Tuesday, October 12, 2010

10 Things Writers Know


10. Writing is easy. Writing well takes work.

9. It takes longer than a week to write 80,000 words.

8. Fiction means made-up. I'm not my sleuth, nor are you one of my characters.

7. Just because I'm staring into space doesn't mean that I'm not working.

6. Characters take on lives of their own.

5. You never really get a day off.

4. Just because a writer asks the right questions doesn't mean the answers are correct.

3. Asking a writer which character is their favourite is the same as asking a parent which child is their favourite.

2. Self-doubt is a constant companion.

1. As Dorothy Parker said, "I hate writing. I love having written."






16 comments:

  1. Elspeth - These are wonderful words of wisdom! They are, indeed, important truths. Here's something I've learned that's related to your #5: ideas come from lots of places, and at any time.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Margot; Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could say "I'm accepting ideas from 10 to 11 this morning. If you're late you'll have to wait until tomorrow."?

    ReplyDelete
  3. A great list, Elspeth. #2 is probably the number one way writers sabotage themselves.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is your best list yet. Now I'm going to stare into space.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Helen; I'm obviously an excellent saboteur.

    Carol; Thanks. And you GO, girl!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've never been one of those "love having written" people. My happiness usually comes at the prospect of beginning something new and all the possibilities. Then fear sets in once I start writing. What if I take a wrong turn somewhere? One mistake and I have to go back and rewrite. Too much pressure!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Stephanie; Oh, I understand that feeling too!

    Terry; This is one of the many reasons I try to write when I'm alone. Less explanations needed.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love this list! #7 is something only other writers understand. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's true. We never get a day off.

    CD

    ReplyDelete
  10. As always, Dorothy Parker got it right.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love it!

    Yes, fiction means made up...we definitely need to let our friends and family know this!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love #1 - but then...Dorothy Parker - what's not to love?

    All are great. I recognize myself in WAY too many (#2 being something of a constant companion).

    Although...I could get behind #7 with great enthusiasm!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love 6, 7 and 8!

    But I am not sure I agree with no 1 - yet.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for this great list. So true, I have a love/hate relationship with writing. In fact, I started blogging because I hate writing so much. However, after years of doing it I am now addicted. I hate the process but love the product- so ironic. Thanks for your writings and keep it up!

    ReplyDelete

Please leave a comment as I love to hear from you!