Our August question made me laugh out loud. Oh, how lucky and spoiled writers are today with their ability to endless toss and juggle words while looking for that perfect turn of phrase. When I hear someone complain that they’re on their fourth draft, it makes me shake my head in wonder, either from jealousy or exasperation as I rub my need-to-be carpal-tunneled wrists, thinking about today’s question:
Have you ever written something that afterwards you felt conflicted about? If so, did you let it stay how it was, take it out, or rewrite it?
When I started out as a writer (back pre-computer or even electric typewriter era!), it was me, my idea, a pencil, and notebook paper (as the huge boxes in our basement will attest!). No “backspace/delete” or “copy/paste” or “search all.” When I took my words from handwritten to typewriter (a replica of ours you can find in museums!) every word, every sentence, every paragraph and page had to be perfect before being placed on carbon paper (original for submission, one copy for my records). There were no Jiffy Prints or Kinkos, no erasable bond, just that four-inch high cardboard mailer box and that one clean copy for my submission that HAD to be perfect. I had to be confident that each word was necessary and compelled the reader forward (hopefully to the next book in the series!)
Onerous, yes. But I was in writer nirvana. Mainly because I was blessed with the best of the best editors (not just in my opinion) when I started out. (Micki Nuding and Patience Smith, I’m looking at YOU!). They believed in my work and in my words so if I had something I felt strongly about or was iffy on, they were there as encouraging sounding boards. And even before THEM, was my critique group with their scrupulously honest opinions. Oh, there were discussions on some of my choices – sometimes I prevailed, sometimes I bowed – but always to make the book better. It was so wonderful to have that professional/personal sounding board between me and my reading audience. Case in point: Max Savoie, dark hero of my “By Moonlight” shapeshifter series. He was cutting edge for the time and words/pages just flew when I spent time with him. Buuuut he wasn’t the most heroic of characters (perhaps one of the original dark anti-heroes). My “crew” helped me craft his persona into a reader favorite that spanned an 11-book series as well as a 4-book “House of Terriot” spin-off. All because I was secure in my words.
Have the courage to be strong in your choices . . . but the wisdom to listen to what just might make your masterpiece a true work of art!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. The awesome co-hosts for the August 2nd posting of the IWSG will be Kate Larkindale, Diane Burton, Janet Alcorn, and Shannon Lawrence!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
I remember the days of using an electric typewriter but not the old-fashioned ones. I used to handwrite everything and my secretary had to type my pleadings and letters. We were grateful for white out. I wouldn't have functioned well if I had to start out writing long-hand like you did.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I was the secretary who typed the pleadings!
DeleteThose of us who started later don't realize how easy we have it now!
ReplyDeleteAs is true with every new generation . . .
DeleteI remember those pre- computer, internet, electric typewriter days. A manual typewriter and carbon paper for the final drafts where you didn't dare change a thing once you were nearly finished with the page unless it was a horrible blatant error, and even then we were allowed to hand-correct but only a few times in a 200-page submission. If I had to go back to the manual typewriter, I suspect my writing submissions days would be over. Love your post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Di! Nostalgia is always thought of fondly in retrospect!
DeleteI agree with Alex. I was such a poor typist on a typewriter. Love your last line. Having confidence is one's writing is never easy.
ReplyDeleteI could do almost 80 wpm when on a role but then I'd have to put in a number . . .
Delete"Have the courage to be strong in your choices . . . but the wisdom to listen to what just might make your masterpiece a true work of art!" I love this so much. Writing--especially when we grapple with difficult topics--is an act of bravery.
ReplyDeleteWriting not so much. But submitting - that's the hard part.
DeleteI never used an old-fashioned typewriter for serious writing (though I did play with my dad's when I was little), but I am part of the generation that at least had to taking typing class in high school, which I am eternally grateful for. I watch people younger than me struggle to type an email and I want to grab and shake them.
ReplyDeleteI used to be able to hit 90-100 words a minute regularly, but my addled brain and old cramping fingers can't do anywhere near that anymore.
I hear you on the fingers!
DeleteI remember using my very first electric typewriter when I was in university and how life changing it was because you could type a whole line before it went onto the paper which meant you could check everything was spelled right before it went to print. So much easier nowadays.
ReplyDeleteEspecially before White-Out when you'd have to retype the whole page!
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