The worst part of writing a novel

There are a lot of great things about writing a novel. Creativity is its own reward, of course, since the act of being creative makes you a more complex and interesting person. (This is not to say that it will automatically save you from being a nitwit, asshat or wanker, but habits of reflective thought are a step in the right direction.)

However, despite the salubrious halo effect that writing has had on me in a global sense, I find that, in a more narrow sense, it has made my conversation impossibly tedious. Specifically, my recent blog posts, tweets, Facebook posts, etc. have been inordinately consumed with info about exactly where I am with it, what I'm thinking about it, hopes, fears, dreams about it.

In short, I'm like the guy who won't shut the fuck up about his golf game, and how he thinks his new clubs will help him in the annual tournament at the country club.

What happened to me? I used to be so interesting and funny, sometimes even informative. On one grand occasion, I tried to be thoughtful and analytical, although that didn't go so well. The point is, it was more than my book, my book, my book. Even if you cared about the status of it, my beating you over the head with it so much is bound to make you change the channel.

In fact, I wonder how many people read the title of this blog post ("The worst part of writing a novel") and skipped past it, assuming it would be another whinefest about edits, characters, beta readers, formatting, marketing or other issues related to my book. "Looks like Tony is still in reruns. Maybe I'll come back when his stupid book is published and he stops talking about it."

The worst part of writing a novel is the risk of self-absorption it entails.

So, here's the deal. I'm going to declare a moratorium on talking about my book until I get it back from my beta readers. That's probably the middle of September at the soonest. If I mention my book by name between now and September 14, the first person to call me on it gets a free copy and a public acknowledgment here. I'll also throw in a Grammarian action figure complete with First Line Hook Grappler(tm) and Dramatic Impact Gun(tm), if such a thing ever sees the light of day.

Deal?

19 comments:

  1. Actually I came to the post BECAUSE of the title!
    I hear you though... I recently "finished" mine (like you I'm awaiting edits) and, you're right, the whole novel writing business sucks a lot of juice from your otherwise entertaining life.
    Oh well.
    Let's be interesting, Tony!

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  2. It must be nice for those "know-it-alls" to be so well informed about the editing process that they can't possibly learn any more. I'm interested in what you have to say because I have what I think is a good idea and am saving it for Nano. In a year or so, I may (I hope) be where you are now -- and I appreciate the breadcrumbs along the trail.

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    1. I can't think that I'll ever know it all. I just hope that one day, I'll know everything I need to know in order to just get on with it.

      Whenever you're ready, I'll still be here!

      Delete
  3. I came to compare notes. What's my worst part vs. Tony's?

    Yeah, the absorption & self-absorption can be pretty ugly, but I hadn't seen that much from you even of late. Especially compared to some more prominent figures on Twitter. Some of The Boy's friends here have asked about it, and I try not to go overboard. :)

    Your real friends will understand you've got something absorbing your time & mind right now. But not thinking about it while the betas are out is a good idea.

    Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a sequel to finish. :)

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    1. It's only now that I've gotten it off my desk for a while that my vision is clearing. I look forward to return to full rationality in a week or so.

      Good luck with the sequel!

      Delete
  4. Like Cathy, I clicked because of the title. I still find your post thoughtful and interesting!

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    1. Thank you! NOTE: the moratorium reward doesn't apply to beta readers. ;-)

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    2. Aw, poo... I really want that action figure!

      Delete
  5. Because of the title - and hoping for helpful advice - or just plain commiseration.

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    1. Commiseration I can offer in abundance. Helpful advice? Well... I'm not sure how helpful it would be, but...

      Delete
  6. We all do that, though, don't we? I'm writing a novel and blah blah blah my novel blah blah blah m/c blah blah blah blah blah.

    And yes, I was also attracted by the title but mainly because I wanted to express my opinion in the comments. That's talking about my novel AND engaging in the online writing community. Right? Or am I just ridiculously self-obsessed?

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    1. I don't think you CAN be a writer without being self-obsessed. The task forces you to live inside your own head so much that it starts to seem like the inside of your own head is the totality of the universe.

      I'm just trying not to be ridiculously self-obsessed. ;-)

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    2. Haha, fair enough. I will endeavour to improve. Or not publicize it so much.

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  7. See, I quite like the fact you talk about it a lot because then I feel like that's 'normal' behaviour that I can indulge in!

    Having said that, I don't mind people talking about their books so long as they're actually writing them as well!

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    1. See, I quite like the fact you talk about it a lot...

      You, sir, are an enabler! ;-)

      I've always felt sort of bad about the way I discuss the novel I'm writing. There is a huge school of thought that says you should NEVER do that. It always makes me feel like a dumb ass rookie, but I do it anyway.

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  8. We're all as bad as each other, I think. The key is to balance talking about your book with other stuff. Post photos of stuff. Tweet jokes.

    As it happens, I am reading GG now. Enjoying it so far! (Does that set your mind at rest at all?)

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    1. I do try to maintain balance, or, failing that, an awareness of when I've been veering too far over the line. This blog post is me attempting to lurch back into equilibrium.

      Yes, that does reassure me. I'm looking forward to everyone's reactions and feedback.

      Delete
  9. I'm with Icy. You're in good company. The balance of humility and all-too-necessary promotion can make the most timid of writers sound egotistical to the laymen. Only other writers understand that this is life.

    What I hate about being a writer is that it's the one job where people ask "How much do you make?" followed by "So when are you going to get a REAL job?"

    I try not to get annoyed by the most frequent question these days: "So when's you're next one coming out?" I want to yell. "How about you write 180k words while I look over your shoulder and tell you to hurry up."
    I forget it's actually a complement and I should shut the fuck up. *facepalm*

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