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It has taken me twelve years to final in a contest.
Contests are, by no means, an absolute indicator of talent, but I knew when I wrote Beulah’s story that I had something better than my previous efforts. I’d like to think she’ll get published some day, but twelve years can teach a girl some patience. Here are some other things I’ve learned along the way to winning the Duel on the Delta then being a finalist for the Maggies:
5. Professional jealousy gets you nowhere. It doesn’t matter if your heartfelt story of a girl coming home isn’t as highly regarded as someone’s piece on agoraphobic vampire mermaids. If another writer does well, you should applaud. More importantly, you should put yourself in that person’s shoes and really mean that congratulations. Once you make a habit of sincerely congratulating those around you, your mind focuses more on what you should be writing rather than what you should be winning.
4. The story is more important than how you tell it. Wow. This one took me a while to figure out because I knew I could write pretty sentences. Pretty sentences, however, don’t amount to a hill of beans to editors and agents. Once in cold reads, an editor cut my piece off only three paragraphs in because there was “too much description.” She backed up a little and added, “but it was well done description,” which was a backhanded compliment if I had ever heard one. That’s when I started to plot, to daydream through my story and search for a through-line. If you’re like me and think that you have to write by the seat of your pants to be creative, do yourself a favor and give plotting a shot. It could be that you’re sacrificing your story for pretty words.
3. You can’t do it alone. I’m an only child, so I would love to think I could write alone. In actuality, I didn’t start improving until I threw my baby into the lion’s den. Workshop classes at Kennesaw State really helped thicken my skin and taught me to pick through the chaff to get to the choice wheat comments. Fellow writers here on the Petit Fours have kindly read through versions of Beulah and given me invaluable insights; other writers from the PRO Loop have given me tons of information about cancer. You do have to be picky, though. Chances are, you’ll have to go through quite a few critique partners before you find someone compatible. In the meantime, critique with lots of other people and really listen to what they say. As a writer, you know all too well what you want to say, so you often miss inconsistencies, contradictions, and confusing sections. You need someone else to help you find those.
2. You’re not as talented as you think you are. Remember how your mother told you that there would always be someone prettier/smarter/more athletic/more popular/richer than you? And how there would always be someone uglier/dumber/less athletic/less popular/poorer than you? If you think that your writing is supremely better than that of everyone else, you’re probably wrong. Richard Bausch said it best when he said that students who had that little bit of doubt were the ones who had talent; those who never doubted their talent rarely possessed any. I’ll confess. I didn’t just have a slice of humble pie; I had to demolish one whole pie and start on another before I realized hard work and a little bit of luck play a great role in the publishing business. The good news? Persistence is key. Your chances of getting published are greatly enhanced by showing up every morning. I realized I don’t have all of the talent in the world, but I am incredibly stubborn. And, in many ways, being stubborn is a lot easier than being talented anyway.
1. Let go and let God. For most of you who are reading this post, writing is your talent. I had each of the revelations above and then sat through a chill-bump inducing sermon about the talents (Luke 19:12-27) where I realized writing had to be my talent because I wasn’t that good at much of anything else. You don’t have to write inspirational or religious books to admit your talent isn’t your own; you just have to realize your ability to magically manipulate words comes from God. When I gave my talent back and asked for guidance, I started seeing success; I don’t think that success was a coincidence. I would never ask anyone to follow my faith, but I share this last component because I truly feel I had to understand the importance of my gift and, more importantly, the source of my gift before I could start digging up my talent and putting in the hard work to develop it.
So there you go. That’s what I’ve learned in the past twelve years about writing, and learning those important lessons lead me to discipline, another key component of the successful writer. So, tell me, what have you learned about yourself as a writer? What are some of the great lessons I’ve missed?
by Sally Kilpatrick
30 comments
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Sally, some truly profound ideas. I like #5. That hit home in a recent GRW meeting when Berta pointed out that there’s room in the publishing world for many of us and we can cheer each other’s success without fear that she’s “taken our spot.” I also heartily agree with #4. That took me awhile to learn, too. Good for you for picking yourself up after that editor’s comment. Obviously, it’s starting to pay off.
I think my favorite is #1, though. In fact, this whole post is a keeper.
