I finished the first draft of Murder at Sunny Lake in about one month. It was just over 75,000 words. It took another two months to rewrite and edit well enough to submit to a publisher.
The next book in the series, editing still incomplete, took about the same amount of time for the first draft, and netted me 90,000 words. I’ve been working on the rewrite for that for three months and I am not yet finished. My publisher has given me a deadline, we will see if I meet it.
But this speed is new to me. The first book I wrote started back in 2003, took a year and a half and was 60,000 words or so.
The Opportunity to Think
The difference between the first book and the latest book was work. In 2003, I was working full time in my career. In 2023, I am writing full time. “Writing” is a bit of a misnomer here. The thing I can do now I could not do before, is think. I can think about my characters, my story arc, my plot, my timing, my scenery. It is precious time I use to be ready to write.
Unlike many, maybe most, writers, I do not have a dedicated space in which to write. Or rather, I do not exclusively use my dedicated office space to write. I spend an hour or two every morning to write or edit on my PC. I then spend the next ten to twelve hours alternating between thinking, researching and writing, on a laptop or tablet, while watching television, going to the park, reading, getting on the Internet. I have become a fan of sports because I don’t care to eatch, so it can be on for hours and serves as nothing more than a background hum.
With so much time to think and write and read, the first Muskoka Murder Mystery two novels came quickly. The third has not even been started. In comparison, John Boyne wrote The Boy in the Striped Pajamas in two and a half days. On the other hand, I saw a comment by Neil Gaiman that he wrote Coraline at a rate of about 50 words a day. Ernest Hemingway tried to write 500 words a day. It’s what works for you, and can change over time.
The ‘Write First, Edit Later’ Approach
Famous authors, including Hemingway, stress the “Write First, Edit Later” principle. This technique advocates divorcing creativity from critique.
Writers employing this approach prioritize capturing ideas without the hindrance of self-criticism during the initial drafting phase. This fosters uninhibited creativity, unburdened by self-doubt. I do this.
Subsequently, after completing the first draft, writers transition to the editing phase. Here, they objectively refine prose, correct errors, and enhance clarity. This separation of writing and editing ensures raw material is captured before honing it into a polished piece.
This method sustains creative momentum while guaranteeing a high-quality final product. Aspiring writers who heed this advice can boost productivity and craft compelling narratives.
The Art of Embracing Solitude
Solitude, revered by prolific authors like Agatha Christie, serves as a catalyst for the creative process. In writing, solitude entails seeking and cherishing moments of isolation to enhance concentration and inspiration.
Within literature’s realm, solitude becomes a sanctuary for uninterrupted reflection and contemplation. Writers who embrace solitude carve out sacred spaces, whether physical or mental, where they can immerse themselves wholly in their craft. This isolation shields them from external distractions, allowing a deep dive into thoughts and ideas.
Solitude acts as the canvas upon which creativity thrives, encouraging profound introspection. It enables writers to delve into the intricacies of characters and narratives, exploring the depths of imagination.
Furthermore, solitude refines the discipline of writing, offering uninterrupted time to grapple with language complexities and craft resonant sentences. In this tranquil space, writers ride the waves of thought, awaiting flashes of inspiration.
No Solitude for Me
Solitude doesn’t equate to loneliness; it’s a deliberate choice to temporarily detach from external influences. Many writers consider solitude a wellspring of inspiration, reigniting their inner voices and revealing fresh perspectives.
I do not do this, at all. As mentioned earlier, I tend to write in the living room with the television playing, the cats acting up, and my wife interrupting me to show me photographs of the park we visited and hour ago.
I once dreamed of a writer’s cabin tucked into my Muskoka land, a place of solitude and focus to craft my words. I have the cabin-a shack, really- but don’t use it for writing anymore. No plumbing, no electrical. Between the bugs, the drive and the isolation, my writer’s retreat is naught but an embarrassment of riches. Henry David Thoreau I am no longer.
The Significance of Knowing Your Audience
The counsel to “Know Your Audience” stands as a cardinal rule in the wisdom shared by accomplished authors. Maya Angelou, a towering figure in literature, underscored the paramount importance of understanding one’s readers.
This guidance emphasizes the critical need to tailor your writing to align with the preferences, requirements, and expectations of your target audience. A profound comprehension of your readership can be the dividing line between a piece that resonates and one that falls flat.
To truly “Know Your Audience,” conducting meticulous research is imperative. Factors such as age, interests, cultural background, and prior knowledge must be considered. This wealth of information enables the selection of appropriate language, tone, and content, ensuring that your message resonates profoundly with your readers.
Consider, for instance, the contrasting demands of a technical manual designed for engineers versus a children’s picture book. Adapting your writing to your audience elevates engagement, comprehension, and the overall impact of your work.
You Do You
In essence, writers who heed this counsel are better equipped to craft content that not only communicates effectively but also forges a profound connection with their readers, whether the goal is to entertain, enlighten, or persuade. Knowing your audience serves as a compass, directing writers toward the heart of their readers’ interests and needs.
Follow their lead or not, but you should first understand and appreciate their hard learned lessons before you dismiss them.
Later, friend…
P.S. photograph by hissetmehurriyeti
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