I am reading a mountain of books on writing as well and joining writing groups and signing up for writerly advice from publishers, editors, and authors. I’ve also been listening to Neil Gaiman read his book, The View from the Cheap Seats: Selected Nonfiction, on Audible. I was cutting grass in the back yard and listening to him read past speeches he’s given over the years. He includes his feelings about the speeches, his thoughts about the events, and other tidbits. Then, he said something that will stay with me always. “You cannot learn to write a book. You can only learn to write this book.” I
stopped pushing the mower. I stood there, holding the push bar, and stared at the mower. The front wheels spun in the grass as I had not let go of the bar which helps to pull the mower forward. I repeated it again to myself, smiled and pushed on. “…. you can only learn to write this book.” So very true, Mr. Gaiman. So very true. Some part of me feels as though I am wasting my time reading about writing. Just write it already. Another part of me thinks there’s knowledge to be had in those books.
Speaking of just write it already, I am farther along than I initially anticipated in retyping the novel. I am on page 77 of 160 pages. Granted 63 of them were already retyped at some point which I’d forgotten. So, instead of retyping the 10 pages a day I set as my goal, I’ve typed just over 10 pages total since last week. Ha! It’s 10 pages more than I had this time last week.
And finally, what’s in a name? When I started writing Bleak, I decided a pseudonym would be better than using my real name. I went with my name in high school (story for another time): Khrys Norman. She seemed more creative, more free with words. She just seemed… more. I created an email address, blogger ID, twitter ID, etc… all under Khrys Norman. I won my first NaNoWriMo under that name. That was 10 years ago. I hardly know that name anymore. I am more comfortable with my writing and with myself. I am ready to just be the person I am today. Wendy Crafton. Hello world!
Next time I post, my retype will be done (LOL), and I’ll be moving into the editing process. I’ve no idea what that means, but I’m excited to start.
Wendy Crafton Writes 