I struggled to write this post because it exposes a degree of vulnerability that even I, ever-constant waver of the foam finger for transparency, find uncomfortable. Nevertheless, here goes:
This week, Mark asked me an out-of-the-blue question:
"So, what's the title of your book?"
For the next two minutes, the conversation went something like this:
KH: "Ummm, scuse me? I'm not writing a book."
MR: "Well, you need to figure out the title."
KH: "You mean a title for the book I'm not writing?"
MR: "Yeah. What's the title going to be?"
KH: "Hello? I'm not writing a book."
MR: "Well, the title's really important."
You need to know that I have viciously sarcastic, on-board editor/critic who is laughing his arse off right now. "You?! Write a BOOK? About what? The horror of not wearing makeup? Right. And who'd read it? You have, what . . . three people who even bother with your blog? Including your mother?"
When I relayed the book conversation to my husband, Jack, his first reaction was, "I think Mark should be subjected to random drug testing." Point one for my on-board editor guy. (Incidentally, Jack is not one of my three readers.)
When I shared the conversation with Emi, her immediate response was, "Well, that's nuts." Point two.
*sigh*
If you know me well at all, you understand that this post is NOT a self-indulgent plea for pats on the back and "go for it" comments. At the same time, you understand that I'm terrified that no one will say anything at all. And if you know me the best, you know that if I do get any "go for it" comments, I'll assume it's just because you're a really nice person and you feel sorry for me.
I think I'll quit and go stand in a really, really hot shower for awhile. And then I'll crack open--for about the sixth time--this book.
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8 comments:
Ok--here's my opinion. Kelley--I think you have SO much potential when it comes to writing. I totally enjoy reading everything you write! God has given you this talent, and He has also placed on your heart the idea of possibly writing a book. I believe all answers come in time. I think He is preparing you and eventually you WILL write a book. You are definately too hard on yourself---you don't like to "toot your own horn"---but give it up girl----YOU ARE TALENTED! I think you just need to relax, pray about it, and go wherever you feel God leading you. He has a plan for your life----let Him take over!
"Writing is easy. All you do is stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead." - Gene Fowler
"Words ... are innocent, neutral, precise, standing for this, defining that, meaning the other, so if you look after them you can build bridges across incomprehension and chaos... They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little..." - Tom Stoppard
writing is easy. writing WELL is hard.
go buy and read anne lamott's 'bird by bird'.
then shut up and start writing.
roger strong
Alright missy, I'm gonna let ya have it because I don't want you to mistake this for a "pat on the back" or anything! I know you have read Bird By Bird because you gave it to ME! But Roger may be right, that is an inspirational book to get your motor running.
I'll not add the fluff of "You are a fabulous writer and everyone enjoys your style and you are unique and you have to know how well you write!" Cuz, that might appear to be a "pat on the back" and us paranoids cannot accept that for the truth it may be!
So, do you REALLY not know what it is you want to write. If you're like me (and you is a little...) you have MANY things you could write about and feel inclined to write about, so that is part of the battle.
Fiction novel (loosely based on fact)...self help book...inspirational twitters...life applicable shenanigans...injustices of todays anti-techy world...so many voices in your head!!!
Title...uh, yay Mark!!! (for pushing you the way we all should be.) BOO Jack and Emi (in the most respectful way of course) for not being your biggest supporters! LOL (My ex actually DID encourage my writing, so not to let Jack off easy, but that isn't as important as it sounds. LOL OK, yes it is!!!)
I think the title has to come after you narrow down what direction you want to focus your writing. Narrowing that down, again, is what proves to be most difficult for me personally. BUT....hmmm, if Mark is saying this...maybe you DO have it narrowed down and you really do just need to suck it up and put pen to paper. NOW.
How about "Paperclips". That's a good title.
:)
Love you and you knowz it. You are an excellent writer with, more importantly, SOMETHING WORTH SAYING!
Get after it momma!
Heart you,
Jules
OK, so when you were little, we tried to protect you from yourself by limiting the number of things you got involved with (e.g., chorus or band, not both). BIG mistake! We'd still like to protect you (and ourselves) from the inevitable outcome of taking on too much with your "git r'dun" drive, but the reality is that you probably do have the great American novel (or something) lurking inside that beautiful and talented noggin, and when the time is right, you need to let it out! We'll still love you even when you are driving yourself (and us) crazy over ten deadlines coming due at once. Goferit! Love, Dad
D > Thanks, as always, for your kind words and encouragement. (Y'all should read her blog, too. It's great.)
R > Thanks for the swift kick in the rear and the reminder about Bird by Bird. It's on a shelf downstairs. That's NOT where it belongs.
J > Jack does support my writing. I'm not sure he understands the angst I'm feeling right now . . . but he's definitely supportive. And so are you, in a kick-in-the-pants kind of way.
Dad > So THAT'S why I don't play the oboe. Huh. I thought you were just being mean. :)
1. forget inspiration
2. buy, "How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing" (Paperback)
by Paul J. Silvia (Author)
3. make a plan for each day
4. this is the only way
NaNoWriMo is coming! (Sorry, too tired to link.) You should go for it! (Again, Sorry. I know you didn't want "go for it" comments...)
Seriously, I am dealing with hesitation in so many areas of my life right now. I may be writing this to encourage you, but I am also challenging myself with the same comment.
And Jack may be more useful in this more than he knows. It's always good to have that one person who can see you for you. He won't laud you with praise just to praise you.
Write with abandon!!!
You already know what I think. You already know how I feel. That said, in the words of a famous Nike ad- "Just Do it" and remember me when you're famous! Love ya'!
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