‘You can approach the act of writing with nervousness, excitement, hopefulness or even despair… Come to it any way but lightly.’ (117)
Be Serious
No-one will take your writing seriously until you do. However you fit writing into your life, be it early morning or late at night; call it ‘work’ (and treat it as such!)
Read
This premise forms the entire basis of this newsletter and YouTube of the same name; that we learn to write by reading (and writing!)
For years, I have been making notes on the books I read, analysing narrative elements; considering how I might apply these techniques to my own writing. I love that other emerging writers can now benefit from this work.
‘Reading is the creative center of a writer’s life.’ (167)
Six Week Rule
King suggests giving yourself six weeks between completing the first draft of your manuscript. This will ensure you approach your work with a critical-eye and become less precious about making changes. Additionally, I always try to begin a new project before returning to an old one. This serves as a reminder that the work I am returning to is just one work, one opportunity, among many.
Themes
In the editing process, King suggests, is when the true meaning of your book should come to light. It can often be too contrived to set out to write a book with a set meaning or message.
When you first set to work, the overarching idea of your novel — it’s deeper meaning — should be somewhat flexible in order to allow for the ‘magic’. That is, space to let your characters ‘show’ you the way. Authors often talk about the way their characters ‘surprise’ them in the writing — and rewriting — process.
Career Trajectory
Although King has been wildly successful, it is helpful to see where a writer’s career starts; how a ‘little success’ can build upon itself.
‘One thing I’ve noticed is that when you’ve had a little success, magazines are a lot less apt to use that phrase, ‘Not for us.’’ (35)
First Reader
Self-belief is crucial, but so, too, is the sense that someone else believes in you and your dream. Even the most successful writers are plagued with self-doubt.
Also see:
YouTube: The Write Read with Mary-Clare Terrill
Note: some links are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission.
Reference: King, S. (2012). On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Hodder. (Original work published 2000)
‘Having someone who believes in you makes a lot of difference. They don’t have to make speeches. Just believing is usually enough.’ (77)