Where to Write?

First of all, don’t wait for the perfect place or time. Write when you get the chance, no matter where you are. I can cram in a lot writing in a hurry at airports with people and luggage milling about. I love Panera’s coffee shop, and I often scribble scene notes on the back of sheets from conferences or meetings I am attending.

Many people (and beginning writers) think you need a perfect quiet writing space in order to be creative. I think the exact opposite is the truth. Jean-Paul Sartre said, “The lost little cabin in the woods – no neighbors for miles, no disruption – is the novice’s dream but the working writer’s nightmare. In such a setting a real writer soon goes stark, raving mad.” (taken from a recent article in The Writer.)

In truth, the world’s preeminent writers headed to busy cafes. Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and J.K. Rowlings grabbed their pads and pens and headed for coffee shops, bars or pubs filled with people, noise and bustle. This is where the magic begins. I have a great writing office with a dogwood tree waving out the window. This is where I re-write, review my “story board”, do research, etc. But I do my best creative work elsewhere.

And writers WRITE! They don’t sit and stare out windows; they put pen to paper (or laptops) and crank. You don’t need (or really want) a private, silent, empty writing office/room. Go find a coffee house and get creative. (please see an article in Dec The Writer, which inspired this post)

Persistence ... "Press On!"

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

Calvin Coolidge
30th president of US (1872 - 1933)

When people learn you are a writer and author, you often get the repsonse, "I think I'd like to write a book someday," or "I have an idea for a book which I may try writing." Many people write, but far fewer of them have either completed the book or are published authors. What is the difference? Not brains, not education, not talent. It is persistence. It is pushing through to the end, seeing your book to its completion.

So when people approach you with "someday I'm gonna..." just smile, because you know something they don't; that to be successful, it takes a lot of hard word - persistence - working through the tough parts and finishing.

Obviously you have to know the craft of writing, sentence structure, plotting, characterization, themes - all of which can be learned. But it is persistence that defines successful writers.

In short - don't give up! "Press on" and finish your story.

Why Outlining is Important

Author Ann Brashares On outlining:
"I need to know where I'm going in order to set off. That's just how I am. I don't always end up where I set out to go. And sometimes I do end up there, but by a completely different means. I'm always happy to detour from my outline-wildly, even. But I need one to start the trip."

Some authors claim they just begin writing and see where it leads them. They are the often "surprised" by how the story turns out. But the author is the creator. They are not supposed to be surprised! Leave that for the reader.

Outlining allows you the writer to develop a story, interweave subplots, and figure out plot points. A story has important elements that hold it together, just as a building has beams and supports. By outlining, it will be become obvious where important elements are missing or need improved. You would not expect a builder to drop a load of lumber, blocks, and cement bags on an empty lot, then start putting boards together and "see where it leads him." He needs specific well thought out plans in order to build a house that holds together, much like your story.

You can jump in the car and start heading west, and you will eventually find California. Or you can plan your trip to suit your needs, time allotment, and budget. Know your story, know your characters, their weaknesses and strengths, the obstacles they must overcome. This may change as your story progresses, but you will have a plan for a story that is thought out and holds together.

In the future, we'll discuss a quick way to outline and create a visual story board.

An interesting Wall Street Jour Article on Writing

This WSJ article was in the Journal this morning, and makes great reading over coffee. This article talks about the stifling of competition on an individual basis, such as creative writing events that give awards and recognize the individual's accomplishments.
Just a small tidbit to enjoy over your morning coffee.