I was entirely (and at times, almost entirely) off all social networking sites for the exciting season during which I wrote my novel, Wolves and Men. Perhaps this is why it has come as a total shock to see all the information, advice, how-to blogs, and articles that are available on the topic of writing a novel.
Let me be clear: I have absolutely no intentions of telling anyone how to do that.
I think the process is probably different for everyone. And I think that if I had been exposed to the hurricane of information, warnings, steps, and guides that are out there, I never would have gotten around to finishing my project. Not only that, but I also think the majority of the information would have...as we like to say in my family, “scared the fire out of me” and intimidated me away from the daunting concept of writing a novel. So, I think that for me, at that time in my life, it was a blessing to be shielded from the onslaught of information, as it allowed me to focus without all the hype and pressure.
I'd like to share a few simple tools I used, which are not in anyway necessary for most people, but were helpful companions for me.
1. Eight O’Clock Coffee
Don’t get me wrong, I actually love coffee. I love exploring new flavors and often decide it’s worth the pretty penny it costs to indulge in a truly inspiring cup. However, writing was an almost daily (and nightly) form of “work” for me (that is, a joyful, incredibly fulfilling task, and so I use the term “work” very loosely). It happened at a desk. Alone. In privacy. And it demanded rhythm, routine, and discipline. On a daily basis, my five dollar bag of whole beans fit my needs just perfectly.
An added plus is that my drinking regular ol’ Joe- which I drink strictly black, by the way (though I have been known to emulsify)- gave me the added feeling of being in character, of being a real person in a real story, sans the frou-frou fancy stuff. I’d like to think that John Wayne wouldn’t blink an eye at being poured a hot cup of Eight O’Clock coffee- so why should I?
2. Sea Salt Dark Chocolate from Sprouts.
It’s full of antioxidants. It’s low on sugar. It pairs well with black coffee. It’s inexpensive. And again, it’s not for sissies.
3. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
This was a gift from my Aunt Christy, someone who has always fed my passion for reading and writing over the years. I admit that I didn’t read this little gem cover to cover, and I still intend to dig in and glean more tips from its pages. Looking back, I was keenly aware of my temptation to become too focused on “doing things right” or “not making amateur mistakes” and had to reign in my curiosity by limiting my exposure to writing tips. Now that I'm between long-term writing projects, I look forward to opening up this book by Goldberg to sharpen my skills for future projects.
4. The Wolves and Men Playlist
Since I’ve written an entire series on this topic, I’ll just leave you with the links for those articles.
5. Non-Writing Activities
Does this count as a tool? Probably not. But not writing was essential to my ability to figure out plot solutions, feel out character development, and decide on the perfect conclusion. I was largely inspired away from my work desk and away from my computer. These activities mostly included things I could do with my hands, such as cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and painting. But it also involved other physical activities like walking in the fresh air, swimming, and working out to my playlist.
In Conclusion:
I don’t really imagine a lot of people are going to go out now and get my favorite chocolate and coffee and feel inspired. But that’s really not the point. The point is that even though there are a multitude of apps, programs, networking circles, articles, and who-knows-what-else, most of my favorite authors didn’t need ANY of those things, and I think there is a real danger of getting bogged down in the conglomerate of today’s writing resources.
When I started writing Wolves and Men, I was living in a modest one-bedroom apartment with plain white walls and that ever-present “apartment smell.” I couldn’t afford lattes or macaroons, or anything else that would interest anyone on Instagram or sound good on your Twitter feed.
If I’m being completely honest, the Lord simply opened a lot of doors- doors of motivation, opportunity, and inspiration. He is constantly reminding me that this novel was never really about me, my credentials or abilities. It was for my good and His glory. And I sincerely hope the story- in my opinion, the very compelling story of Charlotte’s journey to healing and strength- benefits you, too.
In case you are just recently tuning in to Steep and Savor, you can get the e-book form of my novel HERE and a lot of other things are still JUST around the corner, including an interview, the paperback release date, and book signing events.
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What "tools" are most helpful to you as a writer, musician, or artist?
What coffee/tea best fits your needs on a daily basis?
What are your absolute essentials for helping you get work done Monday-Friday (or whatever your work week may look like)?
