Friday, July 26, 2013

What has my writing taught me?

My journey as a writer has been quite long, starting with short stories and features for several years before I plunged into writing my books. I have learnt several things in this journey which I would like to share with you all.
               
   1. Writing has taught me patience. Patience is not one of my better known virtues. The time it takes to write a book: from the idea to the completed manuscript, revised and polished, until it shines, is long. Sometimes it takes ages to write that crucial scene or arrive at the resolution. 

   2.   Writing has taught me to respect people with split personalities as my personality undergoes a drastic change at different stages of my writing. When I am writing the first draft, I am quite stressed and irritable with the smallest disturbances. When I rewrite, I am pretty upset with myself, and when I edit, I am relaxed and cheerful. 

3.     Writing has made me value other writer’s efforts. I never dismiss a book as crap or run a writer down, as I am aware of the effort someone else must have invested in that story. The book may have bored me to tears, disappointed me, but it still required a tremendous effort from someone else to bring it to that stage. 

4.     Writing has made me appreciate the little free time I get. For us writers, our work doesn’t end with just writing a publishable book, it starts with that. Once we have jumped onto the publishing bandwagon, we have to actively market our books. At that point we realize that the day could have done with a few more hours. 

5.     Writing has made me realize that if I were to wait for a visit from my muse, I would probably write just a book or two in my lifetime. It’s made me realize that whether my muse joins me or not I have to keep writing. 

6.     Writing has been responsible for me developing a thick skin. An editor/agent/reader/publisher may not have reacted favourably to my work, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that I am a bad writer, or, that I have to drown myself in self-pity. For every single person out there who doesn’t like my work, there is another person who loves it.  Not every book we write will win universal appeal. 

7.     Writing has taught me a lot about spirituality. We writers get familiar with every aspect of spirituality: from surrender to working without any expectation. We don’t even know whether our books will get published. Do we know the fate of our manuscripts when we send it on its publishing journey? Do we know whether a character we have worked on for years will be loved or dismissed by readers? Each cheque we receive is a pleasant surprise. 


What has your writing journey taught you? Please share with us, we all would love to know.

P.S. I am reposting one of my older posts as the week slipped past swiftly and I had no topic in mind.

37 comments:

  1. Thanks a lot Rachna for sharing your valued experience with us!Having embarked this journey am enjoying the experience, the best being to have earned friends sharing many things in common:)

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  2. Great topic to re-post. I definitely agree with this and so agree that there isn't much free time if you want to be a writer.

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  3. Writing, to me, is more about learning and self-exploration.

    When I hit the keyboard, I am sometimes surprised at the output I create, as my inner self directly instructs my fingers on what to write, without the intervention of my mind! That's one reason I love writing.

    Until now I have mostly written blog posts, so this observation is in that context.

    Destination Infinity

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  4. A wonderful and thoughtful summary, Rachna, and a very Happy Birthday! Just the time to take stock.

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  5. Excellent list.

    Writing has taught me about patience and dedication, and it has given me a better eye for detail.

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  6. Hi Rachna!
    Every point you made was valid and timeless. It's amazing to see how much the act of writing can teach the willing student of the craft! ;)

    I think more people should write, don't you?

    (((hugs)))

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  7. I'm glad you re-posted this, as I missed the first post. This was such a good reminder. As Cheryl said, every point was "valid and timeless". Writing certainly has taught me patience and perseverance, as well as taking joy in the journey.

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  8. It's certainly taught me to have faith. And respect the efforts of other writers. Even a bad book took effort, something a lot of people aren't willing to give.

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  9. Ooo, I agree with all of these. Especially #1 (patience) and #5 (writing whether or not the muse arrives).

    Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

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  10. Thanks for sharing, ma'am. It was a interesting post. Yeah, I too appreciate the effort the writers would have put to come out with a book, good or bad it may be. Keep writing. :)

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  11. Those are some great points in the value of writing as a teaching tool....especially number three.

    It's easy to fall into tearing a writer down but, as you said, it does take some effort...even when we think it's not so great.

