Writing about Writers (list of quotes) collected by Leanne Dyck

On October 10th this blog will be nine years old. Do you believe it? Nine. To celebrate, I re-read the quotes I gathered since 2012--when I started reviewing books for this blog. I'll offer these quotes in thematic collections over the next three months--including October, including today. Please click on the links provided under each quote to read my book reviews.

"An Autumn Road" photo by ldyck

Writing about Writers

To be a successful writer:  ' "You must have talent. A thick skin. And most important luck... To make luck you must be clever, or blessed." ' The Delusionist, Grant Buday

'I wonder if I'll ever write anything worth anything.' 

The Help, Kathryn Stockett

'What's the point of writing something that no one will ever read? I forget who said that a work of art does not exist without an audience--that it's not enough for it to be made.' 

Motherhood, Sheila Heti

'[N]early everything seems a letdown after a writer has finished writing something.' 

The World According to Garp, John Irving

'This is how we go on:  one day at a time, one meal at a time, one pain at a time, one breath at a time... If you write books, you go one page at a time.' Bag of Bones, Stephen King

'As a child I wrote small books which I began with the words The End. I needed to know the end was guaranteed.' 

Bluebeard's Egg, Margaret Atwood

'The writing had burned off all thoughts of the real world, at least temporarily. I think that, in the end, that's what it's for. Good or bad, it passes the time.' Bag of Bones, Stephen King

My teacher 'said that when you are writing a book you have to include some descriptions of things... She also said that I should describe people in the story by mentioning one or two details about them so that people could make a picture of them in their head.' 

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Mark Haddon

'When you make your daily bread in the land of make-believe, the line between what is and what seems to be is much finer.' 

Bag of Bones, Stephen King

'Writers are a strange breed. Magpies, scavengers. So fearful of the world they would prefer to describe it than live in it, yet brave to the point of idiocy when in pursuit of inspiration. The real ones will slip their heads into the noose and pull the lever themselves if they think a hanging would make a good tale.' 

The Only Child, Andrew Pyper

'[B]ut in dreams, perhaps everyone is a novelist.' 

Bag of Bones, Stephen King

'Flowers in the Fall' photo by ldyck

Next Sunday evening on this blog... 

23 Book Bloggers
a list of 23 bloggers who review books

If you enjoyed this list of quotes, you'll also enjoy...

Writing about Writing (list of quotes)

will be published on this blog on Sunday, November 3

Hmm... (list of quotes)
I invite you to select a quote to focus on during December--a challenging month for many.
will be published on this blog on Sunday, December 1

Finding The Right Word by Leanne Dyck

I've always been able to express myself better through writing. Verbally, I grasp for words, use an incorrect word or mispronounce words. The problem worsens when I'm addressing a non-supportive audience.

For example...

I was a member of a group for a while. Two members of this group were really smart. They had the pieces of paper to prove it. (But I suspect, even with their degrees, they suffered from low self-esteem.) I made the mistake of telling them that I was hoping to become an author. I could see and hear them judging me. They openly made fun of the way I spoke. I'd hoped that this type of bullying would end when I become an adult, but sadly it didn't--at least not in that group. And, although they didn't come right out and say it to my face, I knew they thought I was diluting myself with my dreams of becoming an author.

If something similar is happening to you or someone you love IT NEEDS TO STOP!

Here's what helped me...

-Realize that the power is yours to give. If you are around people who don't support or respect or empower you, end the relationship. Or, if ending the relationship isn't possible, minimize your time around these people.

-Realize that you can play the victim or the hero in your life. If you want to be the hero, act like it; see yourself as one. Believe in your abilities. Believe in your dreams. Don't ask for validation from an outside source. Draw from the strength within you.

To be honest, I had strong doubts that I could fulfill my dream. If I hadn't, I would have been able to ignore the bullying. My biggest concern was that in order to be an author I had to sound like I was smart. My biggest fear was that I didn't sound that way. My biggest fear was that I wasn't smart enough.

But, with restored believe in myself, I sought out those who would support my dream. I found them in my community and I found them in books. 

I bought and listened to the audiobook version of Stephen King's On Writing. And he said, 

"Put your vocabulary on the top shelf of your toolbox, and don't make any conscious effort to improve it. (You'll be doing that as you read, of course...but that comes later.) One of the really bad things you can do to your writing is to dress up the vocabulary, looking for long words because you're maybe a little bit ashamed of your short ones. This is like dressing up a household pet in evening clothes. The pet is embarrassed and the person who committed this act of premeditated cuteness should be even more embarrassed. Make yourself a solemn promise right now that you'll never use 'emolument' when you mean 'tip'... Remember that the basic rule of vocabulary is use the first word that comes to your mind, if it is appropriate and colorful. If you hesitate and cogitate, you will come up with another word--of course you will, there's always another word--but it probably won't be as good as your first one, or as close to what you really mean."

