“Put down everything that comes into your head and then you’re a writer. But an author is one who can judge his own stuff’s worth, without pity, and destroy most of it.”
~ Colette, Casual Chance, 1964
I’m deep into the editing process for my memoir right now. It’s a strange process, crafting your own story.
The only way that I can do it successfully is to become fully immersed in the story. It’s no good to do a bit here, and a bit there. It takes time for me to get into that place of flow, so it’s easier to simply sink down into it and keep going. That means no socialising, no work, no phone calls or facebook or being on tap for others. Right now I need to be front and centre for myself.
I’d thought that at this stage of the rewrite I would be a manuscript surgeon. Objective, detached, interested only in the problems and the process of rectification or amputation. But it’s not like that at all. To write my life, I have been walking that road in my mind. I have to put myself there, so that all becomes real again. Now, again.
I must admit I’ve been struggling too, with style. I have some literary bits, some introspective bits. Especially near the front of the book. You know, trying to craft an impressive beginning and all that… As I read over it, the words didn’t flow the way I wanted them to. I wasn’t sure what to do. Then Rosie wrote a comment on my blog;
Nicole, you couldn’t write crap if you tried! You go girl and write as you do here. Your following on this blog should tell you that we love the way you write. Hugs and crystal sparkles (you know which crystal!) xxx
A lightbulb came on for me. I stopped writing for imaginary judges and agents and publishers. I started writing for you, dear readers. Just like I would write any blog post. Just the way I’d tell you any of my stories.
Oh my goodness, Rosie! A thousand hugs, a box of chocolates, a big sloppy kiss. You’re a genius, woman!!!
I’m recrafting my beginning as though I was writing my blog. Telling it all the way it happened, with the usual out-falling of emotion and honest confession.
I guess that after one thousand odd posts here on Cauldrons and Cupcakes I’ve found my voice after all. Who’d have thought?
Thank you, lovelies. You are all much more a part of this unfolding story than you or I could ever have imagined. Bless <3 xx
Glad I was of some use. You help me on a daily basis one way or another with your blog and website so thank you. With much love. XX
Keep going Nic – I can’t wait to hold your memoir in my hands. The real actual book! I know you’ll get there! xx
Bravo to you and to Rosie for her great advice! The way that you generously share your beautiful spirit on your blog each day benefits us all. I look forward to each new post, as I know it will touch my heart! It’s a rare thing (IMHO) to be able to do that – and I’m sure your book will do the same : ) Sending hugs of support!
That’s really good advice. I find reading it aloud helps redraft and recraft sections. Good luck and I understand the need to immerse. Must now blog off and get on with it!
Bless you Rosie …
Rosie has just voiced the opinion of all of us out here that enjoy your blog on a daily basis . Your writing is excellent and should be publishing my darling . Good luck with your book it will be a best seller .
Cherryx
Yes I will want to read your book when it is finished as like Rosie I like the way you write
Rosie is right!
I’m glad you listened to Rosie. She’s absolutely right. Your blog writing is wonderful to read and you don’t need to change your style one bit. I often find myself wishing there was more when I get to the end of some of your posts.
You are an inspiration. Thank you.
Wow! It is amazing what the Universe & God does for us to see the path we are supposed to be on & how He sends messages to us in a way that we will recognize & hopefully listen to once they have been laid out in front of us. It is so funny that I saw this, because I have been really focusing on my “soul’s mission” & what it is that I need to do & learn while I am here. I have often said maybe I should write a book, that has gone on for about 5 years or so, but as of late it really has been nagging at me. But has really been on my mind much more than usual the past week or so. I have asked the angels & guides to help me to “know” what it is that I need to do & to make it obvious. They answer when you ask…because the last couple of days I have really been thinking about writing & wondering if that is the direction I need to go…one of my concerns was about how to publish a book, I don’t know the first thing about it, so that was a major obstacle holding me back…it is so funny that there has been at least 3 or 4 different websites or posts that have talked about publishing & writing. Your post was one of them, because I also was unsure of my writing style & I too would try to write it perfectly for what I thought a publisher would be looking for. After I read your post, it clicked for me too! Your post was one of the many signs & just the “icing on the cake” to give me the sign that writing is one of my callings & to just go for it! I am so glad I was blessed to see your post & thank you for sharing that because that was the affirmation I needed. Love & light to you & those you love…& I wish you the very best with your writing endeavor!!
~ Stephanie
I am recording my life, my thoughts, my dreams and in the process healing some rough spots by creating 52 Divas. It is a visual chronicle instead of a written one and I am the Diva in all of the paintings. I thought I could create one Diva a week for a year, hence the number 52, but I quickly realized that life has its on rhythm and my goal was unrealistic. I know about ebb and flow in the creative process. I decided that it was more important to create the Diva when she wanted to tell a story and forget about the time frame. I have retained the number 52 because it still signifies a cycle.
So Nicole, I send lots of creative light to your muse and await your book when it decides to finish the story.
Yes ‘who’d have thunk’ Your blog posts always hit the spot, so well done Rosie for ricocheting you back to your ‘real’ writing style. xx
I swear I saw that comment and fully agreed in my mind. Some people just know how to cut through the crap and tell it straight. You write in an easy to read way. That’s why I keep coming back for more. I have a friend who writes a lot of flowery prose. I can’t read it. It irritates me to no end. I adore her but not her writing style. I’m a cut to the chase kind of person. Maybe it’s the Virgo but tell me what happened, how it made you feel and what you did about it. 🙂 Maybe a little to pragmatic for some. I’m looking forward to reading your story in full so I will be patient.
Yay for Rosie for the great advice and yay for you for picking it up and going for it! You can do it!!! Am so looking forward to ordering this book. Have fun and enjoy 😘
Who would have thought lol 😜 excellent advice Rosie!
Brilliant – I love when the universe drops you the answer like that. Yahh for Rosie!
I love how you write Nicole, You draw pictures with words.:))
I can’t wait for the finished book!
Well done that woman, Rosie, and well done you. Will be fab to read it (as it is with everything you do here). Xx