Wednesday, May 5, 2010

The Writer's Journey in Pictures

You've decided to write a book. You're sure the path will look like this...


But you'll soon discover it looks more like this...


When you're writing that first draft you'll get a few days like this...


But in my experience, far more days like this.


And even a few days when you'll swear you're doing this...


You'll finish. But the journey isn't over. Now it's time for revisions.


You'll get new ideas, sharpen your dialogue, and flesh out your characters. There are days when you'll feel like this...


And yes, somedays when you'll feel like this...


But you WILL come to the day when you'll type...

Cue the...
And the...


Because before you know it, you'll be back here.


All images found on Google image.

26 comments:

  1. This is wonderful!
    I'm going to link it to my blog, that's how much I love it!!

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  2. Carol; THANK YOU!!! You certainly make me feel I might be okay at this writing thing. Maybe. With luck.

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  3. I love it! And you're so right...nothing is exactly what it seems, is it? But even with all the bad days, I still love it. :)

    Elizabeth
    Mystery Writing is Murder

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  4. Love the photos and you're right, I've been through many days like that.

    CD

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  5. Elizabeth; There's nothing like it, is there?

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  6. Clarissa; Good heavens, we cross-posted! I'm glad you liked the pictures. I think we've all had our share of stormy days.

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  7. Elsepth - Thank you for such a wonderful visual of what the writing journey is like. You did a brilliant job of depicting it, too. And with all of the ups and downs of writing, there's one thing it never is - boring. It's worth that rain....

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  8. Karen; You're so welcome. Feel better soon!

    Margot; Aren't you kind? And you're absolutely right, it's never boring. Upsetting, irritating, ego-smashing, elating: yes. Boring? No.

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  9. I LOVE this post! It's a keeper - I think I'll bookmark it, for when I'm having "one of those writing days".

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  10. Belle; What a lovely compliment - thank you so much.

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  11. Oh gee! I loved it. Then I started to read the comments. I thought it was about just one day but you're talking a whole career here.
    Back to the laptop. sigh
    Mary
    Giggles and Guns

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  12. Love the photos! I'm wandering that meandering road right now! :)

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  13. Maribeth; I'm glad you liked it - and yes, it's all about getting back to the laptop - or the piece of paper. Just write. Fireworks await.

    Mason; Thanks for traveling with me today!

    Laura; Isn't it? Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment.

    Jemi; Good for you! Carry a flashlight. Chocolate bars don't hurt either.

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  14. So true -- and kudos for finding all the clever illustrations. I agree that you can't go wrong with some chocolate.

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  15. Terry; It took some time to find the pictures - but thank you for your kind words.

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  16. That's funny Elspeth and so true!

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  17. Lauri; Thanks! Thinking of you on your beach in Egypt...

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  18. I am somewhere between pictures 2 and 4 right now!!!
    Good to know I can still hope

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  19. I love this post.
    You have captured so much of what it feels like to be an author.

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  20. Elspeth,

    This is great. Thanks for the laugh and the encouragement. I'm alternating between the rock climbing and the staring out the window at a tornado. I'm ready for the wish weeds and smooth paths :)

    Happy Thursday,
    Jen

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  21. Rayna; I think if we didn't habour that flicker of hope, none of us would write!

    Al; Thank you. I tried to illustrate how it feels to me.

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  22. Jen; Happy Thursday to you! I'll take the smooth path anytime.

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