Having no idea what to write for my “X” post, I’ve put it off until the night before. Had I been writing about cult classics, I could have gone with “X-Files.” Or if I wrote erotica, “X-Rated” would be a given. But my theme is writing + old family photos . . . and here are my choices.
I suppose I could have gone with “Xtreme,” “Xerox,” “X marks the Spot,” “X-Factor,” “X-Games,” “X-mas,” but none of these jumped out at me. So this is how I feel about today’s letter of day:
Uh, there’s some uncertainty going on here . . .
But not us writers, right? I mean come on, whoever heard of such a ridiculous thing? I mean, if there was ever a group of people more certain about what they do, it’s wri—
Ahem.
*Covers mic*
*Frantic whispering*
What?!
*Embarrassed look + nervous laugh*
Uh, well, apparently I might be wrong about that . . .
Yeah. Covered, wrapped, coated, slathered and dipped in uncertainty and self-doubt; that’s how we writers roll—at least once in a while. Will people like it? Will readers “get it?” Am I making a fool of myself? Uncertainty can get us into trouble. It can stop us in our tracks and derail our progress. It can make us over-think everything, thus, hinder ourselves. It can cause great works from ever getting read at all.
When you feel this way, here’s what I suggest:
A lot of uncertainty comes from our insecurities. Banish those right now, otherwise, they’ll always get the best of you—and your work.
How do you deal with uncertainty as a writer?
I dedicate this post to Ivan Doig, a great American author, whose work left a lasting impression; a literary legacy worthy of admiration.
Oh geez.
I’m not sure what impression I was trying to make here, but if Facebook had been around in 1982, you bet your ass I would have posted this gem.
I’m not always known for making a great impression, or even an appropriate one, and I often tell myself I should stick to leaving an impression with my books, essays, and stories.
Writers leave impressions because they want their name and/or their work to be remembered. Author Kristen Lamb made a hilarious impression by promoting her books using feminine hygiene products. (Seriously, it’s hilarious.) When it comes to book promotion and signings, I tend to lack the creativity to come up an impression-leaving gimmick, so I try to leave an impression with my work.
We hear so often about having a strong beginning to snag readers, which is still important, but what about an ending? Isn’t that your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression? It could be what’ll make a reader hug the book to her chest and sigh, or close the book and say, “Hmph. I was kind of hoping for . . .” Even if she enjoyed the rest of the book, the impression you leave her with, particularly at the end, can change how she feels about the entire book. That can also be a good thing. What if the reader found the book just okay, but the ending brought it all together? It happens. Obviously, our goal as writers is to wow from start to finish.
Every book and story is different and it doesn’t have to be a happy ending or a cliffhanger, as long as it leaves the impression that you hope it will. Take a step back and decide what your overall message is and bring your story around to that; hint at it, at least. Maybe you’re trying to bring awareness to a particular issue. Or that you hope readers will be more open-minded about something. Or maybe you just want them to close the book, smile, and write a raving Amazon review.
Endings can be hard to write; they’re not usually my favorite part to come up with, but they are very important to the reader, so devote a good deal of attention to them. You only have one opportunity to leave a last impression.
How do you like to leave an impression as a writer?
Isn’t it great when things work in harmony? As you can see, my sister and I are enjoying our harmonious photo session. There are lots of ways authors can have projects that work in conjunction with other projects of theirs.
For example, I recently learned at the NCW conference, that children’s book authors should look into creating an app based on their book(s) so that they can not only offer more to their readers, but broaden their audience as well.
Kelly Baugh, author of Miss You Once Again, which takes place in Mississippi, will be releasing a companion cookbook filled with her Southern grandmother’s recipes.
I’m contemplating writing a novella based on the alter ego that the main character of my novel has. Maybe you have a secondary character who’s worthy of his/her own story? It could make for a great companion book.
What about creating a Facebook or Twitter account for one of your characters? Or create accounts for two characters and entertain tweeps with their banter? Pair up with another author and have a battle of tweets and promote each other at the same time. Perhaps you build a website with a bunch of “extras” for readers to enjoy.
Branding. Come up with an idea, a book for example, and then create products that work in harmony with your book. J.K. Rowling, Rick Riordan, and Veronica Roth also have companion materials to go along with their books. (They’re huge, so of course they do.)
With some creativity (c’mon, you’re writers!) you can create some great ideas that can work in perfect harmony with your current book(s).
How have you extended the life of your book? What ways can you think of that can expand your audience?
Have you ever met an arrogant author whose book you’d like to shove down their throat?
I don’t think I have. I’m lucky to be surrounded by talented and humbled writers who never make others feel inferior, but rather, who offer support and guidance. And I mean that.
