Thursday, February 28, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Discipline + Writing = Success
I just read this article about John Grisham on CNN.com. As someone who just finished an M.F.A. and is pushing forward on making a writing career that one day will sustain me, I enjoyed this profile. Of course, I've been a Grisham fan for a while. What I love about him is that he is a great storyteller; his writing (as he himself notes here) is far from literary, but it holds your attention. He's found a successful formula and it works.
I also admire Grisham because he has stepped away from his legal thrillers and experimented in some other areas, trying out writing he wants to do not knowing if it will necessarily sell. I suppose at this point with the success he's had, he can afford to do this. But I can only think that the first time he attempted this was a bit of a risk, and that he had people telling him "stick with what works" instead of supporting his desires to try new things.
What really stood out to me in this article is when he talks about the discipline he applied when writing his first novel: an alarm clock that went off at 5 a.m. I commitment to be at his desk, writing, by 5:30 a.m. A page a day, whether it took 10 minutes or an hour.
This isn't the first time I've read about Grisham's discipline and his method for completing his first novel. But it's what I keep finding that I have to repeatedly harp on myself about. Writing is about discipline. A little at a time. Slow and steady. Bird by bird. We've heard it, we've read it, we've preached it ourselves. But to put it into practice everyday doesn't get any easier the longer we do this.
Next week is winter break. I plan to spend it with my family, and then get down to business. It's been an inspiring couple of months "free form" exploring many possibilities, researching writing opportunities, submitting essays to magazines....but after the vacation week, it will be time to reinstate some discipline and WRITE! Everyday, same time, same place...bird by bird, one page at a time.
Please keep sharing your writing adventures here! I'd especially love to hear from some of the other graduates who haven't yet posted -- what are you up to? How are you doing?
Keep writing-
Anne
I also admire Grisham because he has stepped away from his legal thrillers and experimented in some other areas, trying out writing he wants to do not knowing if it will necessarily sell. I suppose at this point with the success he's had, he can afford to do this. But I can only think that the first time he attempted this was a bit of a risk, and that he had people telling him "stick with what works" instead of supporting his desires to try new things.
What really stood out to me in this article is when he talks about the discipline he applied when writing his first novel: an alarm clock that went off at 5 a.m. I commitment to be at his desk, writing, by 5:30 a.m. A page a day, whether it took 10 minutes or an hour.
This isn't the first time I've read about Grisham's discipline and his method for completing his first novel. But it's what I keep finding that I have to repeatedly harp on myself about. Writing is about discipline. A little at a time. Slow and steady. Bird by bird. We've heard it, we've read it, we've preached it ourselves. But to put it into practice everyday doesn't get any easier the longer we do this.
Next week is winter break. I plan to spend it with my family, and then get down to business. It's been an inspiring couple of months "free form" exploring many possibilities, researching writing opportunities, submitting essays to magazines....but after the vacation week, it will be time to reinstate some discipline and WRITE! Everyday, same time, same place...bird by bird, one page at a time.
Please keep sharing your writing adventures here! I'd especially love to hear from some of the other graduates who haven't yet posted -- what are you up to? How are you doing?
Keep writing-
Anne
Monday, February 11, 2008
Writing Ideas
In the last two weeks I posted a few writing ideas and assignments. I am glad to say that they have both been picked up. So, if you see a post with something of interest and it disappears - I am happy to say that people are taking the assignments. Rather than leave them up - I just take them down. So, if you like something let me know.
Be well
Ron
"If the writer always seems distant and disconnected, forgive them. They are poised between the two most important things - the real and the imagined."
Be well
Ron
"If the writer always seems distant and disconnected, forgive them. They are poised between the two most important things - the real and the imagined."
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Recovering from the AWP
Thanks to WestConn, I had the opportunity along with some of our colleagues to attend the AWP conference in New York City. I returned to Connecticut last evening tired, my feet aching, and soaked to the skin -- and totally energized to get back to my writing.
It would be impossible to capture everything about AWP in a single posting. The days were filled with informative panel discussions, one right after the other. No stopping for lunch! A quick run to Cafe Metro and portable lunches were devoured in the back of the room while juggling notebooks and the thick AWP conference guide.
I was lucky enough to hear Joyce Carol Oates speak (a very funny, insightful writer!) and John Irving, one of my all-time favorites, who was equally engaging and inspiring. The book fair was a vast oasis of booths -- a tremendous experience to walk among the representatives from literary journals, publishers, and other MFA programs and network, ask questions, and get a better understanding of the publications out there and what they're looking for. I had a quick opportunity to introduce myself to Lee Gutkind from Creative Nonfiction, and attend his panel discussion about "Keeping It Real."