That's what he said. And what I heard him say was that I was good enough. Me. I.  And so are you. Don't let anyone stand between you and your dream.

More...

Kristen Lamb wrote an interesting article on self motivation. Here's the link.

Next Monday: Book review:  When Everything Feels Like the Movies 

Sharing my author journey...

On Monday, August 24th, Louise Penny (mystery author) was The Vancouver Writers Fest featured author.

Book Review: Misery by Stephen King by Leanne Dyck

What would you do to learn from a master storyteller?

I'd highly recommend doing what I did.

What would you do to watch your favourite author work?

What Annie Wilkes did will make your skin crawl.

How did I learn from a master? Who is Annie Wilkes?

The answers to these questions stem from the same source--Misery by Stephen King.

Usually when I read one of Stephen King's books I'm left wondering, is this horror or a thriller? (I also wonder if such genre categories matter, but that's a discussion for another time.) But Misery is a thriller from start to finish--a dark thriller. In place of a ticking bomb, we hear the clicking of typewriter keys.

If horror and thrillers aren't your thing, don't worry. I'm happy to share what I learnt--quote after quote, comment after comment.

1)Some of you develop complex outlines and are frustrated that, as you continue to write, your writing veers far off this careful path.

Author, protagonist, Paul Sheldon:  'Having a novel end exactly the way you thought it would when you started out would be like shooting a Titan missile halfway around the world and having the payload drop through a basketball hoop.' (p. 279)

And so... Learn to loosen your grip and enjoy the ride. You can still start with an outline, I do. But imagine it written in chalk on a blackboard not craved into stone.

2)Engage your readers senses--don't tell them. For example, instead of telling us that Paul opened his eyes, Mr. King describes what Paul saw when he opened his eyes. 

3)We forget, I forget, that even though we writers create the characters, they are also owned by the readers who love them.

4)I found it appalling that Annie made Paul burn the only copy of his manuscript. Now I know what to call it when my computer crashes and I lose the only copy of my manuscript.
I'll scream out, "I've been Annied", just before my husband asks, "Well, did you back it up?"

5)Playing storytelling games nurtures creativity, inspires creation as well as sharpens writing skills. Stephen King includes a storytelling game in Misery. To play this game, you need three or more players. The first player begins a story and puts her protagonist in a life or death situation. The next player's task is to successfully solve this dilemma within a ten minute time frame. If the time elapses without a successful solution, 'it' loses. When a successful solution is offered, the other players vote on how valid this solution is. If 'it' fails (time runs out or solution is deemed invalid), he must leave the game.

6)Writers are able to write because they think they can. There's no secret formula--just hard work. Writers think they can because they've put in the time. They think they can because they've done it before. They think they can regardless what obstacles they have to overcome...

In Misery, the keys of the 'Royal' typewriter keep falling out like a baby teeth. First the 'n'; then the 't'; then the 'e'. Regardless, Paul keeps on writing. If you are a writer you write.

7)What does it look like to write? Is it simply typing on a computer keyboard or is there something else involved?

One part of Paul is just sitting there. 'There was sensory input, but he was not doing anything with it--not seeing what he was seeing, not hearing what he was hearing.

Another part of him was furiously trying out ideas, rejecting them, trying to combine them, rejecting the combinations. He sensed this going on but had no direct contact with it and wanted none. It was dirty down there in the sweatshops...

He understood what he was doing now as Trying to Have an Idea. Trying to Have an Idea wasn't the same thing as Getting an Idea. Getting an Idea was a more humble way of saying I am inspired.

Trying to Have an Idea...was nowhere near as exalted or exalting, but it was every bit as mysterious...and every bit as necessary. Because when you were writing a novel you almost always got roadblock somewhere, and there was no sense in trying to go on until you'd Had an Idea...

He recognized walking as good exercise, but it was boring... But if you needed to Have an Idea, boredom could be to a roadblocked novel what chemotherapy was to a cancer patient.' (pp. 119-120)

8)Authors must tell wonderful bedtime stories and who better to take on a long-distance car trip?
Well...

[Annie Wilkes]:  ' "If you're such a rotten story-teller, how come you have bestsellers and millions of people love the books you write?"

[Paul Sheldon] "I didn't say I was a rotten story-writer. I actually happen to think I'm pretty good at that. But as a story-teller, I'm the pits... The two things are like apples and oranges." ' (p. 247)

So if you can't tell jokes or your antidotes become a tangled mess, fear not. You could still become a skilled author of a captivating story. 

