by Edie Melson
Many of us hit places in our journey where we wonder if we're really cut out for writing. Insecurity and the general insanity of the business can whittle down our confidence until we're ready to throw in the towel.
In the past I’ve shared a couple of blog posts on 10 Reasons Not to Become a Novelist and 20 Things to Never Say to a Writer.
Today I'd like to share a list of things that can reverse that insecurity. If you find any of these familiar, you're definitely on the write . . . uh . . . right path.
1. You look forward to the holidays and getting together
with difficult relatives because it gives you more ideas for quirky characters.
2. Eavesdropping is a way of life—how else can you learn to
write realistic dialogue?
3. You never go anywhere without a pen and paper—you never
know when inspiration will hit.
4. Your husband bought you a digital voice recorder because
he was afraid you’d wreck the car writing notes when inspiration hits.
5. You frequently act out scenes for your book, and even ask your family to participate.
6. Going too long without writing can bring on a case of hives.
7. Your personal computer has several files on how to commit the perfect murder.
8. You can’t pass a bookstore with going in.
9. Your spouse now sleeps with a mask on because you frequently flip on the light to take notes in the middle of the night.
10. When something funny happens to a family member, his/her first
reaction is to beg you NOT to write about it.
11. Your frequently have conversations—out loud—with your character.
12. You have at least one non-writer friend who refuses to
go to lunch with you any more—one too many discussions about how to poison
someone.
Now I'd love to hear what you'd add to the list. What things confirm your calling to the writer's life?
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
Tweetables
How about---when you're with friends in a restaurant, you whip out your cell phone and tell your friend you're not taking a photo of her but of the interesting character standing behind her.
ReplyDeleteKaren, that's a really good one! Thanks for sharing - Blessings, E
DeleteHow about missing where you should turn while driving because you were in deep transcendental thought about your writing . Being a spacey writer can be more dangerous than a cell phone when driving..
ReplyDeleteRudy, you are so right. True confession, that's happened to me more than once! Blessings, E
DeleteHow about the voices in your head—your character having an argument—while you're in church? And having to write down every word so you remember them for later?
ReplyDeleteJeanne, oh yes, definitely! Thanks for adding to the list - Blessings, E
DeleteYou collect writing software the way golfers collect putters. You drive your family nuts because you have to pause the movie to see the time where they dropped in that plot point. Likewise, when at a movie with your wife, you constantly lean over and whisper things like "inciting incident," "call to adventure," or "dark night of the soul." You stomp out the room when your guests start raving about the latest Janet Evonavich novel. Every Saturday, you have to tell your wife "Yes, I am busy...this is what busy looks like."
ReplyDeleteRon, all great! Thanks for sharing. Guys, if you don't already read Aron's blog, you should. He has great top 10 lists every week, as well as other super posts! Blessings, E
DeleteI have actually learned to write in the dark so as not to awaken my sleeping prince. And, for some reason, the shower is a place I often get ideas so there is paper in the bathroom for numerous occasions. If you know what I mean. I become giddy at the sight of spiral notebooks and pens.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I relate to every one of the ones you listed.
Paula, you're a lot more talented than me. My in-the-dark notes are mostly indecipherable. And yes, I get giddy at notebooks and pens, too. Thanks so much for sharing! Blessings, E
DeleteI tend to dress according to my latest protagonist's favorite color/specific elements in my novels. I went through a phase of wearing tons of purple because that was my main character's eye color!
ReplyDeleteKristina, I read your comment and realized I do the same thing. I never put the two together. Thanks so much for pointing that quirk out!!! Blessings, E
DeleteWhen the police arrest you, saying you'll have to spend the night in jail because you didn't pay a ticket for having a headlight out, you comfort yourself with knowing you'll experience something that might come in useful to your writing someday. And when they decide to let you stay home under the supervision of your roommate instead, you feel a twinge of disappointment. Decades later, no matter how much you tell yourself it was for the best, part of you still regrets not having that experience in your past.
ReplyDeleteTrue story.
On a related note, you're excited to be chosen for jury duty in an attempted murder trial not because it's your civic responsibility but because of all the great insights you'll personally have into the justice system.
Sharyn, great story! And yes, lots of good stuff come with jury duty. Blessings, E
DeleteOh no... the accountant in me has to point out that you have 12, not 10. It's hard being a writer and an accountant! lol
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderfully clever list... makes me long to write fiction! :)
Drat! You caught me! I started posting the article and came up with two more good ones. I thought I'd caught all the 10s. I can't believe I missed the TITLE!!!! Thanks Patricia, I'm off to fix it...now that it's been up all day. *hangs head* Blessings, E
DeleteNine out of 12 ... I think I'm a writer.
ReplyDeleteSince I don't have a husband, a couple don't apply...unless I acquire one in the future! However, I caught myself nodding as I read each one. Thanks for the confirmation!
ReplyDelete