Love letter to budding writers
Sometimes people who read this blog or were kind enough to purchase my book email me to say nice things. That makes my day. Last month one such note arrived from a budding writer named Jackie Leventhal, who recently formed a kickass-sounding writing group in her hometown. Jackie asked a bunch of questions on behalf of her group, which I had a blast answering. In case any of it’s helpful to you, I thought I’d put the edited-down version of our exchange here.
Jackie writes: I just read your book and completely loved it. Thank you for writing such a robust and spot-on book about my ultimate goal, that being escaping the cubed lifestyle. I’m writing to you not only as a fan of your work, but as a 24-year-old aspiring writer who recently launched Mimosa Musings, a monthly writing group for women in DC who love to write and relish the support of female friendships. Meetings are on Sundays, and mimosas are served to usher in the warm feeling of a weekend brunch. As I try to continually better the substance of the group — meeting topics, writing exercises, partner activities — I’m reaching out to writers I admire for advice.
Q. What was your “Aha!” moment that made you feel like you were meant to be a writer?
A. In the third grade, Ms. Fitzsimons (she had excellent red hair and wore kelly green suits!) told me I was a “real writer” after reading one of my book reports. I loved that she used “Ms.” back in the 70s and I totally hung on to what she’d said.
Q. How do you discipline yourself as a writer?
A. By taking deadline projects. Otherwise, I’m the laziest slug around. I have a book now due in about 50 days. If I don’t finish it, I don’t get the second half of my advance and jeopardize getting to keep the first half. For non-deadline projects (say, an essay I’m writing that I hope to place somewhere big, like Salon), I try to tackle it in bite-size pieces throughout the week (that is, when I’m not staring down a big hairy book deadline).
I write best in the morning, so I’ll try to do an hour or two before my other work two to three times a week. I also have a soundtrack: Derek and the Dominos. I love that CD and wore it out on a writing retreat in 2006. Now when I pop it in, I’m like one of Pavlov’s dogs. “Oh, Eric Clapton’s wailing about being in love with George Harrison’s wife again? Must be time to write…”
Q. What are your ideal writing conditions? Setting, beverage, time of day, journal v. laptop, pen (feather?) v. pencil (mechanical?)…
A. Good night’s sleep (I’m useless when tired, cranky), morning, desk, computer. Sometimes I walk first. Or rock out to music. I have an office in my house (spare bedroom), but I can write anywhere if need be. You need to be able to write anywhere, in blood if you must. When I’m blocked on something, I leave the office, grab a pen and paper, sit on my couch or in my backyard if it’s summer, and scribble until something comes. Or I’ll shower. Or walk. All of which help.
Q. What advice can you offer to aspiring writers about the journey to the bookshelf?
A. As my friend Angela Fountas says, “Sit down and write.” It’s that simple. You just have to start. And you have to do it often. Any writing teacher/book tells you so. Make it a habit, just like yoga or running, so that if you miss a day, you feel antsy and can’t wait to get back in the chair.
You gals already have the community thing down, meeting with like-minded creative types, which is so important. Writing is such a solitary business that you NEED to have creative friends to bounce ideas/fears/successes/editor woes/finished stories off of.
Q. Finally, please suggest a writing exercise that myself and fellow Musers can do at a monthly meeting.
A. Think of a scene, a story you’ve been wanting to tell, whether it’s how you’re pissed at your landlord for not fixing your toilet or how you met some sweet young thing at the Barack Obama rally last month. Set the timer for 15 minutes. Now write it from the perspective of your archest enemy. Or the writer currently seated to your left. Or your grandmother. Or Hillary Clinton. Or John McCain. Or your favorite third grade teacher. Your favorite writer. Your dog.
(Also, Natalie Goldberg’s books Wild Mind and Writing Down the Bones are loaded with inspiration and writing exercises.)
Add comment February 13th, 2008
