Wisdom of a Wayfaring Wordsmith

by Patrick on May 6, 2009 - 0 comments

The process of writing and subsequently publishing can be a very daunting task, especially for those new to the craft. From the very beginning I too thought it was as simple as scribbling down the story, passing it to a few friends, a little editing, then submitting to a publisher. While I have heard that is possible, the chance for success in that process is minuscule at best.

I have yet to publish my Great American Novel, but I have uncovered several stumbling blocks to most writer’s end goal. As I traverse this far-reaching universe known as writing, I will share what little I have gleaned from the success and failure of myself and others.

Please keep in mind though that there is no one formula to success in the writing industry. This is an organic enterprise that shifts upon the shoulders of the reading public, agents, editors and publishers. Trial and error is essential to the end game of modern publishing.

Part 1 – Write what you know

If you have been writing for any amount of time, it is very likely you have come across this irksome tidbit of advice. I came across this information after years of tinkering with the idea of writing a full-length novel.

I knew exactly what I wanted to write about, but I encountered great difficulty in putting my thoughts into intelligible, tangible words. When I first encountered “write what you know” I began to second-guess what it was I wanted to write about. Perhaps I was wrong in the subject I chose.

In the next few weeks and months I discovered a few free “self-help” inventories used to aid writers in determining just what it is that they know.I toyed with these tools, but it wasn’t long before I cast them aside in personal frustration. What irritated me me was that what these inventories told me to write about was not what I felt driven to write about.

Most people that feel a personal drive and desire to write already have some idea what they desire to write about. Chances are that if the writer-to-be looks at their own bookshelf, they will find numerous examples of what interests them. This is where the writer should start.

The next process does involve differing degrees of research. Few people are born upon this world with vast experiences from which to draw upon. I personally agree, to a certain extent with the “write what you know” mantra. However, the more a person writes, the more they realize they don’t know.

This is where reading and research come into play. Yes, write what you know, as your pages fill with words, you will be tempted to crumple the pages into balls or drag the computer file to the recycle bin. Don’t do it! If you don’t know it, learn it. That is one of my rally cries.

Such an attitude has prevented me from rapidly completing my first novel, but I believe it has aided in making the pages come to life. Most readers will recognize an author who knows little to nothing about what they write about. Be a student of your topic and dazzle your reader with the result of your hard work and research.

It's the Write Time

Wisdom of a Wayfaring Wordsmith – Part 1