Novel Physics™: Volume Three
The Laurawrites.net Full Newsletter with vocabulary expanders, grammar tips, and writers' quotations.
Quotes From Favorites:
"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep... But, I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep."
-Robert Frost
I. Description Debate
II. Vocabulary Expander & Synonyms
III. "Don't Let It Go To Your Head!"- Arrogance Verses Confidence in Writing.
When is description a bad thing? When it slows down your writing. Will your hero honestly be admiring the old world "feel" of his surroundings while he is running from the villain? Instead of using description all at once, use a sentence here and there revealing a descriptive trait. For example: the hero may notice the bay window in the first chapter, but he won't appreciate the fireplace until two chapters over when it is day and the room is bright.
"Do not go gentle into that good night... Rage against the dying of the light..."
- Dylan Thomas
"There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio/ Than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
- Hamlet
Instigate -verb. 1. To cause by indictment. 2. To provoke to some action or course. Noun: Instigator
Webster's Dictionary: Second Edition
Usage Examples:
"She instigated the fight between the two friends."
"They aren't happy unless they can instigate trouble."
"Bill was the instigator when Hal was fired."
Synonyms:
Troublemaker, accuser, incite, provoke, urge, cause, tempt, entice, sway, evoke, entail, prompt, motivate, arouse, persuade
Roget's College Thesaurus
III. "Don’t Let It Go To Your Head!"
Arrogance Verses Confidence: What’s The Difference?
There are two distinct classes of writers when it comes to this subject. There are amateur writers and there are confident writers. But, which is which? One kind may dramatically draw attention to his or her work through artificial insecurity, "I’ve posted my work HERE, but I would just DIE if anyone read it!" Then, you have the second class, more calm and mature writer.
The first example is a very unprofessional writer. That is not meant in a negative way, simply to note they obviously have no serious writing interests. Their material is purely hobby and usually these individuals are not open to critiquing or constructive thought. If you say anything about their writing, it should be to compliment it.
Another strong statement any writer seeking a professional career must avoid, "I’m not arrogant enough to submit it." This is a highly asinine way of thinking. First, submission has nothing to do with arrogance. It is confidence and there is a great deal of difference between the two. What would happen to our world if doctors decided they didn’t want the risks involved with surgery because they weren’t "arrogant" enough to perform? Or if attorneys weren’t "conceited" enough to believe the court would respect or accept their presentation? Professional writing is no different. You perform a task and seek to earn a living or receive recognition for your efforts.
What is confidence in writing? The ability to take a chance. The capacity to test your knowledge and ability against the industry. Having confidence means that no matter what mistakes may be on your paper, you are assured of your abilities. You are secure enough to withstand editing without an emotional break down or a deep grudge against the person checking your work. As the author of the work, there is a likely possibility you will overlook flaws. You will see your work daily; it may be easier than you think to overlook misspellings or grammatical errors. This is why a fresh eye can be so important.
There is nothing arrogant or conceited about performing a job or seeking a better position, this same principal applies to writing. Just because you send a piece to an editor or agent does not mean you are egotistical. All writers who attempt a professional career should be commended for facing negativity, not only from agents and editors, but also from fellow writers who practice these silly and ridiculous rationales.
What is arrogance in writing? Do you feel your first drafts are perfect, aside from a simple "spell check?" Do you think that agents and editors will bow to your work when you complete your first novel? Do you expect only praise and resent those who try to find flaws so you can fix them? Do you get mad when you ask for an honest opinion and someone gives it to you?
If any of these statements apply to you, then your confidence is much too strong. No first draft is perfect, never expect to create one. "Perfect first drafts," are a product of myth and fantasy. In the best, there will be at least a few sentences that need re-writing, paragraphs that need to be altered, and the entire manuscript polished. This is before a final manual spelling and grammar check.
Agents and editors do not bow to manuscripts. Period. They will accept or reject it, but your book will not alter the world as we know it.
There is no reason to resent someone for his or her honesty. It may hurt, but the truth isn’t painless. This is especially applicable to new writers. Instead of listening to what someone is trying to say, they jump to conclusions and start slinging insults. Wouldn’t you rather any negativity come from a friend whom you know and who appreciates your work, than from a half-interested editor who could care less? Do you think a complete stranger will be gentler in correction than someone concerned about your feelings? Many writers are much too attached to their work and feel it is a personal insult when a friend offers a strong opinion. They are terribly shaken when they receive professional rejection, many refuse to submit again.
This can be a sad event due to its ridiculousness. Writing is a wonderful occupation, even part-time it can be therapeutic and emotionally cleansing. To stop work or goals due to ego and pride can be a mistake you regret for years to come. You will receive correction in any job, in any profession. If you are a white/blue collar worker and don’t do your job right, you will hear about it. If you work for a newspaper and your article is less than what’s expected, you will know. There is no difference.
You must develop a strong shell over your feelings if you are overly sensitive. Being corrected and shown your mistakes is a part of everyday life. Consider what someone is telling you before you start defending your work. Are they insulting you or trying to help you? Have they genuinely offended you or have they pointed out a misspelling? If you are angered by an honest opinion, don’t ask someone who is open to you. Don’t tell someone to help you when you don’t want help.
To close this volume‘s article, remember editors and agents will NOT overlook bad grammar. They will NOT see the story behind misspellings and inconsistency. Many writers are convinced that their story is so good it doesn’t matter. You must ask yourself, if you are an editor and your job is to find the best manuscript, what would you choose? It is an average estimate that such writing professionals have between 25-50 manuscripts on their desk per day. They will all have stories and all will have their own unique voice. However, manuscript A is well-written, as opposed to manuscript B. Would you choose the piece that needed the least amount of editorial work, or the one that needs extensive, and expensive, amounts of reconstruction and revision? As a businessperson, you would choose the writer who is the most professional. Their manuscript would be polished and need little editorial work.
Many times, it’s difficult for us to see exactly how similar the publishing industry can be to any other job. Writers are not exempt from worries of performance or skill. Whether you are writing a book or writing for a periodical makes little difference. There is a set of rules, established by the industry leaders, and we must all follow them to achieve our goals, just like any other profession.
Don’t lose friends because someone told you the third paragraph needed to be re-written, instead look at it. Could it be better? Sometimes honest friends can be as good as the most brutal editor. They help you develop your "backbone" against criticism and urge you to approach the matter in a mature way. Isn't it better for a familiar person to spot imperfection than a stranger? Be sure it really is a personal insult and not a constructive suggestion before you get mad. Expect correction and appreciate those who know you can be better.
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