I started cycling back on an uncompleted novel last night. I listened to the character, I fought the Critical Voice Monster that wanted to cut things down so that they "moved faster", because "everyone knows" that readers won't read things that aren't exploding in the first paragraph...I tucked CVM into it's bed and locked the door, but it kept barking loudly - or growling loudly. But, I reminded it the door was locked, so go to sleep. And then the character and I added 203 words to just the first page, because that is just how that character rolls. The CVM is still whimpering softly, but I tossed it a Substack essay to chew on for now. Many cycles to go, but the train is starting to pull out of the station.
I have writing quotes typed out and taped on the wall behind my computer. I think my first (from the old SSA convention days) is from J.A. Jance. "A writer is someone who has written today."
I also have one from someone named Harvey... "Trust and type."
Welp, thanks for the thought, Mardy. I used to use Peter De Vries' quote re inspiration as the tag line at the end of my emails, modified to read "I only write when I'm inspired, so I see to it that I'm inspired every morning at 3 a.m."
In today's issue of TNDJ I wrote what is probably my first-ever quote on the topic: "If you’re waiting for inspiration to strike, you aren’t writing." Followed by "You’re thinking about writing or maybe even anticipating writing, but you aren’t writing." And that should be followed by "Get on with it." :-)
I started cycling back on an uncompleted novel last night. I listened to the character, I fought the Critical Voice Monster that wanted to cut things down so that they "moved faster", because "everyone knows" that readers won't read things that aren't exploding in the first paragraph...I tucked CVM into it's bed and locked the door, but it kept barking loudly - or growling loudly. But, I reminded it the door was locked, so go to sleep. And then the character and I added 203 words to just the first page, because that is just how that character rolls. The CVM is still whimpering softly, but I tossed it a Substack essay to chew on for now. Many cycles to go, but the train is starting to pull out of the station.
Keep at it. Tell CVM your fiction is none of its business.
I have writing quotes typed out and taped on the wall behind my computer. I think my first (from the old SSA convention days) is from J.A. Jance. "A writer is someone who has written today."
I also have one from someone named Harvey... "Trust and type."
XXXOOO (blush)
Thanks for the plug, my friend. I was hoping to add a Stanbrough quote on inspiration, but couldn't find one. (hint, hint)
Welp, thanks for the thought, Mardy. I used to use Peter De Vries' quote re inspiration as the tag line at the end of my emails, modified to read "I only write when I'm inspired, so I see to it that I'm inspired every morning at 3 a.m."
In today's issue of TNDJ I wrote what is probably my first-ever quote on the topic: "If you’re waiting for inspiration to strike, you aren’t writing." Followed by "You’re thinking about writing or maybe even anticipating writing, but you aren’t writing." And that should be followed by "Get on with it." :-)
Thanks, Harvey. Now added to the INSPIRATION section of my DMDMQ: https://www.drmardy.com/dmdmq/i#inspiration
Thanks, Mardy!
Great post as always! Hope all is well in the new year!
Hey Ed. Thanks. I've decided not to give the new year a choice. It WILL be great. :-)