Writing: Starting and Keeping Going
Every time I begin drafting the next chapter of the book I’m working on, a nagging fear resurfaces. It questions me, “Oh, no, what if you’re unable to pull this off?” This doubt, however, is always transient. Instead of derailing my intent, it fuels me. The best advice I’ve ever heard about writing comes from one of my favorite poets, Seamus Heaney, someone I revere and had the great honor of once meeting. Heaney says that in order to be a writer you must make a commitment: “Get started, keep going, and get started again.”
The second I remind myself of his cure against any fear of writing, I get to work. I rely on my notes and research to provide guidance. The feeling that I’m putting garbage sentences and mindless ideas on the page always surprises me later when I have my longhand typed up and I start my initial revisions. Most often I find myself overjoyed with the starting point I have. There’s usually a rhythm, a structure, and an overall outline for how the story and characters are developing. In other words, I have something good to work with.
No first draft is ever close to being finished. In fact, it usually takes dozens or more drafts before I can see the end. But once I’ve made that initial start with words on the page, my fear disappears and seems foolish, for of course I can pull off what needs to be done. So each start is a little battle against doubt, which for me is a driving force. Keeping going is never hard for me—until I must begin the next chapter. But I can forever hear the soothing, reassuring Irish voice of Mr. Heaney reminding me to get started. At that instant, I know everything will be fine.
Roger 8-)
The second I remind myself of his cure against any fear of writing, I get to work. I rely on my notes and research to provide guidance. The feeling that I’m putting garbage sentences and mindless ideas on the page always surprises me later when I have my longhand typed up and I start my initial revisions. Most often I find myself overjoyed with the starting point I have. There’s usually a rhythm, a structure, and an overall outline for how the story and characters are developing. In other words, I have something good to work with.
No first draft is ever close to being finished. In fact, it usually takes dozens or more drafts before I can see the end. But once I’ve made that initial start with words on the page, my fear disappears and seems foolish, for of course I can pull off what needs to be done. So each start is a little battle against doubt, which for me is a driving force. Keeping going is never hard for me—until I must begin the next chapter. But I can forever hear the soothing, reassuring Irish voice of Mr. Heaney reminding me to get started. At that instant, I know everything will be fine.
Roger 8-)
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