9)Minimalist writing is a fine art. To keep your readers interested, many authors create character after character or take their stories from setting to setting.  But, Stephen King's Misery, all 338 pages of it, focuses solely on two characters--Annie Wilkes (reader) and Paul Sheldon (author)--and one setting--Annie Wilkes' remote farmhouse.  

10)It is tempting for me to interpret Paul's comments, thoughts and dialogue as belonging to Stephen King. But there are many reasons to create a character beyond being an author's soapbox. 

If, on the other, like me, you enjoy reading dark thrillers...

Buy this book

Paul Sheldon. He's a bestselling novelist who has finally met his biggest fan. Her name is Annie Wilkes and she is more than a rabid reader--she is Paul's nurse, tending his shattered body after an automobile accident. But she is also his captor, keeping him prisoner in her isolated houses. Now Annie wants Paul to write his greatest work--just for her. She has a lot of ways to spur him on. One is a needle. Another is an ax. And if they don't work, she can get really nasty...

Misery appeared on screen in 1990. Here's the original trailer

If you enjoyed reading Misery, you may also enjoy reading Room by Emma Donoghue.

If you'd like to learn from a skilled storyteller, travel to Saskatchewan for Sage Hill Writing Experience 
(That's why I'm now dreaming of endless prairie skies.)

Sharing my author journey...

Book review: Bag of Bones by Stephen King

I can think of few better ways to celebrate this special time of the year than by reading a book by Stephen King.

buy this book

Blurb form the back of the book:  Four years after the sudden death of his wife, forty-year-old bestselling novelist Mike Noonan is still grieving. Unable to write, and plagued by vivid nightmares set at the western Maine summerhouse he calls Sara Laughs, Mike reluctantly returns to the lakeside getaway. There, he finds his beloved Yankee town held in the grip of a powerful millionaire, Max Devore, whose vindictive purpose is to take his three-year-old granddaughter, Kyra, away from her widowed young mother, Mattie. As Mike is drawn into Mattie and Kyra's struggle, as he falls in love with both of them, he is also drawn into the mystery of Sara Laughs, now the site of the ghostly visitations and escalating terrors. What are the forces that have been unleashed here--and what do they want of Mike Noonan?

What stood out for me, while I read, were the comments about a writing life. Mr. King spells out an easy road to success--write a book, attract a well established publisher, keep writing. This is the road to success that protagonist Michael Noonan followed. He kept writing--producing one book a year and storing other manuscripts as a safety net. And I wondered could I do that? Could I squirrel away manuscripts like nuts against a cold winter? Could I wait to save my words instead of sharing them with you, my reader? At this point in my career, that's the position I've been forced into. I'm not storing my manuscripts. They are being stored for me in slush piles. And it feels like I'm existing in purgatory--will I get the reward of a good writer and be published or pay for my sins by being rejected? 

'This is how we go on:  one day at a time, one meal at a time, one pain at a time, one breath at a time... If you write books, you go on one page at a time.' (p. 361)

Thank heavens for this blog. Thank heavens that I have this outlet for expression.

'The writing had burned off all thoughts of the real world, at least temporarily. I think that, in the end, that's what it's for. Good or bad, it passes the time.' (p. 492)

And yet, even in paradise there can be trouble. Michael Noonan built a successful writing career but four years ago the love of his life died. Now, he is alone living in his own purgatory. He finishes writing the book he started while his wife was alive and then... and then... 

'And except for notes, grocery lists, and checks, that was the last writing I did for four years.' (p. 34)

I wonder if non-writers can feel the full weight of the sorrow expressed in those words?

2014 has been a very productive year for me. I have made over 50 submissions to publishers. 1 play, 11 short stories, 4 short story collections, 2 novellas and 2 novels have been slipped into envelopes and deposited into mailboxes. I can't imagine not being able to write--I don't want to. It would be like not being able to speak or losing the use of my left arm. 

So, maybe, that's the lesson. Instead of yearning for what is yet to be. I should embrace and celebrate what I have. I should celebrate my creative, fertile mind.

'[I]n dreams, perhaps everyone is a novelist.' (p. 54)

Sharing my author journey...

Book Review: Insomnia by Stephen King

It was a sunny, warmish day—unusual for early October. I unzipped the flap on the canopy, climbed onto the lawn chair and slipped into Stephen King’s world.

Insomnia was published in 1994. Well before the creation of the new genre—Baby Boomer Lit. But there’s no doubt this book belongs in this genre. King writes frankly about growing old and the moment of death.