For anyone who has gone through the MFA program, I would suggest it is a "must" to attend a future AWP conference, whether you're just starting out in the publishing world, or still don't know what to do with your writing (except to write!)But while still fresh in my mind, here are suggestions for attendees, especially first-timers:
-Plot your days. There are many, many options to choose from. Take time in the weeks prior to the conference to review the on line agenda, make note of the workshops you absolutely MUST attend. The days are long and tiring, and you want to have an idea which you'll be flexible about if you opt instead to eat or hit the bookfair.
-Make time for the bookfair. If you've never attended before, I suggest doing a "test run" when you first get there and it's not too busy, then going back when you've digested more of the conference. I did a first walk-through Thursday morning when I arrived, just to get the feel. It was not crowded and I had a few nice conversations. By Friday afternoon, it was mobbed but I knew who I wanted to talk to and where they were.
-Bring business cards. I had cards for my writing printed up through VistaPrint. I did a deal with VistaPrint - I think 250 cards cost in total around $9 and that included my publicity photo from my blog. It was worth having them to hand out as you met people and made connections.
-Follow up. Today's task is to write a short follow up note to the people whose business cards I collected and assess opportunities I found.
-Jot down your ideas. Conferences like this always get my creative juices going. I came out of the conference with four new ideas for essays and creative nonfiction pieces that I'm ready to start the research on.
-Tap into your mentors. Although she was never directly a mentor to me, Paola Corsa was incredibly generous both before and during the conference with her tips and advice about how to get the most out of the conference.
I hope everyone takes the opportunity to attend some conferences during the year, whether next year's AWP, or some of the other sessions that take place. There's nothing of more value in evolving as a writer as to hang out a couple of days with those who share your passion and know the ins and outs of fulfilling your writing goals.
Anne
It would be impossible to capture everything about AWP in a single posting. The days were filled with informative panel discussions, one right after the other. No stopping for lunch! A quick run to Cafe Metro and portable lunches were devoured in the back of the room while juggling notebooks and the thick AWP conference guide.
I was lucky enough to hear Joyce Carol Oates speak (a very funny, insightful writer!) and John Irving, one of my all-time favorites, who was equally engaging and inspiring. The book fair was a vast oasis of booths -- a tremendous experience to walk among the representatives from literary journals, publishers, and other MFA programs and network, ask questions, and get a better understanding of the publications out there and what they're looking for. I had a quick opportunity to introduce myself to Lee Gutkind from Creative Nonfiction, and attend his panel discussion about "Keeping It Real."
For anyone who has gone through the MFA program, I would suggest it is a "must" to attend a future AWP conference, whether you're just starting out in the publishing world, or still don't know what to do with your writing (except to write!)But while still fresh in my mind, here are suggestions for attendees, especially first-timers:
-Plot your days. There are many, many options to choose from. Take time in the weeks prior to the conference to review the on line agenda, make note of the workshops you absolutely MUST attend. The days are long and tiring, and you want to have an idea which you'll be flexible about if you opt instead to eat or hit the bookfair.
-Make time for the bookfair. If you've never attended before, I suggest doing a "test run" when you first get there and it's not too busy, then going back when you've digested more of the conference. I did a first walk-through Thursday morning when I arrived, just to get the feel. It was not crowded and I had a few nice conversations. By Friday afternoon, it was mobbed but I knew who I wanted to talk to and where they were.
-Bring business cards. I had cards for my writing printed up through VistaPrint. I did a deal with VistaPrint - I think 250 cards cost in total around $9 and that included my publicity photo from my blog. It was worth having them to hand out as you met people and made connections.
-Follow up. Today's task is to write a short follow up note to the people whose business cards I collected and assess opportunities I found.
-Jot down your ideas. Conferences like this always get my creative juices going. I came out of the conference with four new ideas for essays and creative nonfiction pieces that I'm ready to start the research on.
-Tap into your mentors. Although she was never directly a mentor to me, Paola Corsa was incredibly generous both before and during the conference with her tips and advice about how to get the most out of the conference.
I hope everyone takes the opportunity to attend some conferences during the year, whether next year's AWP, or some of the other sessions that take place. There's nothing of more value in evolving as a writer as to hang out a couple of days with those who share your passion and know the ins and outs of fulfilling your writing goals.
Anne
Book Review on Work in Progress
A few postings ago, Ron reminded us there are many ways to get our work out there and that book reviews posed one opportunity. His remarks reminded me that I had a few books I'd offered to review for Lisa Cullen's Work in Progress blog for Time, Inc. So I got to work!
My book review about You, Inc. was posted on the Work in Progress blog on January 31st. Check it out!
Anne
My book review about You, Inc. was posted on the Work in Progress blog on January 31st. Check it out!
Anne
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