    I think writing has been teaching me, above all else and like you, patience. When I first started, if it didn't flow "correctly", I would think of giving up on a project. Now, though, I know it will take time and I'm o.k with that :)

    Have a great weekend!

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  12. I'm working on number 6 at the moment! Being able to just put it out there and know that even if it gets a negative response I've got to keep writing is heard and so, so important. Knowing other writers are in with me helps A LOT. Thanks for this post.

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  13. Those are positive things you've learned. I particularly like #3. It's so true.

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  14. I can easily understand all the points you made about your writing journey, especially becoming grumpy at times. It does take a lot of patience to write a book, doesn't it? :-)

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  15. There is no doubt writing has made you more wise, Rachna. It has been a wonderful journey so far with all those lessons.

    Happy Birthday to you! Plenty of dragon hugs.

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  16. Very good and very true.
    Happy Weekend!

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  17. This is a great post, Rachna, good of you to repost it and help us review these things in our lives, too. I think that writing has taught me that I can do more than I thought I could, and that discovery in writing is a lot of fun!

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  18. I haven't spent much time as a writer. Its been only a year or so and its just getting started. I hope writing teaches me a lot of stuffs as you:) and patience ain't my virtue either!

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  19. Some great thoughts here Rachna!
    I think that writing teaches lots of different things... good lessons... that enhance our lives...
    Writer In Transit

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  20. Hi Rachna. I remember reading this post before. Good choice.
    Writing has taught me to embrace uncertainty. To push through the boundaries of uncertainty because there may be something worthwhile on the other side.
    It has taught me to be patient.
    It has taught me to be always curious because everything is a potential story or poem.
    Every person and every situation can potentially make a contribution to our writing
    life...

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  21. Nothing here to disagree with, I think. Although we would all have slightly different shades to our experience, this covers the main points, I am sure. A fascinating read.

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  22. Those are all excellent points. I agree with those, as well as persistence and passion. I wouldn't toil with something as much as this if I didn't love it. And I hone my writing skills, from character development to pacing to adverbs, etc. the longer I write.

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  23. This was a great post that made all of us reflect and look back on our journeys. I agree with all of your points and can't wait to see how you keep soaring with your writing.

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  24. hehe, this sounds familiar. I think I've learnt similar things, although I'm still working on patience ;)

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  25. A nice and simple lesson, dear Rachna, quite reflective and useful for anyone who wants to start writing.

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  26. You are so wise, Rachna. I couldn't have said it better myself!

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  27. I loved this! Glad you decided/had to repost, very insightful... I too have to remember that my muse doesn't always show up unless I drag her out with little writing treats lol

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  28. Writing does teach us a lot, doesn't it? So many parallels and lessons to learn. :)

    Have a great week!

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  29. True. You have articulated it so well. We all learn and grow when we write.

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  30. You've made so many great points about what writing teaches, Rachna.

    One other thing writing has taught me is that there's always a deeper message to a story than just the surface story. Characters are much more than characters, they are people with weaknesses and flaws.

    Jai

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  31. Thanks for the great info! I'm trying to watch what I ingest as my body attempts to properly digest it then I learn that I'm being bamboozled the whole damn time!
    coach certification

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  32. Hi, Rachna,

    Many of the same things you've learned, I have as well.

    But most of all I've learned that finding this special community of amazing people has changed my life for the better.

    So many selfless and helpful people cheering you on for success. We all need encouragement along this rocky journey and to have other writers lifting you up when you stumble on the road is most comforting....

    Thanks for your insights Rachna....

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  33. Nothing makes life happier and worthier like the writing does to a writer :)

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  34. I love your split personality comment:) I feel you there. Only I end up with lots of personalities in my head, namely my characters. By writing and editing differently require different mindsets. That has been a major element for me to learn.

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  35. This is great! I'm really glad to hear about your experience as a writer.

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

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  36. For every single person out there who doesn’t like my work, there is another person who loves it. Not every book we write will win universal appeal. ... well put piece Rachna.
    this positive attitude will help you to overcome the predicaments that you might have to face in your endeavour
    best
    aparna

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