Good for you, Sally, to be willing to make changes that result in improvement and congratulations on the contest! I love this line – “Once you make a habit of sincerely congratulating those around you, your mind focuses more on what you should be writing rather than what you should be winning.” Too many lose sight of the end goal.
It’s hard to listen to someone critique your work – especially in a live session – but kudos on using the editor’s comments to find the key to creating a more powerful story.
One thing you wrote gave me pause – “Richard Bausch said it best when he said that students who had that little bit of doubt were the ones who had talent.” I’ve never heard that. I always say I fell out of the womb an artist because I was drawing from the time I picked up a pencil and know I can paint anything I want any size…but even after over 20 years of creating huge paintings for some of the largest companies in the world I never got past walking up start a painting without wondering if it would “come out right.” I never reached the point that I thought “of course it’s going to look great…just like the last thousand pictures.”
My writing is the same – I always wonder if the story is going to turn out the way it seems in my mind and even if it does will anyone but me like it? Over the years of being a master artist in the business I kept wondering “when would I stop doubting myself and just accept that anything I painted would be fine?” Never happened so I’m right at home doubting myself as a writer because I know that is my personal make up. Now that I’ve read Richard Bausch’s comment, I feel much better about that. Thank you!
As for talent coming from God, I always knew who to thank.
The only thing I would add is that so many people think if they aren’t an artist, a writer, a musician or have some other skill that is equated with having talent they don’t consider themselves talented. I see talent everywhere – men and women who are great parents have natural skills, someone in a lab who comes up with a cure or an inventor has a creative ability to see things someone else did not, the person who can rally groups of people to perform charitable acts has a magical touch. When people would look at what I’d painted and say “I wish I had a talent” I’d start talking to them about what they did for a living, recreational or volunteering. It would take long for me to figure out their talent.
I enjoyed your post.
Thanks, Linsey–I’m glad you enjoyed it. I think #1 is important in anything you do. I was also a better teacher when I felt “called” to teach. Thanks for adding what Berta said about there being room for all of us.
Dianna, thanks for that heartfelt response. I think you’re absolutely right about talent and how it doesn’t just apply to the arts. Here’s the complete Richard Bausch quote since I think I mangled it in the paraphrasing:
“I don’t teach writing. I teach patience. Toughness. Stubbornness. The willingness to fail. I teach the life. The odd thing is most of the things that stop an inexperienced writer are so far from the truth as to be nearly beside the point. When you feel global doubt about your talent, that is your talent. People who have no talent don’t have any doubt.”
Sally,
Really great post. Congratulations on your patience and win!
Number 3 probably fits me best. For so many years I was a ‘closet writer.’ I know now I have to get out there and let people read it and read it again. Everytime I read a story I’ve written, I find something that needs to be changed – and that is needs – not just the ole, “I could say it better if I changed this word” thing.
Thanks.
You had me at agoraphobic, vampire mermaid! Girl, you crack me up! That innate, quirky take on life is what will catapault you some day– as long as you persist and learn. Will be cheering for you at the Maggies!
Sally,
You can’t imagine how very, very proud I am of you. I was telling my neighbors (very good friends who I sit out with on the weekends and drink oodles of wine with) about your novel and how you recently finaled in the Maggie and how much i loved your story. One of my neighbors is an editor for the Associated Press. She wanted me to print out the first five chapters so she can read it. I gave the ppages to her last Friday night. My other neighbor, a house wife who reads loads and loads of romance wanted me to email her the full. I did!
(hopefully Sending them your work is okay)
Now, anyone who will read your post today ,and didn’t have the pleasure of reading your dear BL will get a little taste of your extreme talent. Your words, whether on the pages of a manuscript, or a blog are lyrical, evocative, and deeply profound.
I’m not an incredibly religious person, but your love and respect for a higher power made me get all goose bumpy.
I really got a lot out of this post.
You are an inspiration, a true roll model. I wish only the very best for Buela Land and all the many books I know you have in that very talented head of yours.
Keep writing, Sally. The world MUST get a chance to read you.
Have a brilliant day,
Tamara
I spelled Beulah wrong…and a character like her deserves a correctly spelled name!
