My latest book!
Dear Writer:
Dear Writer:
Writing a story is somewhat similar to building a house. Or not!
Remember this:
when we give a piece of our story to someone to read - we expect them to see the whole.
It's like building a house and offering a single piece of lumber to another builder. “Here, see the house I'm building.” SOME CAN SEE IT AND SOME CAN’T. Here's the thing: MOST CAN'T.
This step is as necessary to me as breathing.
I need to give you single boards as I create them. AND I expect you to be a visionary and say, “Why yes. I see.”
I need you to see how special the piece of lumber is that I'm using and to see that eventually I'll add more pieces to make the whole.
Choose people to read your work who like the kind of stories you write.
There are as many kinds of stories as there are houses to live in. If you give a brick ranch to someone who only appreciates a cape cod then he'll have a hard time fitting himself into what you are offering.
Don’t rebuild your house or story until it's built. This is where I fall short. I try to restructure in the middle of structuring. After many years, I'm finally changing the way I work.
DO talk to other "builders" ie "writers" and let them see your structure and let them make comments but keep in mind what each particular builder builds and pick and choose what he offers making sure that what you take is helpful to your story.
I have people who can't read my work until it's finished because they can't see at all what I'm intending - although they may like the finished piece.
Others can be with me from start to finish. They are the visionaries.
DON’T take every piece of advice you get and nail it onto your structure - otherwise just as in house building you will have boards nailed every which way and end up with a structure that would not pass inspection.
Take heart and keep writing those stories. Take what you can from each reader - you're the builder/writer and you have to decide what you can use and what you can't - and build that sucker.
Good luck with your current project. And most of all, don't give up.
My latest book. MISSING: SWEET BABY JAMES.
https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B0714QGTJ1&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_XCYOzbKDVA7VT
My latest book. MISSING: SWEET BABY JAMES.
https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B0714QGTJ1&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_XCYOzbKDVA7VT
What words of wisdom! Yes, piece-by-piece we build our stories. Foundation and structure and (verbal) materials to make it whole. Thank you Barb for these inspiring words this morning.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sher. I stumbled on this yesterday when I was cleaning out files and thought it appropriate for where I am not just in my writing life but in my life in general. Appreciate comments.
DeleteI believe your building analogy is spot on. There is one thing I would add to the structure--reading, reading lots and reading a variety of works, seeing how other writers structure their house. Writers can learn a tremendous amount (both positive and negative) from other writers by taking time to physically read their pages. I suppose reading could fall under advice as well.
ReplyDeleteRight you are and we continue to learn all our lives. I've been reading two or three books a week. I've been on a roll. This will slow down as I find a writing project for winter. Some people write books without ever reading them. Now sure how one can be successful without reading and breathing reading, but some are. I'm excited about the fall and where we each are with our work. Have a great week. Hugs, B
DeleteMy husband left me last year after 25 years of marriage (he turned 50). It has been the most difficult year of my life, but full of lessons about myself and what life and marriage are all about. I am passionate about marriage and i didn't give up on my husband. resides in USA, I entered online in search of advice on how i can amend my marriage while i was at work. I saw so many positive reviews and nice feed back about how a Doctor called Robinson.buckler@yahoo.com has been wonderful with his work. I gave a shot to make contact with him via his Email and he assured me that my marriage will be peaceful and i believed in his words. 16 hours after he finished work, my husband came back home pleading and now, we are living peacefully again. Get in contact with him if you need any help.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog! It was so good to hear from you. Sorry you've had some health problems and hope you're better. I'm excited to read your new book! I've always enjoyed your writing. Have a good week and I'll let you know when I finish your book! YaYa..(Kathy)
ReplyDeleteMy health was horrible before I decided to try the Protocol Of taking Dr Ebhota herbal mixture. I felt there was no hope for my health and I was doubtful to try the Protocol thinking it wouldn’t work because I have visited so many hospital but same result. However, I was convinced by my friend to try the herbal medicine because I wanted to get rid of HPV/WART. The herbal mixture that was given to me was really quick and easy to take, and since I have be taking it for less than 3 days I have less outbreak. But within one week i was fully cured from WART/HPV. The herbal medicine really work and I will like to share this great herb doctor contact with you all email him drebhotasolution@gmail.com or whatsapp +2348089535482. Pls try and help yourself out of warts completely today. he also c My health was horrible before I decided to try the Protocol Of taking Dr Ebhota herbal mixture. I felt there was no hope for my health and I was doubtful to try the Protocol thinking it wouldn’t work because I have visited so many hospital but same result. However, I was convinced by my friend to try the herbal medicine because I wanted to get rid of HPV/WART. The herbal mixture that was given to me was really quick and easy to take, and since I have be taking it for less than 3 days I have less outbreak. But within one week i was fully cured from WART/HPV. The herbal medicine really work and I will like to share this great herb doctor contact with you all email him drebhotasolution@gmail.com o r whatsapp +2348089535482. Pls try and help yourself out of warts completely today. he ure DIABETIES ULCAL CANCER etc.
ReplyDeleteHe also told me that he has solution for the flowing.
1 Cancer cure
2 Diabetes cure
3 Ringing ear
4 Herpes cure
5 Warts cure
6 HPV cure
7 Get your ex back
8 Pregnancy herbal medicine
9 Prostate enlargement
10 Hepatitis B
11 Disability
12 Kidney problem Etc.