Free Continued…
So, still thinking about Monday’s post. One of the things I’ve always wanted to do, both with my work and with other writers, is to break down the construction of the novel as a teaching tool. Of course, this would entail using the First Rights, most likely, so you can show the editing process. I know this could be done with a single scene, but how much more educational would it be with a complete work?
I would also like to share story starts, perhaps as prompts or ways to get people writing. They come easy to me, I get a lot more than I can ever find the time to use, so why not? I also share links because I believe that the sharing of information and the cheering on of other writers is not only the right thing to do, it is the enriching thing to do for all of us. If you don’t like that explanation, consider that it might be good for my writing karma.
I discovered a while ago that I like to share the process itself, to even teach it. Of course I’d like to publish, but that is more about gaining credibility so I can share than it is about seeing my name on a dust jacket. Okay, I’ll admit I’d like to wave a book under a few noses so they understand why I spend so much time doing this crazy thing called writing.
Writing shares the essence of me. Publishing and money would be icing, but not the cake. If the cake is rich enough, the icing becomes less important.
That is not to say that publishing goals are bad. Of course not! I have them, too. Most of us do. It is the ultimate validation of our work and effort. To add “author” to my name would be one of the highlights of my life. But it isn’t why I write.
I don’t know if I can adequately explain why the sharing is important unless you know me well enough to understand that my very nature is to encourage others and help others along the same path. That’s why Write Your Mind Journals exists. It is my hope that I will be able to replace my current salary with the journal sales and devote much more time to writing and encouraging others to write. I love journals, and love to send them to new homes. My heart, however, is in this blog and the On Writing section of the web site.
Last week a series of fiction articles went up on the web site. We continue that theme this week because the subject is too vast to be covered in a week. I can’t help but feel that allowing others to read my fiction would go a long way toward gaining their interest in the articles. I also hope to get others involved by sharing their methods, processes and views.
Look for changes to the web site (not the blog) soon. I want to try a few things and see how much I can share.
As for the publishing goals, I’m not sure Song of the Elements is commercial enough. I’m at work on another novel, tentatively titled Surrender, that is already proving to be a challenge. I need to make a mock cover for it and post it on my WiPs tab. I’m interested in feedback on the premise. I continue to gather tidbits and pieces for the other WiPs as well. My goal is to have one or two ready for a beta read by late summer.
So am I totally crazy here? Am I following a well defined path or am I blazing my own?
I’m not sure either way, to be honest. I use a notebook (laptop) for most all of my writing. I very rarely move back to paper – it’s just much more comfortable for me to write on a laptop – and faster, since my mind moves by line, and not by word (wow…too surreal, but oh well).
I’ve been sinking myself into “Artwork” for the last month. The biggest compliment I ever received from a real friend of mind (a person in the same room) was that I could be a real novelist. That alone gave me strength to push on.
I enjoyed your thoughts here as I probably enjoy sharing links and information as much as I do actual writing. Could be because we love to write so much and want others to find tht joy!
AM I on your website or blog?? hmm
I know about the “gold star” part of being published. It seems silly, huh, to get that gold star stamp of approval that you are an author. I understand about waving your book under a few noses, too. There’s a few noses I would like wave mine under!
I write to share, so publishing would be nice, though.
@Matthew I think Artwork has so much potential. I’m glad you’re working on it.
@Terri I think the love and sharing the joy is right.
@Lady G Aye, it would be very nice!
Whether you follow a well-defined path or blaze your own trail, I believe you will accomplished far more that you envision for yourself and your writing.
Just continue being yourself and writing your words, your stories your way.