects of learning this craft is almost always learned along the way and you are off to a good start!
I am honored that you think anything I may have said has helped in some way with your writing, but I am sure you would have successfully completed your manuscript without me. Boyhood is a story that needed to be told and you did a beautiful job with it. I will pass on one other piece of advice regarding possible publication...once your manuscript is picked up by a publisher (and I have no doubt it will) then keep in mind any revisions you may be asked to do is not something to take personally. If they are asking for changes which will make your story stronger then try your best to make the corrections. But if you are asked to change the core strengths of your story, you may want to stop and think if you really want to do something which would basically change the story to a totally different one. YOU are the creator of your story and if your story is strong enough, it will been seen for the treasure it is...;0)
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JP, I am eagerly awaiting the publication of BOYHOOD. I haven't read all of the blog, yet,but I know it will be just as great as what I have read already. The school punishment has turned into a blessing for you. You deserve the best. Please don't let BOYHOOD be the only gift to us. I am greedy. I want to read more from you.
DeleteJanet, wouldn't it be amusing if we were find ourselves in the bookstore at the same time when Boyhood comes out and we end up having to fight over the last copy available? I wonder who would win? ;0) I, too, eagerly await what JP may write about...
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Oooohhh I am so pleased to hear Boyhood is completed. I have not read all of it yet that was on your blog JP, but what I did read had me hooked - line and sinker. I found myself reading your blog and forgetting to do my writing :-). When it comes out in print I hope you will let us know so we can be first to order it, even down here I will be ordering online.
DeleteTotally understand the writing when in the mood. Works for me. All the best JP!
You see, JP, there are people out here that agree with me that you have a lovely writing voice and your story captivated more people than just myself...;0)
DeleteThanks, Diane, for stopping by and come back any time!
I can honestly say that the OLD MAN hasn't bothered me. Mostly because I rarely go in the water. But, you have encouraged me to get closer to the banks of it. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAwww, Janet, that poet muse of yours is lurking around every corner these days...why not let her out to play with the rest of us? ;0)
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I am that man on the boat struggling against the torrent... and the technology. At least it seems that I'm not in the rapids on my own. Thanks for a different take on our daily writing struggle.
ReplyDeleteRosalind, I have discovered that are a number of writers in this community who are not as technologically inclined as others (myself being one of them) but I ask a lot of questions and I am patient with myself as I do the best I can with all this technology which surrounds me. And when all is said and done there is still the trusty pencil and paper...;0)
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