Tamara
Sally,
Great post and again, congrats on the finals (and the Dueling win)
Loved your insight…very thought provoking. I’m so thankful for the talent I’ve been given because it has put me in a position that someone else doesn’t have to lose for me to win. Talk about a win, win, win, win situation!
In other professions people hoard their knowledge, but in our business, we share it & teach it to anyone who wants to learn.
Sandy
Love this, Sally! I always look forward to your posts. You are so funny in life and on paper.
Love the quotes and the insight into your process. 12 years is a long time (I’m right there myself), but with that time comes experience. And appreciation. Something that really comes across in our writing.
Love ya girl!
Tami
Maxine, I am feeling your pain on finding something each time I read a story. Next, I’m going to have to come to terms with revision because it’s not my friend at the moment.
Debbie, you are so sweet. Should I write about the plight of the agoraphobic vampire mermaids for the Treasure Hunt? On second thought, it would probably be a pretty dull story thanks to the agoraphobia.
Tamara, you’re going to puff up this ego I’ve been working so hard to deflate! Thanks for your heartfelt words, and I’m honored to have merited discussion over wine.
Thanks, Sandy! We’re all lucky there’s plenty of room for all of us at the rate you’re writing books. I think you’re also right about sharing knowledge–maybe it’s the old high school teacher in me, but I’m hoping to be able to always share anything I’ve managed to learn.
Tami, thanks for your sweet comments, and I’m sure your time is coming. I just keep telling myself that Grandma Moses didn’t start painting until her seventies, so I’ve still got time. (Lord willin’)
Sally
Wonderful post. I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m still amazed that I’m a published author. I’m like the dog that caught the car. How did I do that? I think I must have good stories because I know it isn’t because I put two words together well. And I’m stubborn. I just won’t take no for an answer.
Susan, you’re a natural story teller–look at that wonderful metaphor about the dog that caught the car.
Oh, and stubborn rules!
Sally, your post gave me a much-needed dose of encouragement this morning. I feel like I don’t know enough about writing – yet – to have learned much of anything. Except that it’s HARD! But I am stubborn, too. So I am hanging onto your advice about persistence, and plan to keep showing up every morning! Thank you very much, and I wish you continued success!!
Thanks, Pam! I think it was Woody Allen who said that 80% of success was showing up. I’ve always figured, hey, I can show up. Just keep writing and don’t be afraid to write more than one story or to put something aside to try another story–once you finish the first one, of course!
Ah Sally, Congratulations on your win & your final. Someone’s comment about this post being a keeper was true. I can’t think of any favorite points– they all apply to me.
Pamela, I’m so glad it’s a keeper. Thank you, thank you.
Great post, Sally and some wise words. Finger’s crossed for Beulah’s story. I hope to see it in print someday and get you to sign it.
Great post with some wonderful advice. I’ve been at it a long time, too, and I’ve heard from many published authors that you have to stick to it. It’s the last man standing concept. Or the good things come to those who wait philosophy.
I’m stubborn too. Apparently we all have that quality in common.
Congratulations on your win and final.
Marilyn
Sally,
The story is a definite keeper. I’m glad you’re stubborn!
I really agree with all of your points, especially number 1. And number 5. Come to think of it, numbers 2, 3 and 4 are pretty good, too. Because it is about the story, you’re never as good as you think you are, and you need those good critique partners to push you to produce your best work.
Nothing good ever happens in a vacuum.
Anna
Keep plugging along.
Carol, thanks and I hope to someday be able to sign a copy for you
Marilyn, let’s be stubborn together!
Anna, how true that “nothing good ever happens in a vacuum.” Glad you enjoyed it!
Sally, sorry I’m late to the party, but I’ve got to say that when I had the chance to read those first pages of Beulah Land I got goosebumps. You have a spectacular voice and a wonderful gift with words. You are on your way. I agree with all your points, especially the last one. I’ve often said that the journey of writing has taught me more about myself than any other endeavor I’ve undertaken. Congratulations again on your win and your final. I wish you the best of luck.
Darcy, thank you so much! I’m so happy if Beulah’s story gave you goosebumps. I’ve often wondered if, as you said, writing doesn’t teach us the most about ourselves. If learning Spanish can teach you more about English, then I don’t see why not! Thanks!