Writing again, finally
Tonight I picked up our book to continue writing. I admit to being pushed by reading of a book deal on Blogger Scores Book Deal. I’d been thinking a lot, that got me into action again. I’m writing about how Mr O came to be in Australia in the first place and I am finding it REALLY difficult. I know that many of our followers are heavily involved in NaNoWriMo this month so I can’t turn to them for advice. Scribbla is busy writing 3,000 words a day. Momfog has learnt six lessons in the first week. I don’t think Accidental Stepmom is actually in NaNoWriMo, but she is looking at a DIY Masters.
So I’m on my own! My problem is how much to delve into the details of Mr O’s history. The reality is, if I go into too much detail I could end up writing three books – a Political History of Nigeria, My Husband’s Early Years and Love versus Goliath. I’m not qualified to write the first, I’m trying to cover a respectable amount of the second in the third!
I think what I may do is write the basics, then continue with the rest of the memoir, then revisit that part of the book. My problem is I am not a professional writer, so I’m not sure how to define structure. I remind myself of Keniicci‘s comment on Chapter One:
I suggest you write >everything< which will make editing easier. Keep doing a great job. You’re on your way.
“Everything” is a big ask. There is a LOT to Mr O’s history. Then I ask myself what is this memoir really about? Mr O’s years as an aspiring then junior politician taking on his father’s mantle, or his years seeking a new home and our meeting and battle to be together? How much of his early history do I need to set the scene? What are potential readers the most interested in? Do I follow Kenniicci’s advice, write everything, then let the editor (assuming I get one!) chop heaps out? Do I throw a draft out in the wild and seek feedback?
How darn big is this book going to get?
Any and all advice will be gratefully received! So if you feel like a break from NaNoWriMo, do drop by and lay those authorly suggestions on me!
Sunday Edit:
A big thank you for the generous words of wisdom from you all which included a link to a Kristen Lamb’s blog. I like Kristen’s URL: Warrior Writers – just how I felt some times! Thank you Nancy! I’ve picked up a couple of important tips just from that one article, and I loved Kristen’s take on social media, Beware the Social Media Snuggie, because it is something I struggle with! In part this edit is opportunistic, I’ll freely admit – Kristen is having a competition in November and I get my name in the draw hat twice if I mention her!
Write from the heart. Let the words flow and you can always edit later. (I’m not a writer)
but surely if you lay out the bones of the book the rest will follow…
I’ve kinda got it going now – for the moment! I’m sure I’ll hit another block at some point along the way. Mind you, this bit was supposed to be one chapter and it is looking like at least four chapters now, so someone is going to have fun editing!
Write from the heart is a great starting point and then write what you know… Focus on what was the initial trigger for the book and follow it. It’s easy to want to add everything but that can become a perilous venture. The book is a helping aid to others seeking same, you want it to be marketable too, right? Focus!
Another great blog I’d recommend for technical, novel structure related stuff is Jacqui Murray’s Worddreams blog. She sends out weekly Writer’s Tips and they are brilliant. Link to recent tip sent is: http://worddreams.wordpress.com/2011/11/07/writers-tips-83-17-tips-from-writing-the-blockbuster-novel/
Go knock em dead. You can do this Robyn!
Finally, I’m working on catching up after a hectic workshop week again.
The initial trigger for he book was a mixture of love and anger. Love for my husband, anger at what happened. Yes, I want it to be marketable, most definitely. I Vera’s point about not making it sound like a text book as very important for me, as I can tend to concentrate on some of the legalese. I thik a Glossary may solve that problem.
I’ll definitely have a look at Jacqui’s site too! Thanks for the tip!
Yes, I can do this!
Write from the heart. Do it your way to begin with because everybody will have their own views and you’ll get confused. Editors constantly throw the words, ‘SHOW,DON’T TELL’ at you. My take on that is make it real and allow your characters to speak – John and officials etc in your case. It has to be readable and not too heavy like a text book. Just my opinion though, Robyn, but I still say, write from the heart and then edit later. Good luck!
Thank you Vera! As you can tell, replying to your comment so quickly, I am at the computer. I have done well since I wrote the above article, I’ve written over 3,000 words and given them to Mr O to review. This section will need re-working, but I am getting somewhere.
I’m into the third chapter of this part of the saga, so something is flowing and that is better than nothing flowing.
If you need writing tips, I suggest Kristen Lamb’s blog.
For example . . . every scene should have a purpose, a conflict that keeps readers wanting more:
http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2011/08/29/deadly-sin-7-drifting-in-the-doldrums/
I visited in the dead of night, subscribed and will go back to read more today now that I am awake! Thank you for the tip!
I wouldn’t worry to much about the structure at first. Just get it out of your head and onto the page or the screen. Anne Lamott in her book Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life has some great ideas that I intend to use.Once she’s done the writing, jots the chapter or scene title on index cards. Then she spreads them out on the table, floor, whatever. Now there’s is on tangible overview. From there shuffle them around, save some for later if needed, and then you have an order for your book. All you need then is to assemble your book like a leggo toy
I like the leggo toy analogy! For later, when I have the “stuff” down. Storing that one away for future use! Thanks!
I say write through it. If you’re not sure, include it, even if it’s not complete (make a note that more research is needed) and push through. When you get to the heart of what you really want the book to be, it’ll be easier. Finish the first draft and then put it away for a couple of weeks (I’d wait a month.) Then, when you take it out again and read it, you’ll have a fresher perspective. You’ll see what works and what doesn’t.
I agree with Keniicci. The more you have to work with in editing, the better off you are.
I suggest you read Stephen King’s “On Writing.” It’s short, interesting, and so helpful. It’s my writing Bible. You know me, I wouldn’t throw the word “bible” around all willy-nilly.
So good.
You are expressing my thoughts better than I did! Thanks for the better perspective, Erin. I think this bit will come easier if I push through and come back to it.
He he he – nope, I know you wouldn’t throw the “B” word around lightly!
One word at a time. I haven’t professional advice, as I’m not a professional writer. Just someone who loves to write. Keep at it, it will come together when it’s ready.
I’m thinking once I get past this bit, I’ll be fine. This is the bit I didn’t actually live myself, so it is hard for me to feel I am finding the right words – like writing a biography, I suppose. Which is why I am tempted to come back to it at a later time and perhaps completely redo this part.
Thanks for the advice!