‘ “The approach of almost every death which serves the Purpose takes a course with which we are very familiar. The auras of those who will die Purposeful deaths turns gray as time of finishing approaches. This gray deepens steadily to black. [The moment of death gives] release to those who suffer, peace to those in terror, rest to those who cannot find rest.’ (p. 396)

The senior citizens that people King’s book aren’t feeble and ineffectual. No, on the contrary, they fall in love, have sex and live dynamic, engaged lives.

Ralph Roberts is vulnerable—having just lost his wife—and so is a sympathetic character. He’s an every man which makes him easily relatable.

‘As that summer became fall, and as that fall darkened down toward Carolyn’s final winter, Ralph’s thoughts were occupied more and more by the deathwatch, which seemed to tick louder and louder even as it slowed down.

But he had no trouble sleeping.

That came later.’ (p. 35)

With the skill of a master, King takes time to develop his story. He uses the first forty pages of Insomnia to develop his characters, build intrigue and establish the world in which his story is set.

Completely engrossed in the book right up and including the bittersweet ending, I only paused briefly to note interesting observations ….

‘ “All lives are different. All of them matter or none matter.” ‘ (p. 577)

and acknowledge exceptionally well-written passages….

‘[L]ooked a few sandwiches shy of a picnic.’ (p. 144)

‘The light which did manage to find its way in here seemed to fall dead on the floor, and the corners were full of shadows.’ (p. 185)

 ‘He could feel the killer’s aura which surrounded this place pressing in on him, trying to smother him like a plastic dry-cleaning bag.’ (p. 501)

Insomnia has an old-fashioned charm, full of quaint sayings like:

‘Peek not through a keyhole, lest ye be vexed.’ (p. 384)

‘ “Looks like it’s shank’s pony the rest of the way up the hill.” ‘ (p. 463)

And as always happens to me when I read Stephen King’s prose, I was inspired to write…

It’s the time of the year when the clouds drift down in thin veils to dance with the evergreens. 
***
Next post:  An interview with author Susan Schoenberger

Book Review: Hearts In Atlantis by Stephen King

From the back of the book:

 As the characters in Hearts In Atlantis are tested in every way, King probes and unlocks, the secrets of his generations for us all. Full of danger, full of suspense, and most of all full of heart, Stephen King's new book (released in 1999) will take some readers to a place they have never been...and others to a place they have never been able to leave completely.'

What attracted me to this book:  -the book was written by one of my favourite authors.
-the central theme (1960s)

My thoughts:  Hearts In Atlantis is a cleverly designed story. The four chapters--1960, 1966, 1983, 1999--could read like stand-alone short stories and novellas. What weaves them together are relatable characters. Like the master storyteller he is, King isn't afraid to waltz between first and third person point of view as he moves from chapter to chapter. Chapter one and three read like a Stephen King story. What I mean is that he sets you firmly in reality and then takes you to places you could never go without his help. Chapter two and four have surprises of their own but your feet never leave the ground. Thank you, Mr. King for this entertaining read.

Guest Post Author Terri Giuliano Long

Talent: Have It Your Way

I once read that within five years of completing their degree only ten percent of MFA grads are still writing. I may be wrong—I’ve never conducted a study—but if I were to guess, I’d say most of those writers gave up because somehow, battered by poor sales, a harsh inner editor or snide remarks from others, they concluded that they had no talent.

MFA grads are by no means the only writers who experience these jags. I’ve lost count of the gifted authors who’ve wondered aloud about whether they had talent, their confidence pummeled by rejection, poor sales, a bad review. I’ve struggled with the question myself.

Talent is a slippery, indefinable thing. If we can’t define it, how do we know what it is?

What is talent, anyway?

The problem is, the definition is subjective and depends largely on values and taste. To some, talent means that an author writes lyrically or wins literary prizes. For others, it’s all about taut plotting or monster book sales. Even these definitions are vague. Which prize must an author win? An online contest? The Pen/Hemingway Award? The Pulitzer? How many books must an author sell? 10,000? 100,000? 1 million? 50 million?

Stephen King defines talent this way: “you wrote something for which someone sent you a check . . . you cashed the check and it didn't bounce . . . you then paid the light bill with the money.” Considering that a light bill can be as low as $10, I applaud his generosity.

But what does King’s monetary criteria say about a writer like John Kennedy Toole, author of the posthumously published masterpiece A Confederacy of Dunces?

The editors at Simon and Schuster admired Toole’s writing, yet ultimately rejected his novel, because, as one of them put it: “your book isn’t really about anything.” In 1969, after several failed attempts to revise his unpublished book, Toole committed suicide.

