Today is the first day of February which means it’s the first day of trying to write a book.
To quote myself, I think every writer secretly expects to sit down, open a word document, entitle it “my book” and begin. We assume that if we simply sit down and try, the words will come naturally. The book has already been written in our minds, now it’s just formalities. Unfortunately the formalities of writing are grave and treacherous. Writing should come with a warning label; side effects may include headache, nausea, self-loathing, and unemployment.
Fear is my most common roadblock; fear of failure, fear of change, fear of exposure, fear of being a waste of time. Often when I sit down to write I am paralyzed by the thought of my mother-in-law or second grade teacher reading a sentence such as “My sexual awakening started when…” It’s all I can think about. I have no plans to begin a sentence that way, but what if I do? What if it accidentally slips onto the page and it’s there for all to see: MY SEXUAL AWAKENING. Horrific.
So then I must be careful, very careful, and all of a sudden I cannot write anything for it might turn into something that resembles a sexual awakening and that would be very, very embarrassing. Anne Lamont wrote a book about writing, you might have read it. She says, “Write as if your parents are dead.” I repeat this to myself as much as I can, trying to ignore away the fact that part of the purpose of writing is to be read. Instead I try to focus on copying down the constant narration in my brain without too much self-editing or pause for panic.
I suppose writing is like any other art form, it takes discipline and it takes courage. I just hope I can muster up enough of both this month to get enough words on the page worth sharing.
February Goals
Outline an entire non-fiction piece
Nail down a solid beginning
Write well into the middle
Read every day
Write every day
February Fears
I hate writing
Writing is hard
My grammar is rusty
I’m tired
***
Click HERE for more details on the 2012 Project
I guarantee you will hit every one of those fears at some point. It’s the unfortunate nature of writing. I know I go through those at least once a week, if not more, especially the “writing is hard” part.
The key is to push through it. Easier said than done, I know. Things like correct grammar and flow can come after the first draft is written. Every writer is different though; some edit along the way while others, like me, just write to get the ideas out and then edit later.
Also, it’s helpful to have other writer friends too. I’ve found that they can see things that are wrong with your story that you would miss, simply because you’re so close to it. I don’t know how many times I’ve hit a road block in my plot somewhere and all it takes is a new set of eyes to read it and offer a suggestion.
I hope I wasn’t too long-winded there :P I just know how important it is to have encouragement when writing. It makes all the difference.
Long winded is always good.
Thanks for the encouragement.
I don’t know how you write every day on your blog! I always think about that. It would take me weeks ( months?) to write one of your posts. And a book on top of it? Writers must drink coffee. I would need it!
I totally need to get on the coffee train.
This made me laugh. Please write about your sexual awakening.
kate, i will be the first in line to read your book. I will camp out all night in the pouring rain and cold in front of barnes and noble just so that when the doors open, i get the first copy. i will scream when the police haul me away for loitering. i will continue to resist arrest and read your book while i spend 30 days in jail.
you can do it!
Oh my gosh. I am cracking up.
Jail might be a nice break actually. I could sleep through the night!
xo
you know, something about having a toilet right by your head, and in the middle of the room makes me think that sleep would be unlikely. :) not to mention the “food” that probably keeps people on said toilet.
thanks for keeping a smile on my face even when stuff kinda sucks.
I have been waiting for years to read your book. I’m so glad it will be in progress soon.
I want to write a book. I fear I never will though.
We can do it!
I’m so glad you linked back/quoted to that 2010 post. I’ve always loved that one!
Writing is hard.
Substitute “damn” every time you’re inclined to write “very”; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.
Mark Twain
Thanks, Mark. Good tip.
Writing is the ultimate procrastination inducer. Good god, it’s the worst.
Steven Wright said something like ” I’m writing a book. I’ve got the page numbers done.” That’s always me. I get it all set up, hit save, and then I’m out in the kitchen making monster cookies because my family “needs” them.
Same.
While you are procrastinating you can always play scrabble with me.
I’m glad you are finally writing that book.
I think you should start an article with “My sexual awakening started when…” write several pages and then delete it. Just to get that fear out of the way. Although I’ve never made it past page six as a writer, so you probably shouldn’t take my advice.