But let’s be honest, I’m sure we have all, at one time, experienced a little jealousy toward peers who are enjoying some writing success. Even if you don’t like the book, or you think the author is a self-serving windbag, it’s always good to exhibit grace and congratulate them. Same goes for when you hit the big time: be gracious about your successes. People won’t forget how you acted toward others and their accomplishments, and will remember those times when you’re experiencing your fifteen minutes of fame.
Nothing’s worse than someone who whines, wallows, and whimpers about not being as successful as so-and-so. And no one likes an arrogant s.o.b. either. There have been some very well known authors who have publicly insulted other authors (who may struggle with character development or rules of grammar, but can suck readers in with a compelling story). It really bugs me when people try to bring down others and their successes. I may agree with them; that the writing stinks in these books, or that the characters are lifeless boobs, but I’d never join in on the bullying.
(I should point out that I’m talking about books that don’t promote hatred, racism, bigotry, intolerance, etc. Those who do write that crap deserved to be skewered, so fire away.)
Anyhow, if you’re a pretty well known author, then chances are, you’re a pretty good writer, so then you shouldn’t feel threatened, right? Just do your thing and shut up. And when you come across these high-horse writers, you don’t have to say congrats—choose to smile and nod. Be an example of grace and class, otherwise, it can come back and bite you in the ass.
My sister hated surprises; still isn’t a big fan of them. Her feelings toward them, came out loud and clear. (Love ya, sis!) Remember that scene from The Princess Bride, when Count Tyrone asked Wesley how he was feeling after getting a year of his life sucked away? He genuinely wanted to know—for research purposes. (Yes, I’ve referenced this scene before.)
Maybe we should spend more time asking our characters how they feel about things, then let them ramble on, as if on a therapist’s couch, while we jot everything down. Take the time to really listen to them and figure out what makes them tick. How do they feel about climate change? About Broadway shows? About the demise of the Twinkie? Ask them all kinds of questions—tough ones, where they really have to dig deep to come up with an answer. (Why does it make one cry when others sing “Happy Birthday” to them?)
Oh, and do this without injecting your own opinion. Be an unbiased listener—that’s your job, right? Besides, wouldn’t it be fun to create characters who are nothing like us? Who do things we’d never do? Readers want to connect with characters, so how you portray their feelings is important. Remember, if you don’t give your characters unique and authentic feelings, you won’t evoke feelings in your reader. Spend some quality time with your characters and ask lots of questions. For some help, check out these questionnaires:
Gotham Writers
1000 Character Development Questions
The Script Lab
This is probably the face I gave when I was told to do something, like to come inside when it got dark. I probably also shot this look at those who said I couldn’t do something. Either way, I likely used it often and according to The Husband, I still do. I like to think it’s my determined look. It’s the I’ve-Got-Stuff-To-Do face . . . so watch out.
I think we should all take a picture of ourselves with our best determined look and post it where we’d see it everyday. Mine is on my bulletin board in my office. It’ll serve as a reminder that not only do you have the ability, but you have the drive to accomplish what you set out to do, so get out of the way and do it!
I was determined to get my novel published, and after much personal growth and determination, my book came out two weeks ago. If only I had the motivation to apply the same principles to cleaning out my laundry room.
Do you find it’s easy to stay determined? Any tips?
If you ask my mom, she’d probably tell you that collaboration wasn’t mine and my sister’s forte. We had our moments, though. My bedroom closet had this giant step in it; a carpeted platform on one side, on which we could climb. It had a shelf along one wall and a little desk on the far end. It’s where I conjured up all kinds of trouble. And It. Was. Awesome. My sister and I made up this game called “Connie & Connie” . . . two quirky office gals who apparently did . . . office work. Using my tape recorder, we’d record ourselves pretend-typing and once, recorded me falling out of the closet. Funniest thing ever. Wish I still had that tape.
Anyway, Amy and I didn’t always collaborate well, and we differed more than just with appearances. (I’m on the left.) But we still made a go of it and had a helluva good time. Usually.
Sometimes, it’s peoples’ differences that can make a project exciting; what we bring to the table as individuals, can also make it a successful project.
I’ve collaborated with other authors on books and it’s been great fun. I’m also hoping to have a children’s book out later this year, that I’m working on with the amazing Kerrie Flanagan. I urge you to connect with other writers and artists and come together for a common goal. You don’t have to be alike; in fact, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and take a risk by working with someone you may otherwise shy away from—it could be the start of a beautiful collaboration.
How have you collaborated with others on projects? Any advice/tips?
