I learned that reaching that milestone and writing “the end” would only be the beginning of the real work.
How does a writer move from idea to finished, publishable product?
Well, I’m not entirely sure how everyone else manages such a feat . . . but here’s a fun, little explanation of how it happened in my corner of the writing-sphere!
Once upon a time, I had a typewriter. At the seasoned age of 8, I set out to write my first book. “Mashed Bananas and Rubber Bands” was sure to be a riotous hit! I mean, what kid doesn’t love a good food fight? The problem came when I couldn’t type a perfect page without making a mistake (I had no Qwerty skills, and never heard of white out). The inevitable failure, page after page, wore me down, and I quit 🙁
But I always had it on my bucket list: I would write a novel.
Fast forward approximately 30 years, and four close-to-grown, homeschooled kids . . . it was becoming apparent that my teaching days were numbered (hallelujah!) and I needed to think of future possibilities. My muse whispered in my ear and reminded me that she had been patiently waiting for such a time as this; she had many stories waiting to be told.
I’ve always been the creative type: lots-of-gumption, and little follow-through. If homeschooling has taught me anything, it taught me the value of a longterm commitment. I was better at doing this for the sake of others than for myself. But that needed to change. My muse and I were about to become BFF’s.
And all of this ^^^^^ trivial information is nothing but backstory. Something a good writer never dumps on their readers (at least in a novel!). But, it seemed relevant to this blog post, so thanks for sticking with me!
I got my writerly feet wet beginning with my old blog. I met writers. I went to workshops. Had the honor of being mentored by an amazing and successful author, who became a dear friend. I fell ever more in love with writing, and patiently honed my craft. Determination to take an idea from start to finish, from finished to polished, and from polished to published, set in.
But that process—going from idea to publishing contract—had a lot of steps. And they looked something like this:
There was a lot of staring involved. Staring into space, at my dinner plate, even (absentmindedly) at people. All the while my wheels were turning and the inspiration was blossoming. It seemed my muse had insomnia, and preferred to do her best work from the comfort of my bed.
Some days, the fingers and ideas would fly. Some days, not so much.
Eventually, I found my groove, had the major plot points, and began to flesh out the characters. That’s when the work became much more like play.
Uncharted plot twists, endearing characters, and interesting dialogue marked many good writing days. And then . . .
More staring.
I learned a book is an involved, lengthy process. One that is “steady by jerks” as an old friend used to say. There were dark nights of praying to God, smacking my muse awake, and the occasional “Hail-Mary” Christmas request.
And the writing continued, at least until another bout of writer’s block. Thankfully my tussles with this disease don’t last long and look more like procrastination than lack of inspiration (because they usually are).
Eventually the muse recovered enough to finish the rough draft. It took about a year from concept to wrap-up. I soon learned that reaching that milestone and writing “the end” would only be the beginning of the real work.
It was time to start editing. Aware of my sorry track record with anything tedious, I wasn’t sure how multiple revisions would stretch me. I feared the worse (in myself) but plowed ahead, determined.
Two more revisions through my novel and I’m feeling pretty pro. Not only do I love editing (much to my surprise), but I am such a novice that I think it really can’t get much more polished after these two, “thorough” edits. Off it goes to my aforementioned writing mentor, who bleeds red all over my perfect, work of art!
I learned that I still have a lot to learn! I hit the editing hard once again, and acquired valuable lessons with every pass through the story. Finally, it started to resemble something worth sending off to publishers.
By God’s grace, I landed a contract with Finding Christ Books. And guess what? I get to edit through the novel yet again (I believe this makes ten editing passes through the story)! This time there’s a perk: my editor wants me to add more of this and that, here and there . . . not merely slice and dice. I’m really enjoying the process of polishing my baby til it sparkles!
So . . . I’m almost there. The finish line is in view! It’s been a six year journey from concept to publishable product (it should be finished this summer). What an exciting and stretching time it’s been, full of valuable experience. I now eagerly await the cover art, and hope we have a launch date soon!
Does my journey resemble yours? What part of this trek are you on at the moment? I’d love to hear from those that have gone before . . . and am happy to cheer on those that may be a few steps behind in the process!
I might have to slap you if you abandon your FT! No wayyyyy.
