Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Patience, Tenacity and the Mental Seedling

Novel writing, in most cases, is a labor and time-intensive pursuit, with countless hours of frustrated musings over word choice, plot intricacies and character development. Not only is it necessary to carve out writing-time, often intermittently available as family needs and financial obligations allow, but once you sit, fingertips poised, in front of the computer, the cursor blinking rhythmically on the screen, it is also a matter of maximizing the efficacy of that golden moment seized.

I have come to the conclusion that it is a matter of trust. Of self-trust. The novel, like a seedling, germinates within the rich mental earth; establishing itself with  delicate root-tendrils that burrow through the neural cortex with ethereal intricacy. Then it is purely a matter of nourishment, sun and water for seedlings...and patience and tenacity for writing. Often one talks of the literary muse and the inspiration that accompanies it like some kind of celestial grace that endows the writer with elevated abilities, elegant prose delivered with enviable ease. Alas, that muse is a stranger to me - much as I would give to make her acquaintance. (I will adhere to the Greek tradition and proclaim her a she of three).

So regardless of whether the writer has twenty minutes snatched from the obligations of routine and necessity, or whether they are so fortunate as to have a half-day set aside for the creative endeavor, or (blissful thought!) the leisure of a writing day all to one's self (for Virginia it was a room, but today, perhaps it is time) the key, I believe, is simple perseverance. For the humble mortals of us, the muse is a capricious companion that cannot, ultimately, be relied upon. She might flit through our minds with gossamer rapidity, briefly illuminating a suggestion that, like the seedling, might become something fine. But she will not condescend to write the novel. I cannot imagine her undertaking a labor of sweat (or would she delicately perspire?) and regardless of how talented and prolific one might be, certainly, the work of a novel does, at times, require a Herculean effort from us all?

Each novel is a product of our allotted time; the duration of which depends upon numerous extraneous obligations that define our lives - excepted are those oh-so fortunate few that make their living at this extraordinary endeavor. The time constraint sits heavily upon me. I have, by some marvelous achievement, obtained a quiet hour in which to work - so, fingertips poised, cursor blinking, the seedling waits in the dark. Waits for some dim illumination that pale green leaves might uncurl themselves and swelling buds might burst into bloom. So even if, within that narrow band of snatched-time, I formulate a single phrase that possesses something within it - something alive - then that is a progress that I am delighted with. In an era of instant-gratification and headlong-onward rush, the writer, I believe, must practice a patience with production and  a tenacity with the craft, however slow-moving that process might be. The novel is there waiting, as surely as the well-watered seed will grow into a tree - it is just a matter of time, trust and tenacity.


8 comments:

  1. I have heard so many people say that they don't have time to write on a regular basis. Four Novembers ago I discovered NaNoWriMo and I discovered that taking the month of November to quickly write a 50 thousand word first draft of my novels. The two or three months prior, I work on the book's characters and completing the book's outline. Before I ever start the draft I know where the book starts and where it ends and I have sketched the middle. After the draft is finished is when I take the time to shape the book into what ends up being published. I am right now getting ready to publish my second book and am working on my third book's draft this month!

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    1. Congratulations Donna - it seems you have hit upon a most successful strategy there, and one that can serve to inspire us all! Thank you so much for your comments and the best of luck with the progress of your third book!

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  2. I had to comment to say that this was so eloquently written. I absolutely love your writing style. Brilliant, and I will certainly be following your blog.

    As for my novel, I unfortunately, have only gotten past the first 1,000 words. I'm a bit behind. It seems my seedling is dying before it ever has a chance to blossom. But this post has renewed my efforts to save the little plant.

    :D

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    1. Thank you so kindly, Daughter of Maat - it is the greatest of compliments to a writer, I think, to feel like their humble musings have touched someone else in a meaningful way. Your little seedling has the mighty-oak-potential!

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  3. I used to think I applied enough self discipline on myself to write my books but lately I find that if I have a little bit of outside pressure I tend to focus a lot more on writing. The Psychology behind this is I worry I'm not going to get enough writing done during that day so I make sure I work hard. If I have a whole afternoon to write then my mind tends to wander more onto other things.

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    1. LK - I understand...it is a tricky thing governing the muse - and I am not entirely sure she can be governed! But I think part of it is just prioritizing the time, and certainly sometimes a deadline helps, perhaps the adrenalin infusion speeds the process along??! And to have a whole afternoon to write...! That is indeed a wonderful thing!

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  4. I find if I try too hard at discipline, I lose the creative side of my writing. If I spend too much time on punctuation, in the first run I get very little done. For me to sit and let my fingers fly, as they keep up with my thoughts, is the best way for me to write. I have been criticized for doing it this way but in the end what works for me, is best for me. I know all writers are different in style and approach but since I found the serenity of PJ’s site, I am more open to letting “me” out of the bag, so to speak.

    I love the way you write, PJ and I feel very safe in this environment. It promotes learning and a sense of community, not felt on some of the others. Thank you for that. I must admit, I am a little hesitant but I know I will overcome that in time.

    I do agree with LK about outside pressure, when my editor calls I tend to get busier on what is at hand. This also applies if I am doing something for another writer. Sometimes it is hard to put self-first.

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    1. What a lovely contribution, Blackhorse, thank you - you expressed it perfectly! I utterly agree, each particular writer operates entirely within their own sphere and self-governs the physics of that environment. You have your own way of doing things and I think it also infiltrates your writing in the ultimate production of exactly your own style. To have the courage to pursue that and persevere is something indeed - so well done you! I am so happy that you enjoy this blog-sphere and that the physics here are to your liking!

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