Creative Writing Q&A: Bring It
30
July
Hello you wonderful eyeballs! Today I’m kicking off a new series for those of us seeking creative/publishing glory. Here at QRW I’ve posted about mistakes I’ve made on my continuing journey of writing novels, as well as some nifty things I’ve learned. Turns out a lot of us are toiling away at our book-length projects. And we gots lots o’ questions in the process.
So here’s what I’m thinking. How about we bring those questions to the group? If you’ve got questions about publishing, writing processes, post them below. I can offer my take, and other readers can offer theirs. Prefer to remain anonymous? No problem, Morty Mysterious. Just email me at amy at amylillard dot com. Your question could be in a new post!
I’ll kick things off.
Q: Amy, you’re awesome. Your books speak to my soul, man. Can I get your autograph and your take on the meaning of life?
A: OK, full disclosure: This is not a real question. Shocking! This is one of those questions my imaginary fans and future stalkers will pose years from now when I finally get published…so get ready for that glorious day, my friends…in the meantime, let’s get to the real questions.
Q: What are some great online resources you’ve found to help you during your creative writing?
A: In 10 Rebellious Resources for Creative Writing/Publishing I offer some terrific blogs, books, conferences and more that help sustain my efforts, point me in the right directions, and push me on.
Q: What’s the worst mistake you’ve made when it comes to writing your novel, and trying to get it published?
A: Great googly moogly, I’ve made lots and lots. Long ago in a galaxy far, far away I started my book with only the scratchiest of scratch paper outlines. I wasted a shitload of time trying to figure out where I was going, who my characters were, and what the point of the whole fraking book was. Eventually I kicked it in gear with brainstorming sessions on characters and developed an outline. But man, that showed me what not to do with my next one.
Others? I told people about it before I finished. I didn’t blab to my entire family and friends, but told a few key folks that care about me and my success. Lovely folks they are, they asked me about it every time they saw me. And douchy procrastinator that I am, I would often be in one of those “time-off” periods that lasted for months. I looked like one of those folks that talk big and don’t deliver.
That’s just the tip of the icehouse, folks. I’ll reveal more eff-ups in future Q&As.
Q: Do I need to get an MFA?
A: Here’s my thought. I would love an MFA. I would love to go back to school. But that’s not a possibility, what with bills and massive student loans from my education up to this point. So I’m trying to learn as much as possible by reading and by doing. I pick up more and more as I go along. To me, that works.
Now – if in 10 years I have a few more books sitting in my desk drawers and no published works to speak of? I might have a different answer, filled with colorful expletives.
That gets us started. Post any burning questions you have about creative writing, nonfiction book-length writing, publishing, or other related topics below for the group, OR email me. Let’s do this!
Like this post? Check out the related posts below. And hey - why not subscribe to free updates via email or RSS? You won’t regret it, dear ones.
Related Posts:
- First Draft Mantra: Make it Crappy
- The Power of the Outline: Creativity and Planning Mesh When Writing A Novel and Developing Your Own System
- The Group Scene: Book Writers, Workshops, and Weirdness
- Publishing Dreams: Your Insecure, Intimidated Evil Twin
- Quitting and the Publishing Dream: When Quitting Might be a Good Plan
- Four Secrets of Creative Writing (Un)Success
- Going It Alone and Creative Fiction Writing: No One Here But Us Chickens
1. Jess | July 30th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I don’t necessarily think that it’s a mistake to tell people that you’re writing a novel. By nature, I tend to be a little bit shy about my original creative writing. I’ve been afraid to admit that I am writing a novel because I guess I’m afraid of someone telling me I’m an untalented idiot. So, writing–really WRITING–never felt real to me. It always felt like this dirty secret I had to hide from the world.
I finally decided to admit to writing a book, out loud and to complete strangers. I felt like a giant douchebag at first, but after that it became so much more natural to say. “I’m a writer. Yeah, I’m working on a few projects right now…one is a really fun novel I’m enjoying writing.” Suddenly it didn’t feel douche-y anymore, and it felt REAL. It also makes me feel accountable, because I hate saying I’m doing something and then not doing it.
To each their own, though, because I totally understand feeling like a procrastinating douchebag. Thankfully nobody is riding my ass about finishing my novel(s)…yet.
2. Charlie Gilkey | Productive Flourishing | July 31st, 2008 at 8:34 am
If MFA is the MFA that I think it is, I would say that it’s not necessary to be a successful writer. In some ways, I think it may be counterproductive - as, in my experience, the academic skills you would learn take a lot of time to translate into something that’s sellable.
But I guess it really does depend on what you’re trying to publish. If it’s Conrad-ish, you may have to have some serious study to make it happen. If it’s more Evanovich-ish, I’d say spend more time writing, developing, and reading - it’s far cheaper and moves you towards your goals a bit more.
If you’re using your writing to pay the bills (copywriter, copyeditor, etc.) then it may help, as well - but I can think of one red-headed writer that’s apparently doing just fine without it.
Says the man still in academia…
3. Amy | July 31st, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Hi Charlie! Great to see you around these parts again. And yes, the MFA is the one you’re thinking of (unless you’re thinking of Masters of Flatulent Administration. That’s not what I’m talking about). I agree - I want my writing to be thoughtful and challenging, but not obtuse. And in that sense, I think I can do without the full advanced degree. I’m more a practical learn-by-my-lonesome kind of gal.
4. Amy | July 31st, 2008 at 9:52 pm
@Jess - GREAT point. Talking about your writing can absolutely make it more real, make it a self-fulfilling reality. Didn’t really think about it that way, so thanks. Maybe I’m not as douchy as I thought