Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion
This topic is about
Gabriel Boutros
Bulletin Board
>
What Do You Do When The Writing Stops?
date
newest »
newest »
Gabriel wrote: "My most recent blog is about the feeling of emptiness I get when I've finished writing a book that I've worked on for a long, long time. You can read it at: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_p..."
I assume that you have a publisher because when I finished my first book I spent a huge amount of time trying to get someone interested in publishing either via an agent or direct with a publisher. None of it worked, so did it myself, and only after it was reissued as an e-book ( I originally published as a paperback) did anyone take notice. It has now been republished by a commercial publisher, which then allowed me time to read for pleasure and also read for research for the next book that I hope to write, which appears to be a lot harder than the first one :-o)
I am sure that most prolific writers will be able to identify with the feelings described in Mr. Boutros' blog. I can understand how many would. It just so happens that I am not one of them.Writing a novel was just one of several items included in a bucket list that my late wife insisted I create upon retiring in 2001.
It took me fourteen months to produce what I believed to be a completed, polished manuscript. Then I spent several weeks working with and learning from the copy editor, conceptual editor, and layout design artist who helped convert the manuscript into a commercially viable book. A total of eleven months were spent doing all the things that needed doing, before the book could be released.
After twenty-five months, dedicated to one aspect or another of writing and having the book published, I felt a sense of relief and emancipation. It was an interesting and worthwhile experience, but I have no desire to ever do it again. There are just too many other things to do and so little time to do them.
As for Gabriel and all you others like him, keep on writing and following your muse wherever she may lead you. I look forward to reading your books whenever I am not doing something else.
Jim wrote: "I am sure that most prolific writers will be able to identify with the feelings described in Mr. Boutros' blog. I can understand how many would. It just so happens that I am not one of them.Writi..."
Jim, there were many times that I told myself that once I finished what sometimes became a chore, that I would never do it again. After my first novel was released, and I spent much time with promotions, I found the old itch coming back to me. Now I've finished my second book, and I'm missing it already. Maybe I should just get a bigger bucket list. Enjoy a long and busy retirement.
Geoff wrote: "Gabriel wrote: "My most recent blog is about the feeling of emptiness I get when I've finished writing a book that I've worked on for a long, long time. You can read it at: https://www.goodreads.c..."
Sometimes a second book is harder to write, sometimes it gets easier. It depends on what kind of challenge you've set for yourself. At the end of the day, you can feel great satisfaction when your job is done, or sadness that the ride is over, or probably a bit of both. I have to admit that in my case the writing is the most enjoyable part, when I'm beholden to nobody but myself and my muse. Maybe I'm just a little scared of all the work promoting my book that lies ahead, and wish I could just go back to my little room where I can sit alone for hours and write some more.
I'm pretty much committed to self-publishing at this point, largely because of all the hurdles involved with traditional publishing experienced by Jim. I've written four books and working on number five, but if I had to go through all that I know it would be, well, not much fun. Self-publishing is very tough, but at least I don't have to wait for several editors, etc., to all sign off before releasing my book. If I didn't have the option then I suppose I would find a way to tolerate it because writing is what I do. I'm a writer. I write. Come what may. Finish one book, start the next. And I may yet take another run at traditional publishing, but I'm sure glad I'm living in the age when I have an option.
Keith wrote: "I'm pretty much committed to self-publishing at this point, largely because of all the hurdles involved with traditional publishing experienced by Jim. I've written four books and working on number..."Keith,
You may have misunderstood my initial post.
The editors, assigned by the publisher, do not sign-off on anything. The copy editor searches the original manuscript for any technical writing errors and corrects them. It is then turned over to the conceptual editor. He/she then works closely with the author, pointing out and discussing areas that could be improved upon. It is the author's prerogative whether or not to actually act upon the editor's advice or suggestions.
Once I had swallowed my pride and realized that the completed, polished manuscript, of which I had been so proud, was not yet complete nor polished, many of the editor's comments began to make sense. By the time the publisher was convinced that the manuscript was ready, the word count had been reduced from 126,000 to 111,000 and was, I must admit, really complete and polished this time.
The remaining months were spent working with the layout design artist, cover/spine/backmatter design artist, and professional narrator for the audio format.
I apologize for misleading you in the original message.
Jim wrote: "Keith wrote: "I'm pretty much committed to self-publishing at this point, largely because of all the hurdles involved with traditional publishing experienced by Jim. I've written four books and wor..."Thanks for taking the time to respond and to clarify, JIm. I do appreciate that. I still prefer the self-publishing route (although I definitely use editors because I believe EVERYONE needs editors), but thanks again for your perspective.
Gabriel wrote: "My most recent blog is about the feeling of emptiness I get when I've finished writing a book that I've worked on for a long, long time. You can read it at: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_p..."
I'm having a hard time letting go of Juror 1389: Dorsie Raines Renninger because I've been a speaking guest at several book clubs and have several more scheduled out into 2015. Reader questions keep me on my toes to remember everything about the characters and story. Inevitably, at the end of the meeting I get "What's the next book about? You are going to write one, aren't you?"
I'm concerned that since Dorsie is still active in my mind (and life) there might be some spill-over of her traits into a new character. I've got to find a way to block out Dorsie and get on with developing the new character.
G.T. wrote: "Gabriel wrote: "My most recent blog is about the feeling of emptiness I get when I've finished writing a book that I've worked on for a long, long time. You can read it at: https://www.goodreads.c..."
Maybe bring her back for further adventures? Sometimes readers love a character even more than the author. (Seems to me there was a little book called Misery about just that situation.)
To me, the writing never ends. I write non-fiction, and that might make what I do easier. I am currently writing four books simultaneously. There are a few things that I do every day (except Sunday and any day that I schedule off in advance).1. I write every day.
2. I read every day.
3. I promote my books every day.
4. I promote my speaking every day. (I am also a motivational speaker)
I also have things that I do weekly.
I have become very scheduled because that keeps my focus and makes me many times more productive than before I did.
I have three series and I find it difficult to make the switch from one to the next. I usually hold a week long reading marathon which helps clear my head of my last book's characters and style.
https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...