Thanks Delilah! (Ms. Dawson's 10 Writing Mantra Steps)
On Monday night, I browsed my Twitter feeds. I was avoiding my plan to write, read, and critique with my online group. Occasionally, while practicing this stall tactic, I come across some words of wisdom or funny posts that refuel my writing tank, but this time, I wasn’t looking for anything. I just felt indifferent to the craft. My heart wasn’t in it.
Then, I came across Delilah’s 10 Writing Mantras. At first, I scanned right past it. I wasn’t so sure her suggestions would apply to me - I’m not a sci-fi reader or writer. But some inkling in the back of my mind made me scroll back up and click to read the post in it’s entirety. And when I did, I immediately sat down and fleshed out this very blog. Here’s what I learned from her:
Shoot Your Roll. Always try. Always give it your best. Because…why the hell not?
I tell my kids this all the time - what’s wrong with trying something new? You might fail or very well hate the outcome, but you’ll never know until you’ve tried. Yet, here I am, a writer usually scared shitless of my own potential mistakes, rejections, and small (but slowly growing!) support systems. Ms. Dawson’s opening words were exactly what I needed to get my juices flowing.
Ideas Are Worth Nothing…It’s All About Execution.
This was an embarrassing moment to admit how many ideas I’ve hoarded for fear they weren’t “the ones” that would get me discovered/signed/published. What a harsh but necessary way to force me to face my truth. There’s no perfect book or easy “in” to writing it. It’s not about the what (idea) and all about the how (execution, baby). Thanks for that subtle reminder.
Your Reaction to the Test is Part of the Test.
I feel like every rejection form letter should come with an audio clip similar to the likes of the Emergency Broadcast System: “This has been a test brought to you by the Literary Agent and Publishing Association. Prepare for 999 more rejections…” But seriously, her point makes perfect sense. I worked in the music industry for nearly a decade and learned early on the names and successes that make it to the radio and Billboard charts have less to do with talent - there’s a lot of talent out there that average listeners never get the pleasure of hearing - and all about who’s put in the time, money, and sweat. Point is, criticism, rejection…I’m ready for it even though some days it hurts more than others.
Every Writer You’ve Ever Heard of Has Been Rejected.
This tidbit in the title wasn’t news to me, however what followed was: Most 1st books don’t get agents or published. Really? Sheesh! Wish I’d have known this earlier. Here I was thinking, “Damn! I’ve sent in my first novel and got nothing but form letters and crickets. Must mean I’m not good enough for even a personable email...” I needed this reality check, cause I’m working on my third novel, and feel even more confident about this one. Maybe the next slew of rejections will come with personal notes?
Inch Toward Daylight Or Die In The Darkness.
Delilah, if you’re reading this, could you make this into a bumper sticker? It was poetic enough by itself, but ultimately forced me to recognize one my biggest flaws: hard days = no writing days. After reading this step, I got my sorry pity-partying self out of bed and in front of the computer to get some words on the page. Even though I’m not overly confident they were that extraordinary, at least I did something…
All First Drafts Stink.
So true…Yet as a writer, I think we all have an inner voice nagging at our egos: “You SUCK if you can nail it on the first take!” Stephen King isn’t even one of my top ten favorite writers - I’m honestly terrified to read his books. But as a writer (political activist and Red Sox fan), I have an overwhelming amount of respect for him. His advise to just get words on the page and edit later, is something I have to pound into my head day in and day out. After all, if Stephen King can do it…damn it, so can I!
The Magic Happens Later.
Does it though? I’ve never made it past the query stage so I have to take Ms. Dawson’s word for it. This step was the hardest for me to put into immediate practice. I can’t finish a chapter without re-reading it about a dozen times and adding sparkles to it here and there before moving on to the next chapter…But, perhaps it’s like an extension to step 5 - clearly my method hasn’t gotten me an agent and Delilah’s been doing this for a lot longer than me - so I’ll give her tip a try and get back with some concrete evidence of success.
Publishing Is A Long Game.
No shit! Oops. Did I type that? Yeah, I’m confident this part of the literary community is what separates the amateurs from the pros. How long can you stick it out? How many rejections, submissions, revisions, and new works are you willing to put out there…then how long are you willing to wait? Mary Cecilia Jackson posted something last week that made me a little less anxious about my age and wishful timeline. She started writing when she was 54 and her debut published work won’t come out till she’s 62. Damn, that’s some dedication…
It’s Not Over Until You Are.
I hate video games. I really do. But Delilah’s comparison to never running out of “lives” or ideas and novels? I wrote this step on a sticky-note and taped it to my computer screen for days when I start feeling down and certain I’m chasing another unicorn, I’ll take comfort in knowing it only ends when I call it. And I’m not dead yet!
The Only Way Out Is Through.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Ignore the fear and do the thing. This wasn’t the strongest of her mantras - it reminded me of the children’s book GOING ON A BEAR HUNT (Can’t go under it. Can’t go over it. Can’t go around it…gotta go through it…). Still, like most lessons from our kindergarten days, the hardest to learn are the least complicated. I feel like my mom’s nagging me - even though I know I deserve it. I gotta get outta my head and get some words on the page. Do the thing. Okay, I’m gonna do it, Ma. I promise.
BONUS: Publishing Will Break Your Heart.
Ouch! I won’t lie, this one stung. A lot. But…the truth hurts sometimes. Success may not solve all my problems - in fact I know it won’t - however, I’m not sure my definition of success is the same as another writers. If I make it to Stephen King or J.K. Rowling-level income, good for me, but I’m not crazy enough to think that sales or making The New York Time’s Best Seller List is the only types of success that are out there. We all have our own goals. For now…mine is just to make it past the querying process…
Today’s been the first blog I’ve felt most connected to and grateful for such writers in the writing community on Twitter to keep me focused and determined to see myself through. I hope Delilah’s 10 Writing Mantra Steps inspire and light the fire you need to get back into the saddle and finishing your WIP. Cause if they don’t move you like they moved me, you may be in the wrong profession after all…
Happy writing!
—
Simply Sally