This was great and the memes were perfect! I’m super excited for you. As you well know, I tend to change genres right about the time I have something sorta polished. I hope my fairytale, which seems the most polished to date, will be the one that gets to see the light of day in the end.
Well, it’s nice to know I’m not a complete oddball (or else you’re also one!). As much as I hoped to defy the odds that everyone preached, about paying my dues, alas, I’ve had to pay up anyway! But I’m glad for it, as I shudder at my writing that I used to consider ‘polished.’ It’s been a good journey.
I will let you know how that book thing feels. Sometimes, I wonder if it really is going to happen…but I’ve signed a contract in blood (sorta) and I’m pretty sure that makes both parties obligated 🙂
Keep working, learning, polishing and you can add ‘published’ to your resume!
Bethany, your skill level shows that you’ve been writing a long time! I’ve been impressed with the stories of yours that I’ve read (which reminds me, you have one on FB I need to find and read!).
Yes, that meme is my favorite as well…so awkwardly sophisticated, LOL.
My only question is have you been spying on me because you have documented my journey perfectly. Except for that little being published thing, I have lived every part of your article. I am so excited for you. I can’t wait until I have some 3rd grade dribble ready to be read by a professional.
You rock and I am looking forward to hearing you tell us all what it feels like to have your very own book sitting on the mantel.
My writing journey has been pretty different since I started as a small child and never stopped, but I totally relate to this part! “I learned a book is an involved, lengthy process. One that is ‘steady by jerks’ as an old friend used to say.” And I also have found I really enjoy and love editing and revising my work. 🙂
“I don’t always use complete sentences. But when I do.” HAHAHA. I had to pin that one to Pinterest!
Here are some fun writing quotes I just came across in Steve Laube’s blog. These would all make great Memes (and probably exist as such). Not sure if pasting this in will work, but:
http://www.stevelaube.com/tools-from-the-front-lines-quotations-on-writing/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SteveLaube+%28The+Steve+Laube+Agency+Blog%29
Haha! Love it! Cute post! Loved the Spiderman meme the most. 🙂
Spidey is way better than Batman. I hate how those movies are so dark–literally. Gotham City is one depressing place!
That’s what I hear!
Haha! Love it! Cute post! Loved the Spiderman meme the most. 🙂
Um…you mean Batman? LOL
No, the one with Peter Parker and Jonah Jameson. The “I wrote my first draft. It should be published” and then the laughter. 🙂
Oh! Duh. . . I’ve looked at so many, I forgot which ones I used :-/
No problem!
I never saw any of the batman movies. or the other superhero movies, besides good old Peter Parker. So all I know is Spiderman. 😀
I can pretty much identify with all of it (except the publisher part, of course–not there yet). It is a very involved process for sure! My first novel has taken several years as well, due in part to being college, and then working with a full teaching schedule afterwards. So it unfortunately hasn’t always been as high a priority as I wish it could be. Haha… But I have discovered a deep love for writing since, and for sharing that writing with others, much to my surprise. The idea used to absolutely terrify me. I think that’s been the biggest area of growth for me, slowly finding my courage. :-p
Thank you so much for your sweet words. 🙂 And I am so grateful it’s all in God’s hands! That is always a comforting thought. So I work when I can and appreciate it all the more when I do find the time.
Definitely!
I can pretty much identify with all of it (except the publisher part, of course–not there yet). It is a very involved process for sure! My first novel has taken several years as well, due in part to being college, and then working with a full teaching schedule afterwards. So it unfortunately hasn’t always been as high a priority as I wish it could be. Haha… But I have discovered a deep love for writing since, and for sharing that writing with others, much to my surprise. The idea used to absolutely terrify me. I think that’s been the biggest area of growth for me, slowly finding my courage. :-p
Stephanie, the publishing part is just a matter of time! You’ve got such natural and beautiful skills, and I enjoy every little slice of the book you share. Of course, living is more important than writing (by a slight margin, LOL) and so it will get done when it is supposed to get done. That’s what my publisher keeps telling me about the timing of the book coming out. The more I write, the less control I see I have, and the easier it is to put things in the Lord’s kind hands! In the meantime, keep sharing your beautiful work any way you can. You already have fans!!!!