Alan’s TTIM Stories  #4

Here’s a personal observation of the writer’s life. It may relate to others with similarities, understanding a writing experience is different for every person (hours, motivation, success, pain, isolation, frustration, satisfaction, and more) to satisfy the stories bouncing around in your head.

While working full-time, it took nine years to complete my first novel, five years to complete the second novel, and a speedy two years for two WIPs with the help of retirement. I filled those years dabbling in many forms – poetry, commentary, screenplays, book reviews, website content, articles, short stories, and novels. After exploring many outlets and genres, there’s a need to concentrate on one project to ensure completion.

Presently working on a Surface Pro/Microsoft Word in a writing space set aside in a dining room shared with two cats. I never go anywhere without a pen and pad. Inspiration can hit at any moment – so many ideas from bad movies and Jeopardy answers

A writer must consider the financial side to avoid becoming an impoverished dreamer. Desperation is a dangerous motivator. Full-time, parttime, hobby, stress reliever, a form of  communication – as you progress, this may change. Let expectations drive, not drown.

A lonely life – don’t believe it. Admittedly you’ll spend times sitting at the computer/typewriter alone with your imagination as your only companion. Any chance of success depends on a number of contributors. Look inside a favorite novel and read the acknowledgements. Some lists cover the same space as a chapter. 

First: you’re surrounded by all those characters spilling out of your mind and landing on paper. You know them intimately – you created them. Second: editors, publishers, beta readers, social media contacts, agents, event coordinators, and bookstore owners. Third: your fans people buying your books or following your blogs.

There will be down times – times of frustration, discouragement, exasperation, and exhaustion.

Ride it out if you truly love your art. Accept the roller coaster ride.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”  (A Tale of Two Cities)
“He sickens of calm who know the storm.”  (Dorothy Parker 1928)
“It’s all about the journey, not the destination.” (Various credits)

Don’t listen to negative people. They’re often wrong and 100% no fun!

The greatest gift for a fiction writer is imagination along with the attributes of persistence, thick skin, inquisitive nature, love of language, and at least – a touch of extraversion. Hold on to the exhilaration of constructing a provocative sentence like no other. Give the world the next unforgettable cliché.

Another favorite quote – connected to sailing:
“Study the charts, read the compass, and pray for fair winds.”
Study the charts – do your due diligence, read, research, put in the work
Read the compass – know what you want, know where you’re going
Pray for fair winds – realize there are circumstances beyond your control

For more insight and advice:
The Writing Life – Annie Dillard
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
On Writing – Stephen King

If you love it – keep on writing (keep learning, working, evaluating, editing, and reading). And keep living an interesting life. You could be your best muse!

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Follow Alan’s TTIM Stories at Facebook.com/alan.vandervoort or Instagram & Treads vandervoort_author or www.alanvandervoort.com. Novels: Sandhills – A Novel and Key Largo Summer are found at Booklocker.com and other online booksellers.