Comments on: Taking Action In Your Writing

By: Daan Van der Merwe

Daan Van der Merwe — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 08:30:01 +0000

Thank you very much Randy. I found EVERYTHING said above, very useful and encouraging

In the words of Jack Nicholson in “A Few Good Men”, ‘I’m just spit balling here’, but you know, that Nigerian fellow’s story might well be true. I say this for two reasons.

1. The Snowflake Method is indeed extremely helpful, particularly to freshmen. I have experienced this myself.

2. I’m beginning to believe (with all due respect), that the third C (connections), may not be as important in South Africa as it is in the USA. I further believe that this is due to the fact that there are per capita many more talented fiction writers in America than there is in South Africa, not even to mention a country like Nigeria.

Three weeks ago, after completing Step 7 of the Snowflake Method, I wrote to a South African publishing house, asking them if they would require a proposal before consider looking at a draft. Although I did not really expect a response, they responded within 3 days, giving me complete details of there requirements for submission of a manuscript.

By: Daan Van der Merwe

Daan Van der Merwe — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:40:44 +0000

Sorry! Please substitute ‘there requirements’ with ‘their requirements’.

By: yeggy

yeggy — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:53:23 +0000

Kevin Anderson got a phone call once from a guy who wanted help publishing a book. The guy hadn’t even started it. Kevin went on to say gwtting published is like getting an Olympic Gold. An Olypiad trains usually from when they are kids, they are incredibly focussed, they don’t do it alone, they have a coach. It takes dedication and sacrifice and there’s no guarentee they’ll be chosen to represent their country. Or, if they are chosen, that they will win. Food for thought.

By: Sarah Stockton

Sarah Stockton — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:51:42 +0000

Actually, deciding to be a novelist (that is, fully committing to it) and deciding on the story for a novel, all took a couple of decades- not a short time. I had “issues” as they say, with claiming the identity of a novelist. Actually writing the novel is moving quickly by comparison- 1,000 words a day or so without fail. This is true for a couple of reasons: a) I wrote successful non-fiction for several years first, thus learning the art of craft and discipline and b)I am more aware of the swiftness of life passing. I just grew beyond my own stonewalling. I guess everyone’s process is different- what’s important is to commit, then act, as Randy says.

By: Pam Halter

Pam Halter — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:56:25 +0000

“Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.” 1 Cor. 15:58 The Message

I taught a Bible study yesterday to my writer’s group on this verse. Everything Randy is teaching us about the process is not a waste of time or effort if we are serious about our writing.

Research, developing characters, learning the craft, brainstorming ideas, joining a writer’s group, setting priorities … I could go on and on. All these things will make you a better writer and your story will be richer.

I finished my middle grade fantasy last week and have spent one solid week rereading and editing. My writing partner has gone through it and given me great suggestions. It’s a strong story, and I’m waiting to hear from an agent now. It’s taken me 2 years from the idea and beginning to write to now. That beats my first middle grade novel by 5 years. That’s encouraging.

Thanks, Randy, for pouring yourself into us. I’ve learned a lot from you, and I’m sure everyone else has, too. Together, we’ll change CBA!!

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:51:21 +0000

You know, it seems so simple(ology?). I wasn’t thinking of my research as a series of books to read and/or websources to check. I don’t know WHY I wasn’t. I guess the obvious answer was so obvious I overlooked it. Anyway, your advice is very helpful. I’m actually pretty excited now about making a plan for my research much like I’d plan a novel.

By: Yvette

Yvette — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:19:05 +0000

Randy,

You are so right, taking action is the most vital part if we want to accomplish anything in our lives.

Just last night my husband and I were priveledged to have dinner with James Brausch and his wife, the guy you mentioned in one of your earlier post. (We are both located in Costa Rica.)

We had a great time, and when I asked what it is he does, he says that he is an actor. He thinks of a product or idea, then acts on it. Of course he mentioned other things, but we all need to be actors to some degree.

I have printed your list above and this will help me in accomplishing my goals.

By: Camille

Camille — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:04:26 +0000

Thanks Randy. I think you’ve identified my problem (one of them ).

First, I hopped the train out of order. And since then, I’ve been trying to do several of the things on that list simultaneously. (Sorry, I confess! I’m Multi-GOALed. But I’m thinking about working on that.)

OK, The NOVEL is what got me enrolled as a Freshman, and gave me a reason to get serious about the craft. Are you saying I need to set it aside until I’m a Junior? I thought that by working on my blushing novel during intense learning phase, I’m:

1. Making Words On Page — which count toward that 1 Million words every novelist needs to write to get into Publishing Heaven.
2. Exercising the craft tools I acquire.
3. Finishing something I started, for what it’s worth.

Upon enrollment as a Freshman, I was enlightened by these profound words of wisdom:
• Work on your craft
• Go to writing conferences
• Take classes on writing
• Read books on writing
• Meet other writers
• Join a critique group
• Write, write, write!
~From Fic 101 — What to DO if you’re a Freshman

So, as a Freshman, is it counterproductive to “focus” on a heartbreaking work of staggering genius while learning the craft? Does this weaken my primary focus?

By: Debra Ratcliffe

Debra Ratcliffe — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 01:24:06 +0000

Well, I’m convinced to try simpleology again. I have 101 and 102 but I had to put them on a disc when my computer began having serious problems and I had to back everything up then remove everything to lessen the load on it. I’m hoping it will work to reload from the disc. Some programs have turned out to be just shortcuts to the internet. I have missed this blog because there is so much good advice on it. I’m presently using a diary but I’m not likely to keep looking forward in a diary to a goal. I’m looking for something that is there in front of me every day and I can’t miss it. I suppose the simple way would be to just put up a large sign.

By: Debra Ratcliffe

Debra Ratcliffe — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 01:39:16 +0000

Actually, I put up your list too, Randy.

By: Karla Akins

Karla Akins — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 01:46:20 +0000

I LOVE Simple*ology! I am taking time out of my busy schedule to get it going — printing the books and binding them and everything. I think I’ll “get it” eventually, and I think it’s really going to help moody me on those days when I have a hard time focusing for the moping I’d rather do. The daily praxis rocks. And I am learning what things I have in my life that drain me that I didn’t even realize did!

Thanks, Randy! What an awesome teacher you are and what a blessing, too. I am learning so much from you and I am so thankful God sent your blog to me! He is so good!

One thing I think I need to do is make a list of the books on the craft of writing that I have that I need to study. If I don’t write them down, I think they’ll just keep gathering dust. Oh, if only I had months to read them all!

My hard drive crashed so I’m hoping I can find my Ficion 101 disk — it did come on disk, didn’t it? I want to go back and listen and learn again as well as 102.

Thanks again!!!!!