If we can’t define talent, how do we know if we have it?

If publishing success equals talent, then Toole, who couldn’t find a publisher for his novel, had no talent—at least not in his lifetime.

But wait—

After Toole’s death, his mom passed the manuscript to the novelist Walker Percy, who shepherded the novel through publication. In 1981, A Confederacy of Dunces won the Pulitzer Prize. The book has sold 2 million copies and been translated into 18 languages.

So Toole had—what?— posthumous talent? This anecdote might be humorous, if not for the fact that so many writers buy into this or other equally spurious definitions of talent.

Who but artists are judged on the basis of whimsy or taste? No wonder we’re insecure.

One Percent Inspiration, Ninety-nine Percent Perspiration

Thomas Edison said: genius (talent) is one percent inspiration—ninety-nine percent perspiration.

Not all of us are inspired, surely not always. And genius, it’s commonly assumed, is a birthright, beyond our control. Perspiration, on the other hand, we control. Equating talent—or genius—with hard work motivates me; it puts me in charge of my future.

One of my grad school professors told this story: the admissions committee, having reviewed the application of one candidate, was about to reject her. The woman, they felt, had no talent. Surely, she would fail. Maybe because there were not enough candidates that year, they gave her admission.

This woman, this no-talent writer, wanted success, and she wanted it badly. For three years, she busted her butt. And what happened? She emerged as the finest writer in the program.

“If you have energy but no talent, you can still be a prince.” Jeffrey Archer

Natural ability—deep insight, a facility with language—may shoot a determined, hard-working writer into the stratosphere. But even a brilliant writer, if lazy, is doomed to fail.

Next time the demons arise, remember this advice from bestselling author Jeffrey Archer:

“Never be frightened by those you assume have more talent than you do, because in the end energy will prevail. My formula is: energy plus talent and you are a king; energy and no talent and you are still a prince; talent and no energy and you are a pauper.”

We may never reach the heights of Stephen King, John Kennedy Toole or Jeffrey Archer. We may not want to, either. If talent is subjective, and I believe it is, then we can define it on our own terms. No reason to accept or internalize the beliefs or criticism of others. They’re often wrong anyway. The critics panned James Joyce’s masterwork, Finnegan’s Wake. Today, it’s considered a giant in the literary cannon. Yes, critics are often wrong.

This, to me, is tremendously freeing. I’ll stick with Edison’s vision of talent. Inspiration may come. But I’m not holding my breath. I’d much rather roll up my sleeves and dig in!

How do you define talent?

About Terri

Terri Giuliano Long has written news and features for numerous publications, including the Boston Globe and the Huffington Post. She lives with her family on the East Coast and teaches at Boston College. Her debut novel, In Leah’s Wake, began as her master’s thesis. 

About In Leah’s Wake

A Story of Love, Loss, Connection, and Grace

The Tylers have a perfect life—beautiful home, established careers, two sweet and talented daughters. Their eldest daughter, Leah, is on track for a prestigious scholarship. Their youngest, Justine, more responsible than seems possible for her 12 years, just wants her sister's approval. With Leah nearing the end of high school and Justine a seemingly together kid, the parents are set to enjoy a peaceful life...until Leah meets Todd, a high school dropout and former roadie for a rock band.

As Leah's parents fight to save their daughter from a world of drugs, sex, and wild parties, their divided approach drives their daughter out of their home and a wedge into their marriage. Meanwhile, twelve-year-old Justine observes her sister's rebellion from the shadows of their fragmented family—leaving her to question whether anyone loves her and if God even knows she exists.

Can this family survive in Leah's wake? What happens when love just isn't enough?

***

Margot Livesey, award-winning author of The Flight of Gemma Hardy, calls In Leah's Wake, "A beautifully written and absorbing novel."

CTRR Reviewer Recommend Award

Book Bundlz 2011 Book Pick

Book Bundlz 2011 Favorites - First Place

Reviewer-nominated for Global eBook Award, 2012

Named Top-Title, IndieReader Discovery Awards, 2012

Praise for In Leah’s Wake

 “In Leah’s Wake is an astounding story of a family in transition.”

--Tracy Riva, Midwest Reviews

 “Pulled me right along as I continued to make comparisons to my own life.”

--Jennifer Donovan, 5 Minutes for Books, Top 50 Book Blog

“Multiple ripples of meaning contribute to the overall intensity of this deeply moving psychological drama.”

--Cynthia Harrison, author of Sister Issues

"Sometimes scary, sometimes sad, and always tender."

-- Susan Straight, National Book Award finalist, author of Take One Candle Light A Room

TRAILER   http://youtu.be/Yyfp5tIU_U4