Interlocking rings are also a metaphor for the method in which an author gains new readers. The first ring is friends and family, then a local writer's group or chapter of a larger organization. Whatever avenue you take on your road to publication, there are organizations and special interest groups to help you along the way. Another ring. You may find some duplication in members of each ring, which creates the interlocking nature of this, and any, profession. If you're a fan of Facebook, you have a ring of followers there. If you regularly post to a blog site, that's another ring. Google+ provides another ring. And the list goes on. The more rings you can develop, the greater your reach, and the better your sales.
Just like Olympians, authors spend years developing their craft, in hopes they can reach the highest pinnacle of success. Our training takes the form of workshops and conferences to exercise our brains and help us enhance our word choices. As I watched the ladies' gymnastics the other evening, what impressed me most was the artistry involved in their maneuvers. It's not enough to be a jumping bean if it's not done with grace, finesse and a touch of humor. The floor exercise is my favorite, since you get to see a bit of the gymnast's personality. A flick of the hand, a wiggle of the butt, may be slight moves, but if choreographed correctly, make for an entertaining couple of minutes.
It's the same with authors. Their choice of words and how they arrange their sentences can make the difference between creating a book that grips you by the throat, or one that leaves you feeling blah. A good author has a voice that comes roaring off the pages, that lets you think you'd love or hate to be friends with her or him. For instance, I became so terrified while reading Stephen King's books while I was in my 30s that I had to stop, and except for a few of his more mild ones, I haven't delved into them since. But I did read his book On Writing, and I love his words of wisdom. One night when I couldn't sleep, I decided to write the next scene in my current WIP. At four in the morning, I was at the computer, and reviewed the passage I'd just written. I could hear Stephen's voice in my head: "That's a passive voice. Come on, Becky, you can do better." It gave me the chills, so I shut the computer off and went to bed. He still terrifies me since now that he's critical of my writing. We'll never be friends, but I still respect his mind. Here's one of his pearls of wisdom from his book on writing:
What has been your favorite part of the Olympics? And the real question is can you write and watch the Olympics at the same time?
Lol...I'm laughing cause you can't get Stephen King's voice out of your head. That would scare me, too!
ReplyDeleteLike I said, I respect his mind, but he doesn't need to be in mine. Not all the time, anyway. Especially not at 4am!
DeleteI'm in the same boat as to how scary I find Stephen King's books. And I also agree that his advice about writing is spot on. Although I do agree about the years of effort and focus it takes to be a good writer may be on par with Olympic effort, I wish I could figure out how to mix some physical activity with putting words in the page. The best I can manage is walking or biking while I work out plot problems.
ReplyDeleteI haven't yet figured out the physical activity while putting words on the page either. Best I've been able to do is get up and walk around the back yard--one lap for every hour I spend at the computer.
DeleteWe are complete Olympic gluttons! My favorite part has been watching it with my four year old daughter and seeing what she gets excited about. Many evenings have been spent snuggled in mommy's bed with popcorn 😊 I love your comparison of the gymnastics with writing. It's a great reminder to me personally that I have so much to learn, and there are so many great resources out there to help me to be the best version of myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting today, Danielle. I'm glad I'm not the only one glued to my TV set for one more week.
DeleteYou should have told him, "Yeah, but you can't edit a blank page, so leave me be."
ReplyDeleteLove that King is mentoring you... I need to pull out the book again.
If only I'd been more awake, I'd have used your snappy comeback. Love it, Lynn!
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ReplyDeleteGreat post! Another parallel between writing and the Olympics is that only a very few athletes make it to the top, as do only a few writers make it to the bestseller list. But I think that Olympic success, unlike writing success, is very much about talent and drive. I've known many talented and hard-working authors who were never rewarded with fame and fortune for their writing, so in that way it's different.
ReplyDeleteAnd no, I can't write and watch TV of any kind!
Cheers!
I agree, Mary, that some of the best authors don't get the recognition they deserve. There's a great deal of luck involved in our sport. Thanks for visiting today.
DeleteThis post got me to thinking of another connection between writers and Olympians. I have not watched a single TV broadcast of the Rio games, which is odd for me. I am turned off by the negativity and shaming of athletes by other athletes and the media. The coverage I see on Yahoo, and what my husband tells me has him pissed off as he watches seems to be worse than ever.
ReplyDeleteWriters also have to deal with public comments via reviews that are sometimes are vindictive or inappropriate and do not reflect accurately on the work. They also have to insulate themselves from unfair criticism and rejections. Poor sales performance may have nothing to do with them, rather because of the publisher, the market, Amazon's monopoly and other factors beyond their control.
Luck, timing, persistence and a thick skin are what we have to have in common with the athletes.
I think you have it right Carole Ann. Luck, timing, persistence and a thick skin are essentials in this, and any, artistic endeavor where subjectivity enters into the equation.
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