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These are some things I know about writing and what that means to all of us:- It makes me happy. (So we should continue to do it)
- It's self-expression and creativity, but it's also a business and must be approached that way. (So we should learn and do what we can to give ourselves the best chance of success)
- That doesn't mean it can't be fun. (I focus on what I enjoy like this blog and Twitter, and you should find your own passions)
- It's something that CAN be learned and improved upon by practice and education. (So we should take advantage of every opportunity to further our education and experience such as conferences)
- I've made some of the best friends of my life since I started doing this. (So we should be open to others and not be afraid to jump in the conversation)
These are some things I DON'T know about writing, and what that means to all of us:
- Who is going to get the next deal or call. (So we shouldn't obsess over it. Enjoy the ride, people)
- What the next big trend is going to be. (NEVER write to a trend, friends. Write what you love or it will not be your best and it's hard enough to get published when you're at your best)
- Whether tomorrow will bring a rejection or acceptance. (So we should take what comes in stride and not dwell on rejection, take what information we can from it to make what we have better, and then move on)
And these are some things I know about Vampires:
- I talk about them a lot (because it's fun)
- I think Damon is swoon worthy
- They don't sparkle (no offense to Ms. Meyer)
- Turning into bats has gone out of style
I really love your very first point--to me, writing is both self-expression AND business, and I approach it as such. That means that I don't get personally hurt and fussed when others have feedback. I don't complain that others just don't understand what I'm trying to do, or that I can't possibly write something that fits into mainstream expectations. I stay true to my vision, but I really listen closely to others. Which isn't actually that difficult, because, like you, I've met so many awesome people since joining the writing community, and it's easy to be open to what they have to say! Another great post, Lisa.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Sarah, I think you're right on--definitely a passion and a business both at once, and I think you get the most out of it when you treat it as both.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You're so right about the things we can't know and can't control being things we have to learn to take in stride.
ReplyDeleteI love your comments on new friends and on improvement, because in the last few years I have learned so much, especially from new online writing friends. Win-win.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Lisa! You're right--I've met some of the most amazing people through the writing community. Writing is the most fun thing I've done that also makes me want to bang my head against a wall at times. Whether I think it's fun or want to bang my head against the wall depends on the day--but I can't stop writing. :)
ReplyDeleteSarah and Amie - Thanks! I really do approach it that way, and it works. In fact, I think it's made all the difference to me.
ReplyDeleteIshta - Yep I think a lot of problems arise from spending too much energy on the things we CAN'T control, when we can be doing so much with the things we can.
Tricia - Win-win! I LOVE it! :D
Kristi - YES!! Exactly. Either way we can't stop, so we might as well try to have less head banging days. I don't know about you, but my head's starting to hurt. As Homer Simpson says, I hope I didn't brain my damage. :P
ReplyDeleteI love all these. Such good reminders about a calling (which I think writing is) that can be so maddening - frustrating and exhilarating at the same time.
ReplyDeleteOMG, I completely forgot that vampires used to turn into bats!! How did I forget that?
ReplyDeleteGreat post :)
Susan - It's definitely a roller coaster!
ReplyDeleteJess - FINALLY someone comments on the important thing!! LOL
LOL I had just changed my blog look mere minutes before you saw it, Lisa. Glad you love it.
ReplyDeleteWhat??? Vampires don't sparkle (except for their personalities). Just as well. I thought Edward looked stupid when he sparkled. If my husband did that when I first started dating him, I would have burst out laughing.
I didn't realize how much of a roller coaster ride publishing is until I witnessed my friends go through it. If only non writers knew the truth. It would save us from some of those annoying questions we get when we announce we're writers. ;)
Stina - :D My timing is impeccable. He he. Yes, I agree, if my husband started sparkling... well I don't know what I'd do, but it probably wouldn't be sigh and kiss him.
ReplyDeleteLisa, this post is awesome! And I agree about the friendships (yours at the top of the list). Opening up and meeting other writers has literally changed my life...for the better!
ReplyDeleteI miss the bats! More bats! Like Mina in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen :)
ReplyDeleteLisa, thank God you're a Damon fan. Good for you! If this season finale turns out to be anything like the last, I'm going to be pissed. =)
ReplyDelete*looks both ways to see if hubby is around*
ReplyDeleteYESSS Damon is swoon worthy!!
Amen to that Lisa! :)
ReplyDeleteJust be yourself and NEVER write to trends. As my god-daughter tells me, "Do You Girlfriend." LOL.
