Advice From My Authors
By Elisabeth Weed | October 3, 2014 |
Flickr Creative Commons: Jean Henrique Wichinoski
I’ve spent the last year offering agent advice on Writer Unboxed—everything from writing query letters to maintaining an open and productive working relationship with your representative. As I sit down today, I fear I may be fresh out of wisdom of my own, but as I think of some of the best advice I’ve learned during my 15 years in the business, it’s advice I’ve learned from the amazing group of authors I am lucky enough to work with every day. Whether they are on their first or tenth book, these men and women continue to teach me things about both the business and the craft of writing—and as I look at this list below, general tenants in which to live your life–each and every day. So without further ado, advice from my authors:
Slow Down. We are always being told to write faster, publish quicker, tweet more and sleep less. Okay, I added the last bit, but with all the focus on the “noise” authors are asked to make for their books, I sometimes wonder when they are supposed to sleep. I’ve had long conversations about this breakneck speed with several of my authors, who have simply decided that it’s not for them and that they are both happier and more productive when focusing on writing and the rest of their private lives.
Don’t Rush Others. This could fall into a subset of slowing down, but needs repeating. I represent a former editor who told me in the midst of auctioning his book that he wanted me to slow down and give editors time to really consider the book. There is a strategy in having a quick sale but he, rightly so, reminded me that it takes time for an entire house– from editor to publisher to sales and publicity–to make a decision about a book. They need to truly consider not just whether they like it but how they they publish it. And being the fastest to the plate doesn’t necessarily mean you are the best.
Be Nice. I’ve talked about this before, but it’s my genuinely kind and thoughtful authors that remind me again and again, that good people do finish first.
Be Bold. Being nice doesn’t mean you are a pushover. In several instances over the years, I’ve received offers on books that were less enthusiastic than both the author and I had hoped for. A bird in hand is often hard to turn down, but if your gut tells you an offer is not right, be bold and confident and walk away from it. If that publisher wanted you, someone else will too. It’s something I’ve learned time and time again from authors who truly believed in themselves and what they were doing.
Exercise. One of my longest standing authors has a history of calling me from her elliptical…that is until she discovered yoga, and then she would tell me about it ad nauseum until I drank the koolaid and started going myself. She said it was the only way she was able to write. I have found as I age that there’s nothing better for my own work brain than an hour away from my computer, running or playing tennis. In fact, I now schedule exercise just as I would a meeting and find that it makes me that much more effective. And happy.
Watch Less TV. One of my authors manages to write on a really quick schedule and also raises a family of young boys. How does she do it? No TV. I used to thumb my nose at people who didn’t watch TV, but as life got busier for me, with young children, and an enormous amount to read, I realized something had to give and frankly, TV was the least interesting. (Well, with the exception of Breaking Bad.)
Be Thankful. Many of my authors are exceptional gift givers, and I am not talking about fancy overpriced gifts but little tokens that say, I am grateful to you. Now when someone does something nice, like sends a referral my way, I am sure to take them to lunch or if they aren’t in town, send along a little something that let’s them know how much they are appreciated.
I had a few other more specific little gems on this list but I realize that the above list can really be advice for life and not just the writing life. Of course these authors have also given me some of the best parenting advice as well, but that’s for another post. ;)
What advice as writers do you rely on and dole out?
Elisabeth Weed formed Weed Literary LLC in 2007. Prior to that, she worked as a literary agent at Curtis Brown, Kneerim and Williams and Trident Media Group. Weed Literary is hands-on in every stage of the publishing process, from developing proposals, to submitting books to the all of the major houses and negotiating contracts with those houses, to involvement in marketing and publicity of books, as well as in the selling of foreign and film rights.
Wonderful post. I like the reiminder to slow down. My favorite bit of advice is to keep writing. One of the few guarantees in this business is that if you don’t finish the manuscript it won’t get published.
The only time I watch TV is while I’m exercising (and when I’m too exhausted to write at night). I have no idea what’s happening on the latest shows or which night of TV is the best, but I’m super-content being a writer.
Thanks for these solid tips, Elisabeth!
Thanks for this. But I think I’m going to have to go against the TV tide. I find great jumping off points from plot lines, dialogue, setting, and characters from television shows. Everything from, yes, Breaking Bad, to Mad Men to The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones and House of Cards. And, as Stacey said, some nights the brain is running on empty and I crave entertainment (and inspiration) that is simply handed to me. That said, I wholeheartedly agree with the writing wisdom shared from your authors.
What a breath of fresh air, Elisabeth. Love the zen attitude. I’m sure it would serve us all well to take your advice to heart.
Now, I’m off to yoga!
Denise Willson
Author of A Keeper’s Truth
Elisabeth, good thoughts here! I do watch TV but selectively. I have to agree with Densie because I like to examine how stories work on certain TV shows. The Penny Dreadful series was fascinating to follow how they plotted story and presented characters, backstories, etc. I also like House of Cards and Homeland to examine character arcs and motivation. Story is story whether it’s in a book, short story, play, or TV drama. I especially like to analyze the denouements of stories to see how authors handle that. In True Detective, I found the ending to be satisfying and exciting but so cliche. The show was tremendously suspenseful and that’s an art in itself. And I’m learning that not ever story fulfills and some very successful stories have their holes and weaknesses.
