Finding Our Voices

Finding an authentic voice is one of the writing fundamentals that I hear repeatedly -  so much so that I'd be foolish to ignore it. I am not sure what my authentic voice is, but I know what it isn't. When I ignore my heart, I am not in my real voice. When I moralize or write with expectations, I am likely to be off-putting. I am most likely to discover my voice by uncovering it. It's a top-down process of taking off layers, rather than by starting with bare bones and adding dressing. My final project is usually simpler and smaller than my first draft. Blaise Pascal wrote, "If I had more time, I'd have written a shorter letter." Sometimes I wonder how short I could make something if I had all the time in the world.

Priorities

Sometimes finding time to write is just a matter of priorities. For instance, I am happy to give up cleaning the house in order to write. However, some things come before writing, like eating for instance. Isaac Asimov wrote, "If my doctor told me I only had six minutes to live, I wouldn't brood. I'd type a little faster." Although I appreciate the sentiment, that is not how I'd spend my last six minutes. I think I'd go outside and breathe the luscious air, even if it was raining. However, writing is enough of a priority that I get up before 6 a.m. to do it. I guess we all have our quirks.

In Praise of Criticism

"To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing." - Elbert Hubbard

Last night was open read at this month's meeting of Sierra Writers. An open read is the chance for writers to hear their work critiqued in a safe, anonymous venue. There were a few new faces along with some excellent writing. However, it was the quality of the critiquing that stood out.

Good criticism is what keeps me from making a fool out of myself. I think I am a mediocre writer. However, I am a good, undefended listener, willing to take criticism. This transformative process turns my words into something better than I could have done on my own.

I collect good critics like some collect jewels. I think critics are worth more.

Lost Ideas

Sylvia Plath wrote, "Nothing stinks like a pile of unpublished writing." Actually, I believe there is something that is worse - a good writing idea that is lost. The other day I had a fantastic writing idea and I was going to blog it, and for the life of me I can't recall what it was. I thought if I waited long enough, it would return. Alas, it hasn't. Trying to remember a lost idea seems to interfere with new ideas. So, I will make this short, keeping my mind clear and my head out of the oven. Ed's cooking dinner tonight, thank goodness.

On another note: I have chosen a literary agent, signed the contract, and am revising the proposal. Life is good.

About the Book

Since I am not trying to create any mystery or suspense, I figure I better disclose the subject of my manuscript. To me, the book is a helpless infant, but to others, it may not mean much, so I just don't get specific with it. It's sort of like talking about our children or pets. We think they are interesting, but others may not.

The book is about hepatitis C treatment. It's a guide to inform and help patients through treatment. It tells them how to prepare for it and, using a step-by-step, daily format, gives patients a motivational message coupled with concrete tools and tips for dealing with side effects.

Thomas Berger wrote, "Why do writers write? Because it isn't there." Although there are other books that cover hepatitis C in a general way, there isn't anything that walks patients through treatment. I waited for someone else to write this book and when none did, I took up my pen. Actually, I took up my keyboard.

Quotes from my Mother

My mother always asks me how my book is coming along. I panic, thinking I should have it done by now. I know she is just showing interest, like asking how my family is. Sometimes it feels like this book is similar to adult children who still reside at home. What's this book still doing in the nest? In my defense, I haven't been writing it for very long. It just seems that way because I was thinking about it for a long time. I suppose thinking about having a baby doesn't mean that you are pregnant longer than 9 months. So really, I haven't been working on the manuscript that long.

I told my mother I started a writer's blog. She said, "Better to have a writer's blog than writer's block." I told her I'd like to use that. She reminded me to quote her.

Fetal Development

Although I have mentioned that I am writing a book, I really don't like talking about it much. It's like talking about an embryo before it has developed into a being that can be felt in the belly. Well, I have had my quickening--a couple of agents have expressed interest in representing me. I will make my formal decision next week, but I have made a tentative one now. The fetus is not only moving, she is tugging at my heart.

I will talk more about my book later (I promise). There are two other things I want to mention. First, how much your support means to me, especially for those who made the effort to become a follower. Also, I love the comments. Your words make this blog seem so much better to me. I don't feel like I am ranting in the dark.

Second, I want to say that the lesson I most value from this experience is that I have learned not to take rejection personally. I get this because I learned that not risking is worse than rejection. Many great writers have been rejected more than I have been, and have gone on to write more than I will ever write. I walk in the shadow of their courage and I give thanks for their bravery and perseverance.