All great points... I've never been one to follow trends, so I'm good on that one. LOL! And I totally agree with practice, just keep writing and learning how to hone your craft. And I find the whole writing process more fun sharing it with my critiquing buddies!
ReplyDeleteBTW...you have a 'lovely' blog waiting for you on my blog! Congrats! You have an awesome blog!
Julie - DITTO!!
ReplyDeleteGirl Friday - I know! Bats are cool.
Ashley and Monica - Oooooh yeah... Damon.... *drools*
Karen - Thanks!
Wub - Thanks for everything!!
I agree as well. The most dangerous part of writng to a trend is that the trend may be lost by the time you finish.
ReplyDeleteJessica - So true! It's hard to sell something that there are already a hundred of!
ReplyDeleteI do love writing so much,
ReplyDeleteyet it seems the things we can't control - like what the next trend will be or who will get the next big contract - seems to be the only thing non-writer want to talk about.
Gah!
I write because I love it, and sometimes I even surprise myself.
And something else I know about vampires? They're old news.
Ferrets are the new vampires. >*.*<
Vampires are and always will be sexy. Over-saturated, sure, but always sexy.
ReplyDelete-Mercedes
Most Excellent Wisdom, my Obi-Wan.
ReplyDeleteYes, turning into bats is out of vogue. But, BUT!!! Vampires turning into - um, there must be something that is so much cooler than bats. A new breed of dark falcon. Something wickedly beautiful in the water. A book that bites you when you open it! Oh, having too much fun!
Ebony and Margo - how about vampires that morph into ferrets? That could happen. :D
ReplyDeleteMercedes - Agreed!!
I've made the best friends of my life through writing too! The writing community rocks. Perhaps it's the melting pot of all that creativity. Excellent post! Sorry to Ms. Meyer but I have to agree with you. Vamps don't sparkle. Damon would just not be the same if he did. ;)
ReplyDeleteRe: your comment: don't worry I'm not the gimicky kind of person! This workshop is not about gimmicks, trust me - it's been an amazing journey of discovery. Um, that sounds corny, but that's what it is!
ReplyDeleteHeather - And that's why I love you...
ReplyDeleteMargo - Oh I didn't mean to say that! I just meant you don't have to do anything different than you already are cuz I think you're great!
Great post. It's so true that there are so many uncertainties when you're a writer. You never know when you'll land a book deal or if your book will be successful. The only thing you can control is your writing experience. There as so many things to love about being a writer: the joy of creating, the friendships, and even the learning. :)
ReplyDeleteGhenet - well said! :D
ReplyDeleteLOL, I found the scene from Vamp Diaries where Damon is reading one of the Twilight books and declares he thinks Edward is so whipped. And they don't sparkle . . .
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGsBqT4XN9M
too much fun.
And I love my writer friends. About five years ago I joined a face-to-face critique group in Melbourne and they rocked my world.
Ebony - Yay! I so LOVE Damon. And my own critique group is AWESOME too! Hooray for writers everywhere!
ReplyDeleteHere, here to priceless new friends. I feel like I've gained soul mates in my writing pals - Yes, I'm talking about you Lisa! I think you forgot to mention that most Vamps are pretty snappy dressers.
ReplyDeletethis was a delight to come across this morning ...ELiza Keating
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Lisa! Thanks so much for popping by my blog this week - it was nice to see you there.
ReplyDelete-Vicki
Leslie - Right back at ya! And yes! *takes notes* snappy dressers...
ReplyDeleteEliza - Well that just makes me happy! Thank you.
Vicki - Glad to visit! And thanks for stopping over here. We should definitely do it more often! ;D
Great points! Ha, I wonder if Stephenie knew how much crap she was going to get for that whole sparkly thing.
ReplyDeleteOkay, now you've ruined my day. If vampires don't sparkle what's to live, er I mean, die for?
ReplyDeleteAlexia - I doubt it bothers her. ;D She's done pretty well for herself.
ReplyDeleteLee - Don't worry they're still AWESOME, just go look at a picture of Damon. It'll be okay.
That's pretty much it in a nutshell, Lisa! There are things we have control over and things we don't. All we can do is focus on things we CAN control... like improving our craft and writing what we love. There will always be room for awesome. :)
ReplyDeletePK - Yep, I like that, "room for awesome" :D
ReplyDeletePerfect! I like the list of things we don't know - we have to give up worrying about trying to control those things. :)
ReplyDeleteJemi - It's tough enough to control the things we can! :D
ReplyDelete