Because we all know whistling just makes it easier.
Guess what, guys? Writing a novel is really hard work. There is a reason why there are so many more people who say they are going to write a novel than there are people who actually write one. Eventually the honeymoon stage wears off and the shiny new manuscript becomes the dusty old pile of work. Tragic right? Not really. I always find the things I work hardest for are the most fulfilling (and I will tell you know: the feeling of finishing a novel is way better than New Project Euphoria anyway).
Like any other work to be done, there are tools to help with writing. I am not talking about computers, typewriters, or pen/pencil and paper, but the tools we have inside us.
In his book On Writing (a physical tool I personally think all writers should keep close at hand), Stephen King talks about the writer’s toolbox. He talks about putting things like grammar and vocabulary-the tools you will use the most–in the top drawer of your toolbox. He goes on to talk about the tools to put in other drawers. I would recount them all here, but I don’t have the time. Plus, since everyone should read On Writing anyway, I will just let you get it from the source.
The more I thought about the toolbox, the more I thought about the character traits needed to be an author. Now, I am not saying all authors have the same personality or likes and dislikes. Authors cover the full range of the human spectrum. I do believe all authors have certain traits in common, though–traits that have helped them get where they are today. Traits that have helped them get through all the hard work and heartache of writing (and-someday-publishing) a novel. Or two. Or twenty.
So, over this week, I am going to do a series of posts (I know, how unusually well-planned of me) about the writer’s personality toolbox. Each day I will talk about a personality trait I think a writer needs to have to do the work, jump the hurdles, and get the coveted title of Author.
2 Comments
This is awesome. Not only do I agree with you, but I also have an immense fondness for the 7 dwarves after I was in a Shakespeare play dressed as Dopey.
Yeah, you kinda had to be there. But it was funny!
Dressed up as Dopey for Shakespeare? That is awesome!
Thanks for stopping by and taking time to comment on my blog. I am excited to read your book when it comes out!