December 7, 2009

Are you a hero

              

 

              or a fool?

 

 

 

 

I had never considered the question in regards to writing–until this past weekend when I was reading James Scott Bell’s new book, The Art of War for Writers: fiction writing strategies, tactics, and exercises.

Fools Rush In…

This book is written in very short chapters, just right for my weekend, which entailed a multitude of car trips back and forth across town. I just read as I was carted from place to place. You may be familiar with Bell’s other writing craft books (one of my favorites is Plot & Structure), but this book is different.

In addition to the section where Bell helps writers pull their stories up another professional notch or two, he has sections on how to plan and behave in the writing world. I was particularly struck by his comments on heroes and fools in today’s writing world. I’ll describe both, according to Bell. I hope you find yourself much more in one category than the other!

You’re a Fool If…

• you think publishing should happen for you immediately
• you don’t think you have much to learn
• you demand to be noticed even if your writing stinks
• you get knocked down and whine about it forever

You’re a Hero If…

• you know it takes hard work and a long time to get published
• you learn your craft, always studying to get better
• you fight to make your writing worthy, even when no one notices
• you get knocked down and you quietly regroup to write again

I think you get the idea. I’m sorry to say that in our “instant gratification” world, I’ve seen a faster growth in fools lately than in heroes. However, if you’re a writer who recognizes himself in the “fool” category above, it’s never too late to change. If you haven’t alienated editors and agents with your foolish behavior, so much the better.

Be honest with yourself. If you recognize yourself in the foolish description, resolve to change. Choose humility and hard work instead of arrogance and laziness. You’ll endear yourself to other writers as well as agents and editors. And you’ll prepare yourself for a long and satisfying writing career.

Be a hero.

No Comments »

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL

Leave a comment

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website