Writers: Are You a Tortoise or a Hare
from Sharon Ledwith
We writers tend to fall into two categories. You’re either atortoise or a hare. What do I mean by that? I guess what I’m trying to getacross is that some writers write fast, and can crank out thousands of words inone sitting, while other writers are slower, and write at their own speed andpace to get their books done—even if it takes them years. I’m not talking aboutwhether you’re a plotter or a pantser (writing by the seat of your pants),though you can find out more on that subject in this guest post HERE.I’m talking about whether a writer is prone to being a ‘hare’ (fast writer) ora ‘tortoise’ (slow writer). So, let’s get real, and be honest. Which one areyou? A hare or a tortoise?
I must admit, I’m definitely a proud tortoise. Though Imentally (and emotionally) kick myself at times for being such a slow writer. Agood day of writing (3-4 hours) consists of over five hundred words—a great dayis over a thousand. I know a lot of my slow-downs happen when I need to do someresearch in the middle of a scene. It’s been suggested to me by the powers thatbe (my publisher) that I should just highlight the area where the research isneeded, and continue on with my writing. Of course, boss-woman is correct, and what she advises makes aheck of a lot of sense. But…um, no. I want, correction need to KNOW whathappens in that scene, and if I’m using the proper terms and things found inthe time period I’m writing in to move the story forward. For me, finding thehistorically correct information is vital to finishing the scene. Sigh. I mustbe built that way.
At times I envy all you, hares out there, with your nimblefingers flying across the keyboard, and your devil-may-care attitudes. You’rethe writers who get more than one book written in a year. I truly applaud youfor that accomplishment. You’re also the writers who probably have a messy,mucky first draft, and need to go through many drafts to get your final story.Me? I usually have a clean first draft that’s closer to publication than thehare’s speedy attempt at a novel. My mantra in this crazy writing gig is, ‘Slowand steady progress assures success’. So I plod along like the tortoise, muchlike the one in Aesop’sfable, who ends up crossing the finish line to win the raceagainst the confident, cocky hare. Perseverance, after all, will keep uswriters going and going—like that pink Energizer Bunny.Or is it really a hare? Wink.
Confession time! Are you a tortoise or a hare? How has beingeither one effected the way you approach writing a novel? Do you love theprocess? Does writing energize you? Would love to read your input and comments.Thank you for spending time with me by reading my blog! Cheers, and have agreat week!
For your readingpleasure, may I suggest a visit to FairyFalls, or if you’re feeling really adventurous, a trip back in time with TheLast Timekeepers? Just remember to pack lightly.
SharonLedwith is the author of the middle-grade/young adult time travel adventureseries, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS, and the award-winning teen psychic mysteryseries, MYSTERIOUS TALES FROM FAIRY FALLS. When not writing, reading,researching, or revising, she enjoys anything arcane, ancient mysteries, andsingle malt scotch. Sharon lives a serene, yet busy life in a southern touristregion of Ontario, Canada, with her spoiled hubby and is happy to spend many hours with her amazing grandson.
We writers tend to fall into two categories. You’re either atortoise or a hare. What do I mean by that? I guess what I’m trying to getacross is that some writers write fast, and can crank out thousands of words inone sitting, while other writers are slower, and write at their own speed andpace to get their books done—even if it takes them years. I’m not talking aboutwhether you’re a plotter or a pantser (writing by the seat of your pants),though you can find out more on that subject in this guest post HERE.I’m talking about whether a writer is prone to being a ‘hare’ (fast writer) ora ‘tortoise’ (slow writer). So, let’s get real, and be honest. Which one areyou? A hare or a tortoise?I must admit, I’m definitely a proud tortoise. Though Imentally (and emotionally) kick myself at times for being such a slow writer. Agood day of writing (3-4 hours) consists of over five hundred words—a great dayis over a thousand. I know a lot of my slow-downs happen when I need to do someresearch in the middle of a scene. It’s been suggested to me by the powers thatbe (my publisher) that I should just highlight the area where the research isneeded, and continue on with my writing. Of course, boss-woman is correct, and what she advises makes aheck of a lot of sense. But…um, no. I want, correction need to KNOW whathappens in that scene, and if I’m using the proper terms and things found inthe time period I’m writing in to move the story forward. For me, finding thehistorically correct information is vital to finishing the scene. Sigh. I mustbe built that way.
At times I envy all you, hares out there, with your nimblefingers flying across the keyboard, and your devil-may-care attitudes. You’rethe writers who get more than one book written in a year. I truly applaud youfor that accomplishment. You’re also the writers who probably have a messy,mucky first draft, and need to go through many drafts to get your final story.Me? I usually have a clean first draft that’s closer to publication than thehare’s speedy attempt at a novel. My mantra in this crazy writing gig is, ‘Slowand steady progress assures success’. So I plod along like the tortoise, muchlike the one in Aesop’sfable, who ends up crossing the finish line to win the raceagainst the confident, cocky hare. Perseverance, after all, will keep uswriters going and going—like that pink Energizer Bunny.Or is it really a hare? Wink.Confession time! Are you a tortoise or a hare? How has beingeither one effected the way you approach writing a novel? Do you love theprocess? Does writing energize you? Would love to read your input and comments.Thank you for spending time with me by reading my blog! Cheers, and have agreat week!
For your readingpleasure, may I suggest a visit to FairyFalls, or if you’re feeling really adventurous, a trip back in time with TheLast Timekeepers? Just remember to pack lightly.
SharonLedwith is the author of the middle-grade/young adult time travel adventureseries, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS, and the award-winning teen psychic mysteryseries, MYSTERIOUS TALES FROM FAIRY FALLS. When not writing, reading,researching, or revising, she enjoys anything arcane, ancient mysteries, andsingle malt scotch. Sharon lives a serene, yet busy life in a southern touristregion of Ontario, Canada, with her spoiled hubby and is happy to spend many hours with her amazing grandson.
Learn moreabout Sharon Ledwith on her WEBSITE and BLOG. Look up her AMAZONAUTHORpage for a list of current books. Stay connected on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST, LINKEDIN, INSTAGRAM, and GOODREADS.
BONUS: Download the free PDF short story TheTerrible, Mighty Crystal HERE
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