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January 18, 2008
Flying Free
There is one really good thing about a long plane ride. And that is, if you bring a book along, you will read it. And, if it's a book with writing exercises (like Chapter After Chapter, by Heather Sellers), you will do the exercises.
You see, I generally don't do the exercises in writing books. I have good intentions but we all know about good intentions. But there I was on the plane with nary a People magazine in sight and with Heather's book on my lap, and a brand new journal in my bag. I did nearly every single exercise -- and that's a record for me. I got a lot out of the one which required that you make a list of everything you don't know about your book. You may think that might be discouraging, but it was actually freeing. . .and eye-opening. And I spent yesterday afternoon making homework assignments for myself (one of the other exercises) to keep me on task and writing as I head off for a week of bookstore and school visits for the paperback tour of Hattie.
But the best exercise of all was exercise 24 which asked you to write a termination letter to the demon-editor within. I have to confess, since Hattie won the Newbery Honor, my internal editor -- I've named her Miss Priss-- had gotten quite smug and full of herself. I could hardly finish typing a sentence before she was right in my face, telling me how stupid it was, that it didn't measure up to Hattie, that I was doing it all wrong.
Here's how I started the letter:
Dear Miss Priss,
I regret to inform you that your services are no longer needed. I'm fully aware that Hattie Big Sky won a Newbery Honor and that that is a BIG DEAL. I am also fully aware of the fact that the new story is nowhere near the level of Hattie.
But Hattie has its flaws and it was pretty wretched early on, too. . .Right now, I want to feel proud of myself again and I can't if I don't get this manuscript finished. And I can't get this manuscript finished with you in the same office.
I wish you the best in finding another placement.
Sincerely,
Kirby
I have to tell you, writing that letter felt terrific! Maybe it would help you, too. Just try it. Trust me, you won't feel foolish -- you'll feel insanely relieved to have that old battle-axe out of your work space.
I'd share more but I've got a crummy first draft to get back to!
Posted by kirby at January 18, 2008 08:48 AM