Keith Ward's Blog - Posts Tagged "novel"
Priorities
I wrote a little bit in the morning yesterday. I'm working on a new book, and starting to dig into my characters -- always my favorite part of writing. I had a day off of my paying job (as a magazine editor), and could have spent the whole workday writing. But I didn't.
Instead, I played a game with my youngest son. He loves a game called Warhammer. It's actually more of a hobby than just a game -- it involves building, painting and playing games with small, plastic models. So I wrote a bit in the morning, and then took him out to a store were Warhammer gamers gather to play on these huge boards set up for battles. It takes a long time to play a typical game -- yesterday's took us more than three hours, and it wasn't a big game.
The point of this is that I gave up a healthy slice of writing time to spend time with my son. My desire, as is typically the case, was to do more writing. But ultimately, the day was much better spent with my boy, even if the novel had to suffer for it. In the end, it's a matter of priorities. If I don't prioritize my family, I think my regret will far outweigh any satisfaction gained by cranking out a new book that much more quickly.
My wife and kids like the fact that I'm engaging in this new career, even though it will likely always be part-time. They encourage me to keep at it. But if I lose sight of what's important to them -- the time I spend with them -- then I've failed, even if I became a best-selling author. It's not an easy thing; I write it as if the decision is as simple as blinking. The reality, though, is that writers tend to think about writing an awful lot, even when they're not writing, and many of us who can't do it full time (which is most of us) wish we could spend a lot more time writing. I know I do.
I did the right thing, though, yesterday. Less writing, more time with my son. Yes, it was a good day.
Instead, I played a game with my youngest son. He loves a game called Warhammer. It's actually more of a hobby than just a game -- it involves building, painting and playing games with small, plastic models. So I wrote a bit in the morning, and then took him out to a store were Warhammer gamers gather to play on these huge boards set up for battles. It takes a long time to play a typical game -- yesterday's took us more than three hours, and it wasn't a big game.
The point of this is that I gave up a healthy slice of writing time to spend time with my son. My desire, as is typically the case, was to do more writing. But ultimately, the day was much better spent with my boy, even if the novel had to suffer for it. In the end, it's a matter of priorities. If I don't prioritize my family, I think my regret will far outweigh any satisfaction gained by cranking out a new book that much more quickly.
My wife and kids like the fact that I'm engaging in this new career, even though it will likely always be part-time. They encourage me to keep at it. But if I lose sight of what's important to them -- the time I spend with them -- then I've failed, even if I became a best-selling author. It's not an easy thing; I write it as if the decision is as simple as blinking. The reality, though, is that writers tend to think about writing an awful lot, even when they're not writing, and many of us who can't do it full time (which is most of us) wish we could spend a lot more time writing. I know I do.
I did the right thing, though, yesterday. Less writing, more time with my son. Yes, it was a good day.
Words Yesterday
About 400 words yesterday (explanation for what this means is here). Normally I'd have an exact count, but I made an addition to an earlier chapter, so this is a rough estimate.
Also had lunch with a good friend. We talked about my new novel, and he suggested an alternate title. It's really good, and I may just go with it. It's currently called "Now I See", but he suggested "The Prisoner." It's more dramatic, and keeps some of the mystery and double meaning from "Now I See." I've got to mull it over awhile, but I'm definitely feeling it right now.
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I'm considering starting up a local Christian writers group. Writing can be a lonely business, and it's good to have a support group (of sorts). Getting feedback on works in progress is also very valuable. It's also just fun to get together with other writers and share those concerns that only other writers have. I don't have a ton of time to devote to it, but a monthly meeting shouldn't be too hard to manage. Now we just have to figure out where. I'm considering local libraries and local coffee shops. I like the coffee shop idea more, but if the place is busy, we may not have enough room to meet. The library space can be reserved for free. I'm still leaning coffee shop -- just feels like a more creative environment. We'll see. I've got a handful of people interested so far. If you're a local (i.e. Carroll County, MD) writer who's also a Christian, let me know if you'd be interested in such a group.
Also had lunch with a good friend. We talked about my new novel, and he suggested an alternate title. It's really good, and I may just go with it. It's currently called "Now I See", but he suggested "The Prisoner." It's more dramatic, and keeps some of the mystery and double meaning from "Now I See." I've got to mull it over awhile, but I'm definitely feeling it right now.
--
I'm considering starting up a local Christian writers group. Writing can be a lonely business, and it's good to have a support group (of sorts). Getting feedback on works in progress is also very valuable. It's also just fun to get together with other writers and share those concerns that only other writers have. I don't have a ton of time to devote to it, but a monthly meeting shouldn't be too hard to manage. Now we just have to figure out where. I'm considering local libraries and local coffee shops. I like the coffee shop idea more, but if the place is busy, we may not have enough room to meet. The library space can be reserved for free. I'm still leaning coffee shop -- just feels like a more creative environment. We'll see. I've got a handful of people interested so far. If you're a local (i.e. Carroll County, MD) writer who's also a Christian, let me know if you'd be interested in such a group.
