Writing books is tough. No two ways about it. You do it alone, day in-day out because you’ve got to produce the work that readers are going to expect. You constantly second-guess your story and your characters; Are they good enough? Is this really going to work as a novel?
I can’t speak for other writers, but I know that I get very focussed once I’m into the writing process. I’ll be hammering away at the keyboard all day and don’t like distractions that pull me out of my zone, so to speak. It was only two days ago that I learned the lesson that, while this is productive, there is a balance to be struck.
I have my partner to thank for highlighting this to me. I’d had a good day writing my latest work in progress and we were talking about our plans for the next day. I mentioned that I would, as usual, be behind the computer, smashing through the word count. As an aside, I happened to mention that one of my literary heroes, Gerald Seymour, was giving a presentation at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. My partner asked me why I wasn’t going to see him and I came up with the usual ‘…prioritising my writing…’ justification.
She then stated that I should really go to the event, that I would enjoy it and probably learn some valuable points from such an esteemed author. I countered with several reasons revolving around the expense of travelling down to sit in a room with a huge crowd and not really have any engagement. Her next statement surprised me and gave me pause for thought: ‘You should really go. You never really do anything outside of the writing.’
Now, she wasn’t complaining about our social lives as we make sure that we enjoy our free time together. What she was getting at was that when it comes to writing, all I do is write. Here was the chance to meet ‘the best thriller writer in the world’ according to the Sunday Telegraph, and I was dismissing it to spend another eight or so hours typing in the porch? She told me that I should definitely go and guaranteed me that I would enjoy it.
Her words struck a chord and I recognised the truth in what she was saying. The writing can’t just be about the writing. Influence, inspiration, validation, motivation. None of these traits can be completely nurtured by the self; they require external providers from time to time to refresh them.
So, I found myself taking the train to Edinburgh, (editing a first draft MS throughout the journey. Old habits and all that…) moderately enthused about the forthcoming event. Entering the event location I was stunned to see so many people in attendance. The thriller genre is clearly alive and well among the readers visiting the EIBF. Gerald then took to the stage with the compere and made their introductions.
For the remainder of the presentation I was absolutely rapt. Gerald was witty, smart, self-deprecating and a great speaker. He spoke of his writing process, his approach to research, how he remains current despite being in his fortieth year of writing books based around espionage and suspense. His anecdotes were fascinating and he related how he fed them into his novels.
I left that presentation with a renewed sense of motivation and determination to be good at what I do. I picked up some real gems of information to aid and assist my writing from one of the world’s best. In short, I had one of the most productive experiences of my writing career, despite not spending eight hours on the lap-top. And all because my partner gave me the kick up the arse that I needed to recognise the real value in something.
I read my first Gerald Seymour book, Harry’s Game, in 1984 and bought his latest, A Damned Serious Business, yesterday, 15 August 2018. Having started reading it last night, I am already as invested in ADSB as the sallow, 16-year old me had been in the pages of Harry’s Game.
This was a good lesson for me. That, yes, a writer needs to write otherwise there is nothing for people to read. But also that we need to step away from the keyboard now and again and expose ourselves to positive influences and experiences to help motivate us and maintain our passion for what we do.
In short, sometimes it’s necessary to close the lid of the lap-top to inspire us to be better writers.
