But it set me to thinking about writing in general. I know a large number of people who say they would like to finish a novel, if only they had the time. So as someone who has had this writing (for lack of a better word) hobby paying reasonable dividends for the last few years, alongside a demanding 'real' job, I feel at least qualified to comment on that count.
And because I do from time to time field questions not only of the sexual sort but also of the getting published sort, I'll write my Top Tips here.
Don't worry, it won't take much away from your writing process, because it can be summed up thusly:
Get writing, stay writing, and don't say no.
This is the point at which I would like to introduce my special guests, Bell Biv DeVoe, to break it down for you...
...only they weren't available (since 1991) so I'll have to do it myself.
1. Get writing.
It was a far more prolific and talented writer than me who once said 'don't get it right, get it written.' In the last week alone I've witnessed an endless discussion of whether Scrivener was the right writing tool, what word count is considered sufficient day's work, and how to find a good agent - all by people who have, as yet, not completed a single book between them. I do not consider this insignificant. Correlation does not necessarily equal causation, but... ya know.
2. Stay writing.
Once the ball is rolling, keep it rolling. Have you heard of the Jerry Seinfeld method? Don't break the chain. Even if it never sees the light of day, write something every day, make it a habit. Make it your job to write regularly, even if it doesn't pay (yet). Better yet, edit your writing every day too. Genius is the relentless application of attention.
3. Don't say no.
One of T's exes was a public figure of medium-ish fame who has lately disappeared from public view. It wasn't because she was surpassed by prettier, more talented types; it's because she was constantly waiting for the ideal next offer. I've tried not to do that because what comes easily can go just as easily and there is no such thing as irreplaceable talent in media.
What I thought would be a flash in the pan has turned into a book, then three, with three yet to come, not to mention three series of the TV adaptation. Why? Because when people made offers, I didn't say no. They weren't always what I wanted on the surface, and I could rightfully be accused of selling out. But there has been opportunity, in each of those, to turn them into an approximation of what I wanted. Which over time has given me far more freedom to do precisely what I want to, because people know I deliver, and are therefore more likely to trust my judgement.
Oh, there's one more thing: Try to be nice.
Of course, this writing lark could - and probably will - end at any time. But since I am still amazed that anyone reads my writing at all, much less wants to publish it, still less pay folding money to own it, a feeling of gratitude has kept me going even through the frustration.
Everyone likes a cat fight and I have occasionally been happy to step up to the bitch plate. But snarling attacks have their place and that place is far, far away from the people who make your contracts and buy your books. A big fuck-you attitude is brilliant for content, but poison for the day-to-day interactions publishers, agents, and readers. I like 99% of the people I interact with in this role and love to keep it that way. Attitude problems are the enemy of Getting Shit Done.
That's it, really. I'd write a book about it but it would be a very short book!
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