Writing…it’s Non-GMO (Great, Mysterious Operation)

Writing is putting words together from your brain and your heart and your veins. It’s the brains can be obstinate. Where is this going? What if noone likes it? It makes no sense. 

But you know what?? It will make sense later on after you reread it and rewrite it, so I say put the words to paper and worry about all of the other stuff later. Except for if anyone likes it. Don’t worry about that ever. If you need approval, you should be prepared to wait…and wait…You have to gather tools to deal with tons of rejection. It’s a huge part of being a creative. Any kind of creative. And be prepared for some friends and family not to take you seriously until you’re published. It’s the truth. And it’s ok. It will motivate you harder. And they won’t make it into the acknowledgments pages.

Every project is different. Sometimes an outline is worth the time. Sometimes you just write and see what comes out next. And then next. And next. Lately, I find that sketching things and filling them in with colored pencils like a six-year-old helps me organize my chapters. Other times, just watching old sitcoms helps with plot and pace. Problem, work toward solution, solution.

It’s the stuff in between that makes magic—dialogue, exposition, and obstacles. Really strong character development without “telling” your reader everything is where it’s at too. It’s not easy. It takes practice to drown your reader in your words.

In between writing, please read, read, read. Stephen King prescribes it. Almost every good writer prescribes it. Not long ago I met an author at a workshop who said to me—“Yeah. I don’t read. I just write.” Guess what? She won’t be published. You need to have your finger on the pulse because writing style and an understanding of humanity is required to write a good book. Without reading books??—sorry.  That writer’s career ain’t gonna happen. 

The purpose of this blog: anyone can write. It takes a few minutes or a few hours a day. Whatever you have. Not everyone can complete. When you do complete, it is very rewarding, published or not. I have had several agents tell me (regarding my first novel about Nina LaRita) that they liked so many aspects of my MS (manuscript), but that they just didn’t fall in love enough to sign me. That’s something! So now, I keep writing and trying things until someone falls in love with Freddi Birdoni. She’s emotionally darker than Nina. Less chatty. More mature. Oh and there’s the newly-born Clementina. She’s made of lime green lollipops and beachy joy. I hope you get to meet all of my pre-teen Jersey girls someday. They don’t know each other, and are not connected. Yes, I write what I know. Someday I hope to write Bjork’s biography in picture book form.

Write your story. First— enjoy this amazing music video:

Love,

Elaina