My head has been buried in my next book, but I thought I'd leave the writing forest for awhile and blog about the process. Hope this helps some other writers.
Here are a few 30,000 foot observations:
1) Writing is praying with a keyboard. That is my biggest revelation this time around. My books are 200-page prayers.
2) I used to hate editing because my ego was too fragile. I don't know how, but somewhere between the last book and this book I've fallen in love with the editing process. Why? Because my ultimate goal is to make this the best book possible. My editors give me an outside perspective that gives me so much more perspective on my writing.
3) I'm more of a right-brain writer, but that can be frustrating for left-brain readers. My editor has helped me write with a little more linear logic without losing the right-brain creativity. And a big part of that is simply helping the reader identify the problem you want to help them with.
4) I want to write prophetic words. That's been my prayer this week as I finish final edits. I want people to be able to pinpoint one paragraph or one page that changed their life.
5) Writing is like letting someone into your brain. For better or for worse, welcome to my brain. It's an act of transparency.
6) You've got to have tremendous tenacity. That's what it comes down to. I've been gutting it out this week. My short-term memory is shot. I'm seeing spots. But I'm going to get this book done.
7) I have a love/hate relationship with deadlines. They stress me out, but because of my perfectionism, I need deadlines. Without a deadline I'd never get done.
Here are a few 30,000 foot observations:
1) Writing is praying with a keyboard. That is my biggest revelation this time around. My books are 200-page prayers.
2) I used to hate editing because my ego was too fragile. I don't know how, but somewhere between the last book and this book I've fallen in love with the editing process. Why? Because my ultimate goal is to make this the best book possible. My editors give me an outside perspective that gives me so much more perspective on my writing.
3) I'm more of a right-brain writer, but that can be frustrating for left-brain readers. My editor has helped me write with a little more linear logic without losing the right-brain creativity. And a big part of that is simply helping the reader identify the problem you want to help them with.
4) I want to write prophetic words. That's been my prayer this week as I finish final edits. I want people to be able to pinpoint one paragraph or one page that changed their life.
5) Writing is like letting someone into your brain. For better or for worse, welcome to my brain. It's an act of transparency.
6) You've got to have tremendous tenacity. That's what it comes down to. I've been gutting it out this week. My short-term memory is shot. I'm seeing spots. But I'm going to get this book done.
7) I have a love/hate relationship with deadlines. They stress me out, but because of my perfectionism, I need deadlines. Without a deadline I'd never get done.
10 Comments:
great set of tips... i personally don't think I would ever finish writing anything if I didn't have a deadline, I would just keep adjusting, editing, moving, thinking, thinking, thinking...
outstanding Mark... thanks a bunch!
Thanks Mark. Good insights.
4) "I want to write prophetic words."
Just wanted to say the The Wild Goose Chase had many prophetic words in it for me! Can't wait for your next book! Thanks for writing.
Thanks for saying more in a paragraph than most bloggers say in pages.
Loved the statement: "Writing is praying with a key board in hand".
very helpful, thanks for the advice Mark. (I am one of those guys that will tell you this sentence or that paragraph changed my life... I am starting a church in Jan 2010, I attribute WGC as what pushed me to take the jump - Thank you)
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Barbara
http://keyboardpiano.net
Found this link from catalyst website. I just finished my first book...your 7 lessons are so true!
Found this link from catalyst website. I just finished my first book...your 7 lessons are so true!
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