The Club
When I go to speak to elementary school children, I get asked some pretty cool questions. Middle schoolers are even more amazing because they are starting to understand the craft of writing. But those first- and second-graders are funny, because inevitably, someone holds up a hand and asks, "DO YOU KNOW MARC BROWN?" (He writes the Arthur series of children's books.) "No," I tell them, "but I like the Arthur books, too." Then, inevitably, because it's hard for first- and second-graders to pay attention totally, someone who wasn't listening will ask me five minutes later, "So, do you know Marc Brown?" And then I'll say, "No, being an author isn't like being in a Secret Club. We all don't know each other."
But it kind of is like a Secret Club. Of course, I have non-writer friends. I have friends who are accountants and lawyers, and doctors. And friends who sell real estate and friends who are retired. But I have to say the majority of my friends are writers. Some are published. Some aren't. Some don't even want to be published, but they just love writing. And we're in a Secret Club.
Why? Because when you're with other writers, they "get" you. There is usually this instant understanding. Circles under your eyes--deadline fever. Distracted? Can't figure out my last plot twist. Talking to yourself? Goes with the territory. Writers get that you're often agonizing over single word choices. You're struggling to get better as a writer, to hone your craft, and sometimes you want to take your computer and hurl it out the window. They get it's not easy and it's often VERY isolating. They get that you know you're somehow different. You're a little weirder, a little more introspective. They know you worry, if you're published, about numbers and sell-throughs. If you're not published, they know the agent search and publisher search is filled with rejection. They know in the blogosphere, once your book comes out, anyone can say anything about you or your book and there ain't a whole helluva lot you can do about it. It's baring your work of art--and that's not easy. They know you wonder--quit the day job and go for it?
So no, I don't know Marc Brown (but hey, if he wants to drop by and say hello . . .). But I am in Secret Club. Care to join?
But it kind of is like a Secret Club. Of course, I have non-writer friends. I have friends who are accountants and lawyers, and doctors. And friends who sell real estate and friends who are retired. But I have to say the majority of my friends are writers. Some are published. Some aren't. Some don't even want to be published, but they just love writing. And we're in a Secret Club.
Why? Because when you're with other writers, they "get" you. There is usually this instant understanding. Circles under your eyes--deadline fever. Distracted? Can't figure out my last plot twist. Talking to yourself? Goes with the territory. Writers get that you're often agonizing over single word choices. You're struggling to get better as a writer, to hone your craft, and sometimes you want to take your computer and hurl it out the window. They get it's not easy and it's often VERY isolating. They get that you know you're somehow different. You're a little weirder, a little more introspective. They know you worry, if you're published, about numbers and sell-throughs. If you're not published, they know the agent search and publisher search is filled with rejection. They know in the blogosphere, once your book comes out, anyone can say anything about you or your book and there ain't a whole helluva lot you can do about it. It's baring your work of art--and that's not easy. They know you wonder--quit the day job and go for it?
So no, I don't know Marc Brown (but hey, if he wants to drop by and say hello . . .). But I am in Secret Club. Care to join?
posted by Erica Orloff at 10:07 AM
10 Comments:
I know exactly what you mean, Erica. It is like a secret club. Someone once said, "Writing is easy. All you have to do is sit down at the typewriter and open a vein." If you've never tried to write a novel, then you have no idea the amount of work involved. That's one reason I think book reviewers (especially those who like to write scathing reviews, ESPECIALLY those who like to write scathing reviews anonymously) should be forced to write a novel before putting one nasty remark on paper. I have a feeling most reviewers would be kinder if they had to walk a mile in our shoes.
Hi Jude:
I agree. It is a bit like opening a vein. There is nothing more frustrating for me than to start a book eight times--eight different opening paragraphs--because I can't quite "get" the feeling I'm aiming for. Though nothing is more wonderful than nailing it. Still, it's an agonizing process. And even when I read something I don't terribly like, I know there is a living, breathing member of the Secret Club who worked very hard to create a work of art to share with others.
E
I wish more of my friends were in that Secret Club! Very few of my friends understand why I'll pass up on a night out because I just have to finish this chapter, or why I sit up until gone midnight trying to figure out why a certain word isn't right. Maybe I should start a club round my way...
Naomi:
I've had a critique group for 12 years--that helps me. But I've been lucky in that I always worked in publishing, so most of my friends that I've naturally gravitated to for all these years are artists or writers.
E
Always a joy to pop in here and find something I can relate to. A secret club. Love it. Unfortunately, the only writer contacts I have are cyber-friends, and yeah, the others don't get it. They nod and smile, read passages and offer encouragement, but I always know they are secretly thinking there must be something freakishly antisocial about me to spend so much time on my computer creating what my kids refer to as my 'imaginary friends'. I'm with Naomi, I'd love to start a club round my way. In the meantime, I'm happy to be a member of the on-line secret club.
Elaine
Elaine:
In all honesty, and I've shared this before, when I started this blog about the writing life, I thought, "What could I possibly say day after day, week after week." HA! I am never at a loss because it IS really gratifying to share this Secret Club stuff an dhear from other writers and readers.
You know, the hardest question i have to answer routinely from non-writers is "Where do you get all your ideas from?" I have NO idea. I really don't. I mean, I don't think most writers sit down and think: "I MUST come up with a new book idea." It just happens, and other writers likely get that. You can't explain HOW you do it. You just do it--because you're a writer. I tell kids all the time, being a writer isn't something you become, it's something you ARE.
E
I find the whole ideas issue fascinating. Unlike some of my writing friends, I don't have more ideas than you can shake a stick at. I've only ever got a couple on the go at any one time. It used to worry me, but now I accept it, because just when I'm beginning to panic suddenly an idea will appear, as if by magic! It does mean I don't have to spend ages figuring out which book to write next....
Hi Sara:
When I sold my first book, Spanish Disco, I didn't sleep the night I got my deal. It wasn't because I was so excited. It was because the editor said, "I love your writing, what are you going to do next." And I had no idea. And I had this cold fear I'd never come up with another idea EVER. But of course I did. :-) I do think when we relax--driving, maybe taking a walk--and don't force it, the ideas tend to come.
E
Erica, I just wanted to pop in and say that I read Spanish Disco for the first time last night. And I loved it!!! I would not go to bed last night till I put it down.
Also, I would love to a member of this secret club :)
Nikkie:
Thanks so much--would hate for you to go without sleep, but authors love hearing you can't put a book down. Thanks! :-)
And welcome to the club. No dues. Just a passion for books and writing.
E
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