Elizabeth–
Thanks for giving us an agent insider’s list of what her clients have advised. I certainly appreciate the points raised, especially “be bold,” “be nice,” and “be thankful.” As for “slow down,” my own impulse as a writer is to block out the clarion call to write as fast as I can, to finish one manuscript, and without pause plunge into the next. But I also know that those who quickly develop more titles are at the same time creating more opportunities for marketing. And since marketing often seems to make a huge difference…
About “don’t rush others”: the illustration you offer wouldn’t seem to apply to very many of us. You were representing a former editor, i.e., someone known to others in the business. And the book in question was sufficiently in-demand for you to hold an auction. In such a situation, not rushing to take the first deal offered makes obvious good sense. But as a writer who has more than once been taken on by an agent, and put on year-plus “hold” before finally being cut loose, I no longer understand “patience.” I’ve come to believe that any agent with clout can get material read sooner rather than later. This, too, is based on personal experience.
I’m not your client, and I hope offering some advice of my own won’t seem a breach of guest-post etiquette. But here’s my take on where patience matters. If an agent takes you on, but lacks either the knowledge, interest or patience to help you refine the manuscript before sending it out to editors–beware. You may be dealing with what’s called a “throw it against the wall” agent. And yes, this caution is also based on personal experience.
Thanks again. Agenting issues have always been high-profile with writers, and are even more so these days. I appreciate learning what your clients have had to say.
Amen to the no-TV. I actually can’t imagine how any mother of young children finds the time, let alone a writing mom. My other advice is this (and I can’t say that I’ve mastered it in the least) – Don’t compare yourself to other authors – this is not a contest. I know, I know, maybe it is because we’re all trying to get published, but really – no one can write what you write. So just write from your heart and don’t try to impress anyone or imitate anyone. You are enough and that’s good because you can’t be any more than you are. There’s some zen for ya!
Mind-body, so very true about exercise, esp one that appeals to you personally. So many of the other suggestions are easier to try/do when also trying to be fit. Thanks so much, Elisabeth (smiles).
Elisabeth-
I sometimes wish authors would work in my office for a week. The world of writing looks different from the agent’s perch.
I gave up TV in the year 2000. I don’t own one. Yes, I’ve missed “Breaking Bad” but gained a thousand reading experiences I would otherwise have squandered for “Jeopardy”.
To your wise list I can only add one thing: Focus. For so many authors it’s misplaced. Focus on story, what it says and the effect you want to have.
When authors are poorly focused they forget that their fiction has a purpose. Lose that purpose and you lose your power. Embrace that purpose and all other problems fade away.
You might even give up TV.
Great advice, Elisabeth! I especially like the part about slowing down–authors don’t hear nearly enough of that these days. As an editor, I try to gently remind my authors of that when stress levels are reaching a peak. Yes to yoga! Thanks for sharing.
Excellent post – and thank you. In response to your question: the advice I give and follow is to keep your own writing in perspective. Writing is a crucially significant part of my life, without which I would not feel whole or connected to myself, without which my days might not have the fullness of meaning they have when I lose myself in the work of words. But it is not everything, and having trouble with writing, publishing, all the vicissitudes of the life, are to me such an insignificant kind of trouble compared to the troubles that exist in the world. Believing that, knowing that, keeps my oh-so-important poetry, essays, picture books and middle grade novel that I would love to publish in perspective.
Lately I’ve been hearing from other writers, over and over, “Don’t give up.” It’s been especially helpful when I recently hit a rut which left me seriously considering if I can actually succeed in this writing dream. It has been so helpful (and yes, a bit scary) to know that so many published authors have been in the same boat and have plowed through obstacles that otherwise might have left them turning away from writing altogether. Perseverance really seems to be what makes the difference!
Oh, and a piece of advice along those same lines: don’t put the cart before the horse. With all the attention on social media and platform building these days, it’s easy for aspiring writers to lose sight of their most important task–finishing the manuscript and giving adequate attention to revisions. It’s great to begin learning about promotion strategies and laying groundwork, but above all, stay focused and finish the book!
Don’t forget to have fun!
:)
When in serious flow, no socializing. I use “socializing” as a euphemism for drinking! Too much wine with friends the night before makes me edgy and physically uncomfortable when I hit the keyboard at 5 a.m. My mind wanders to carbohydrates and naps … It makes my weekends pretty boring when I’m in the writing zone, but I find that keeps me productive.
You’re right, this is terrific advice for life in general!
I’ve found myself doling out Stephen King’s advice to my writer friends more and more often, which is not to get hung up on one manuscript. I have so many friends who write one story and then get stuck on it, revising it for years and shopping it around to no avail.
I say, write stories all the time. Always be working on something new. If you write something, awesome! Put the first draft away for six months and start working on something different. In six months, you can come back and start revisions with new eyes and a clear perspective.
Ideas beget ideas, so write them as they come to you and remember: This is supposed to be fun!
Fabulous. I agree whole heartedly, as a Process Oriented Therapist as well as an author, with every single piece of advice you give.
I would also say to all of us, follow your own writing process, write out of love as well as possibility of money and enjoy, wherever possible, even through the tough parts!
Sorry so late to this discussion. Great advice, from everyone!
My own two cents: Strive for balance!!
Writing too much can kill the wrists and back, and produce a really flat butt. Writing too little can kill the spirit and create flat characters. Drinking too much, well, we all know what that can do. But a great glass of wine on a Friday night can be the perfect addition to a weekend meal. Sleeping too much is escaping rather than refreshing. Sleeping too little ages us more quickly. Surround yourself with people who have good energy. Exercise accordingly, drink lots of water, eat the stuff you know is good for you, have the occasional naughty meal. Take a walk, take a trip, take in a movie. Really, just stay balanced. Not only will you be happier and less stressed, your writing will directly reflect how you live your daily life. After all, your creation is an extension of you!
As Thoreau said, “Moderation in all things…”