If you’ve followed me for a bit, you know I kind of/sort of dislike first drafts. In my defense, the beginning of a project is most often preceded by poring over pass pages, which is the stage when you’re dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s and making sure everything is in tip top shape before your little book baby goes out into the world. Polishing up a book in a final edit is a completely different and often easier mindset than starting all over again. That makes it sound like I hate the entire process but that’s not true. It’s those first awkward sentences and chapters, and the wondering if what I’m doing is good enough, or that I’m following a path that leads to nowhere, which often stops me in my tracks. I’ve always aspired to be one of those writers who has several irons in the fire, so that when one project ends, I will already be in the thick of another. Until then, I’ve found a trick that I like to use to get me out of my overwhelm.
Reading craft books!
Since writing can be such a solitary endeavor, I find comfort in reading the trials and tribulations of other authors, and how they navigated their way out of tricky spots during their careers. Most often there are shared tips and tricks that have helped them reach their creative goals. I’ve amassed quite the collection (only some of which is pictured below!) over the years but here are three of my favorites:
Photo credit: Robin Constantine
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
This might be my favorite because when I read it, I feel like I’m talking to a wise friend who wants nothing but the best for me. I love it because if I’m having a specific writing issue, I can usually find a chapter that will help me either get unstuck or laugh at myself - both of which are immensely helpful in those beginning stages.
The chapter titled “Radio Station KFKD” is especially relatable.
On Writing – Stephen King
I think I read this book in one sitting. It’s conversational. Part memoir/part toolkit – this is another book that feels like a friend passing on some well-earned writing wisdom. It’s funny and direct and no-nonsense, with some great quotable advice like:
“The road to hell is paved with adverbs.”
“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” (see, I’m in good company – you are too!)
Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert
This is not only a book about writing, but a book about living a big, wondrous, creative life. Whereas the other books I mentioned are down to earth and practical (with mentions of magic, of course because creativity and writing are magic!) this one talks about finding stories in the collective unconscious. What I love about this book, is the main message – who cares if you fail, or if what you do is considered high art, do it anyway. Create. Some favorite quotes are:
“Done is better than good.”
“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.”
Bonus:
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers – Renni Browne & Dave King
I liked this one so much I purchased it twice. (I thought I lost my first copy!) This if for any writer who wants practical editing advice. I know you can’t wait to hit send on your magnum opus to that agent you’re trying to snag, but before you do – read this, then read your work over again. With chapters on interior monologue and dialogue mechanics, this book will help you take your work to the next level.
Here’s a blurb from the Dialogue Mechanics chapter:
“The first thing I do is find a scene with some dialogue. If the dialogue doesn’t work, the manuscript gets bounced. If it’s good, I start reading.”
So the next time you feel a little stuck, try turning to a craft book to help you find your way out of it!