The Writing Life #3: Getting Started
Writing starts with not “writing.”
At least that’s the case for most writers. A little known secret among writers is that we would rather do almost anything other than write. We straighten desk, vacuum, clean the bathrooms, and anything else we can do to distract ourselves. All this, mind you, in the mind of writers is actually writing. It’s part of the process. Also included in the process is perfected the tools of writing — whether paper and pen, the computer, or whatever we are using. For me, it includes curating the perfect playlist and making the ideal cup of coffee or Old Fashioned.
We’re gearing up. Clearing the mind of distractions and waiting for the content to fall into place. I don’t believe in muses or inspiration. Waiting for inspiration means you’ll always be waiting. Inspiration exist, but it is exceedingly rare and typically comes in the middle of doing the work rather than preceding it. I have, however, formed a habit of crafting my environment for optimal writing. But after all this arranging it’s time to start writing.
Good writing, typically, starts with a good idea.
I’m often pitched ideas from writers and have to give them the unfortunate response, “Who cares?” That means that writing means writing about something that other people care about, at least if you want to be published. That means your writing must do one of two things: entertain readers or solve a problem. Bad or good, the world full of problems needing to be solved, so there you are in luck.
Your book can be a unique take on a problem, a gendered or racial perspective on a problem, a historical overview of a conflict, or almost anything. When setting the book down at the end of the day, the reader should feel as if she understands her world and can better grapple with it more whole-heartedly. That, or they’ve enjoyed the time the spent with the characters. As Steven Pressfield writes, “You learn to ask yourself with every sentence and every phrase: Is this interesting?”
At the idea stage, ask close and well-read family members and friends what they think about your ideas. When Speaking By the Numbers first came to mind, I asked several friends and my teacher, Suzanne Stabile. They were all more excited about the idea than I was. That’s when I knew I was on to something.
It hurts, but interrogate your ideas. Slap it up, flip it, look at it every whichaway. Eventually, you will have to learn to “kill your darlings,” so go ahead and start at the start.
Ask these question:
Who else has written about this? What did they miss? What can I add?
Who cares about this? Who can I get to care?
Who cares enough about this to buy a copy of this book (would-be publishers will ask this question)?
Am I interested enough in this to learn what I need to learn and can I sustain this argument for 40,000-80,000 words.
That said, enter into every project assuming that you have a beautiful and unique lens to offer. Ask hard questions of yourself, but never say “no” for other people. There will be plenty of people who give you negative feedback - and they should - just don’t let one of those people be you.