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I often say to people that one of the drawbacks of being a writer is the isolation. Essentially I make an agreement to write a book for a publisher and then for six months I am on my own in front of the computer. I am currently working on a book called MOTH GIRLS for Hot key Books. It’s going well and I am close to finishing it. But the last six or so months while I’ve been writing it has been me ALONE facing the screen placing one word after another on the page breathing life into characters and making bad things happen.
Or so I thought…..
It occurs to me that many other people are involved when I write a book.
Here are the ones I can think of.
Other writers: I read constantly, a book a week perhaps. In six months that’s 26 books. 26 other writers have contributed to the stuff in my head and my emotional state while I’m writing this book.
Writers who I know: people I talk to on the phone, have lunch with, email frequently. These are people who I try out ideas on.
My agent: she was the first one to hear the idea for MOTH GIRLS and she didn’t roll her eyes.
My editor: She listens with enthusiasm. Sometimes she demands too much story from me (I hate to give away secrets) but the talking about the planned book firms up ideas.
My husband: I talk to him about books, movies, box sets. We talk ‘stories’ a lot. He deals with low periods when it’s all going wrong and he waits (I like to think impatiently) to be the first reader.
My mum: I tell the stories of all my books to my mum who listens avidly.
My son: who gave me a cracking idea to use in MOTH GIRLS.
Fans who send emails: I read the things they say about my books and it reinforces what I do or it make me reassess what I do.
Reviewers and Bloggers: I take seriously the views of these people and shape my work accordingly (note to Kirkus – not more ‘awkward exposition’ from me!)
Students who I teach from time to time: I love teaching creative writing because it really makes me think about how a story is put together, what makes it work well. In order to teach them I have to work it out in my head. And the things they say teach me too.
People I see on trains and tubes: I watch their mannerisms and listen to the way they talk to each other. I try to imagine their lives and their problems. Some of them appear in my books.
School Students: I visit schools while writing my books and the students ask revealing questions and make interesting suggestions and ask me to use their name in one of my books (sometimes I do).
So, maybe being a writer isn’t such an ‘isolated’ thing after all.
Back to MOTH GIRLS……………
0 Comments on It Takes A Lot More Than One Person To Write A Book Anne Cassidy as of 8/14/2014 5:04:00 AM
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What a great interview Emma and Sara, thank you. I think it's very important for us writers to remember that the editor/writer partnership is crucial to making your book the best it can be - this is what we strive for isn't it? It's why my dream is to be shortlisted for the Branford Boase. One day. Maybe. <br /><br />Most of my favourite SCBWI writers treasure their editors and
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Yes indeed, Kathryn! Listening to Sara talk about making AWESOME books got me so fired up!. I'm attending the Golden Egg Academy at the end of March and I feel so excited (and privileged) to be getting two whole days of input from Imogen Cooper of Chicken House. So many hours (years!) of the writing process is a lonely walk so it's such a privilege when others (whether a critique group or
I should just name check the other attendees at the webinar. It wasn't just me 'interviewing' Sara and devising 'dazzling' questions ;0). Thanks need to go to Clare Juliet Bell, Julienne Durber, Donna Vann, Mary Hopper, Michaela, Dennis and Mandeep and the others (sorry if I've not listed you, I didn't note down all the attendees' names - oops!)
Lovely interview -- and I'm sure I'm not the only one breathing a giant flop-over-backwards-in-your-chair-and-go-limp sigh of relief to hear the synopsis isn't a major factor. It doesn't matter how long I agonize over them, or how much practice I've gotten at writing them, I always hate the end result. :P
"Do you specifically look for books that will have transmedia applications?" "No. I don’t. I specifically look for books that make great books!"<br /><br />Loved this! Thanks for sharing it with us Emma ... i wasn't even aware there was a webinar!
All respect to Sara - she's a great editor and very generous with her time. And so good at the technical stuff too - the iBook of Maggot Moon is wonderful and I like the fact that Hot Key haven't just chucked out an enhanced digital version of every book, but concentrated on the titles that most benefit from the format.<br /><br />This is the URL for the multi-touch iBook version by the
I still think writing synopses is one of the hardest things, ever!
er.... I don't even know what a transmedia application is.<br />
I get serious synopsis angst.
It was a SCBWI Central West exclusive arranged by our amazing coordinators Clare Juliet Bell and Donna Vann.
Thanks for the link Nick.
Teri: hee hee! Oh the words that are bandied around. Transmedia tends to refer to story-telling in multiple formats - like Michael Grant's BZRK, etc... I took that question as asking whether I am looking for a project that I can do cool digital stuff with in preference to a book that is just a really good book...
And, Candy, once again thank you for the Chainsaw Massacre pic. I do love it... I marvel at how cheerful I can look weilding a chain saw!