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Nadja Scarlett's avatar

Cool to know how long it took well known authors to write novels. I admire the dedication of any writer to get it done. Writing books almost seems like a long pregnancy. You give birth when it's finally complete, however long that needs to be. I think that's why I stick to short stories. ;-)

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Meta Wagner's avatar

I think writing short is sometimes even harder than writing long!

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Nadja Scarlett's avatar

Yes, for sure since word count is limited. I find short stories to be a fun exercise in telling a great story while being concise. I prefer it.

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Brian's avatar

I have honed the fine art of excuses… I should write a book about it.

Another great exploration, thank you, Meta.

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Meta Wagner's avatar

Hey, at least it's a fine art! :)

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Lu Chekowsky's avatar

Really needed this. I’ve been “working” so much -- but not in front of the computer. Thank you for giving me the encouragement I needed today, Meta!

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Meta Wagner's avatar

Lu, I can't wait to see what you come out with next!

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Lu Chekowsky's avatar

Thank you! Me too??? Lol. :)

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Meta Wagner's avatar

😂😂😂

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Gina Vild's avatar

I always write faster and best under a deadline. Without one I over over think word and try to make each sentence the literary equivalent of the Mona Lisa, as I ponder each comma.

As much as I adored Gone With the Wind, I don’t have persistence for a ten-year project, and it’s good to know what our tolerance is.

Another great musing about the art and joy and labor of writing Meta.

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Meta Wagner's avatar

Ah, yes, the overthinking--the perfect being the enemy of the good or even great. Thanks, Gina!

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Erin Kane's avatar

As much as I try to push myself to have a regular writing routine, it has never properly manifested into a daily habit. So, I'm working on accepting that fact - maybe I need to write when the story is ready to be put on paper and maybe that's not every day. Thanks for validating my process, Meta!

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Meta Wagner's avatar

I'm the same way, Erin! And telling myself I "should" write every day only makes me feel bad if I don't. I think writing on deadline OR when the muse appears works best for me, too!

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LISA-MARIE NEWTON's avatar

I so appreciate your re-frame, Meta! I am the Lisa-Marie who thought I was writing too fast and too easily. When I think about it, I realize that I do a lot of "writing" in my head and my heart before it gets onto the page. And then when I sit down, it comes almost fully formed. As always, I love your wisdom!!

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Meta Wagner's avatar

Thank YOU for providing me with the inspiration for this piece!

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Henriette Lazaridis's avatar

Recently, I decided that I'd been working through novel projects too quickly, turning them out perhaps half-baked. And I have since almost forced myself to go slow. I'm trying it on for size these days, and there's every possibility that I'll change that back to a quicker pace. But for now, I'm almost making it official: there shall be no daily writing in excess of 500 words (or far fewer, really). I like it!

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Meta Wagner's avatar

So interesting. I prefer to write quickly for the adrenalin rush, I think. But, yeah, I sometimes go back after something's been published and remember or think of something I wish I'd included.

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Lorelei Jonason's avatar

"So much of writing does not take place at a desk or on a laptop" really speaks to me. Just yesterday I was thinking it's probably not the best psychologically that I spend so much time ruminating over "what if" scenarios about my life, but then when it's time to write I have a lot of material. :)

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Meta Wagner's avatar

It's so true! I'm a great ruminator, too, and at least writing gives it some meaning.

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Cali Bird's avatar

Thanks for this Meta. I'm definitely a slow writer but hopefully this tortoise will triumph in the end!

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Meta Wagner's avatar

I'm sure you will! The ol' slow and steady wins the race fable holds up pretty well.

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Cali Bird's avatar

Thanks for your faith in me

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