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. ;-)
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.
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!
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!
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!!
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!
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.
"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. :)
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. ;-)
I think writing short is sometimes even harder than writing long!
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.
I have honed the fine art of excuses… I should write a book about it.
Another great exploration, thank you, Meta.
Hey, at least it's a fine art! :)
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!
Lu, I can't wait to see what you come out with next!
Thank you! Me too??? Lol. :)
😂😂😂
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.
Ah, yes, the overthinking--the perfect being the enemy of the good or even great. Thanks, Gina!
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!
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!
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!!
Thank YOU for providing me with the inspiration for this piece!
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!
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.
"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. :)
It's so true! I'm a great ruminator, too, and at least writing gives it some meaning.
Thanks for this Meta. I'm definitely a slow writer but hopefully this tortoise will triumph in the end!
I'm sure you will! The ol' slow and steady wins the race fable holds up pretty well.
Thanks for your faith in me