The Novel Journey Continues

For this post to make any sense, you'll have to go back and read the last one. Otherwise, everything that follows sounds like a hot mess, which it may be, but still.

I possess twenty-four books on writing--plot, plot development, pacing, character development, dynamic characters, writing the paranormal, writing the breakout novel, etc.--all purchased within the past four years. And those are just the official bound books, not counting all the notes and handouts from various online seminars, writers workshops, and live conference attendance, and the recently-purchased video series for revising an existing novel. I consider myself an excellent self-study student when passion drives me. And the thought of attending "formal" university courses makes my heart shrivel. Because that track is much too slow. So I've spent the last three to four years voracious and writing and honing, erasing and shrieking "Why isn't this working?!?" and back again.

This photo represents my brain when deciding which story to write first, or how to edit an existing story. It's all rather beautiful but prickly and seemingly disorganized.

Devouring novels is a must also, as the brain unconsciously (and sometimes with malice aforethought) takes in writer voice, plot development, likeability of characters and how they got that way, what works and doesn't work, plot holes, wonderment of how that particular book ever made its way past respectable editors to become published, and a whole lot of I-don't-even-know-what. When I say "devour," it amounts to an average of 2-3 novels read per week. But in order to tell a great story, you must know what a great story is.

The desire to write the incredible stories living in my head and heart pushes all else aside. But the amount of work behind it all remains just that -- work. Like all successful journeys in life, putting in the time and effort--along with seeking out excellent resources to draw upon--are key ingredients. Most of what I accomplish occurs in solitude. So add self-discipline to the list also. It all adds up to work. I continue to hone and sweat and stew, all the while preparing to open up my heart for rejection (or maybe success!) of this thing/novel I have poured myself into. Then again, isn't that what we all do every day?

So when a person tells me, "I've got a great idea for a book -- you can write it and we'll split the profits ..." uh, yeah. No. That's like me telling someone, "You should go to college because you'd make a great (fill-in-the-blank), and after you're established in that profession, we'll split the profits." Wink, wink.

I recently visited New York City (first time EVER in my life!) for a writers conference (no surprise there) and walked the halls of the Museum of Modern Art, better known as MoMA. The above painting lives there. I apologize for not knowing the artist. Isn't it beautiful!?! Viewing works like this inspire all my artistic compartments. And it was enjoyable, to boot. The one below also lives at MoMA, and I also failed to get the artist's name. Enjoy anyway. Both these pieces initially drew me because of the colors. If you study them long enough, you'll find the hidden gem each possesses.

I love learning. I love the process traveled. And I hope that others love the result when it's finally published and available.