Are We There Yet?

For those of you who have children, the title of today’s post may strike a significant chord.  And even for those who don’t, since you’ve been a child, you probably remember asking Mom and Dad those very words yourselves.

The same question is true for writers.  During my writing journey, I often remember thinking am I there yet?  I thought I was doing everything right.  I read books about the writing craft, studied books in my genre, enrolled in writing classes, went to seminars and conferences, and networked with fellow writers.  I thought I was doing all the right things.  And I was.  But the truth is, it takes a long while to hone one’s writing skills.  Another person can’t really tell you how to do it; it’s one of those things that’s acquired with practice, practice, practice!

And when folks tell me, “Wow!  Tell us how to write a book!”, well, I try to be gracious, but I also suggest all the things I just mentioned.  I can’t really tell you how to write a book, but I can share with you the general mechanics of writing, and impart a bit of what I’ve learned along the way.  I’m certainly not an expert–I’ll admit that up front.

I love to talk about writing.  I like answering questions and sharing what I know.  I most certainly can tell you what I’ve learned (and am learning) during this journey.  But to tell you how to write a book?  No, I’m sorry.  I can’t.  As I said, that’s an art that’s perfected over time.  Some of the best writing blogs I’ve found are listed in the side bar at the right.  (And yes…I’m am partial to at least one!)

Here’s what I can tell you:

1. If you’re writing Christian fiction, targeting the CBA market…Uh, no, you can’t include cursing.  You may talk about it as a specific character flaw, but don’t use it in dialogue.
2. Views into the bedroom?  Again, if you’re writing Christian fiction, NO.  In my first book (title to be revealed in the future) there is plenty of romantic tension and kissing.  Sex outside of marital boundaries?  No.  (If a character is struggling in their Christian walk or is living outside of the will of Christ, I might tackle those issues by alluding to them, not by showing them in graphic detail.)
3. Agency representation…Don’t seek out just anyone.  Match your interest, your genre to theirs’.  To target someone who doesn’t even represent what you write is a time-buster.
4. Make every day count.  If you can’t spend it writing, then do at least one thing that has to do with your craft–whether it be logging a journal entry, reading in your genre, or even scanning the bestsellers at your local retail chain.  At least you’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something that centers around writing.
5. Ask questions of the right people–industry professionals such as published authors and literary agents, fellow writers, MFA professors, etc.  Don’t ask your local veterinarian how to write a synopsis.  Animal docs care for sick animals, and synopses are a whole ‘nother animal.

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A question for you to think about…If you write, what’s something YOU’VE learned in your own “Am I there yet?” journey?

Hint to yesterday’s photo…the photo was taken of the restored “cook’s quarters” of the Oakleigh House (museum) in Mobile, Alabama (during pre Civil War days.)