I’ve not blogged much lately because I’ve been working on the new book. I turned in a rough/rough draft a month ago and got some good feedback from my editors. Now I’m revising that draft into an actual rough draft, and after that we will polish it into a publishable piece.
Somebody asked me while we were on the bike trip whether writing a book is harder than riding a bike across America. The truth is they are both pretty hard, but I think writing a book is more difficult. Physical work is also challenging, but with physical work you can just make your body do it. It’s not like that with mental work. If it’s not there, it’s not there, and you just end up writing a bunch of words you will throw away the next day. Also, riding across the country was a team effort. For some reason, when there are fifteen other people getting up at the crack of dawn to start out on the road, you don’t even question it. You just get on the bike and start pedaling. But when you wake up and have to face a book alone, you have to exercise a great deal more discipline. If you are somebody who can do what they don’t feel like doing for hours every day, you have part of what it takes to be a good writer.
Mental work is a nest for second guesses and insecurities. You are always wondering weather the work is good. I’m amazed at how hard it is to capture a distinctive voice from day to day and even hour to hour. In the morning, my voice is more didactic and in the evening it’s playful. And you can’t fake either. So the trick, somehow, is to write in the morning and then revise at night to capture a consistent voice. Otherwise the reader has a jerky experience going through the book. It’s odd to have to work around moods. It’s like working around the weather. When the inspiration hits, you run to the fields and plow as fast as you can, and when it’s gone, you still do the work, but fewer of the crops you planted that day ever break the ground.
Still, there is no better feeling than wrapping up a few good paragraphs. And I mean that. There’s no better feeling. I’m a junky for the experience. It doesn’t happen every day, and you have to go looking for it. It’s out there in the forest and you walk around turning over leaves and rocks not even certain what you are looking for, just whatever it was Lewis found at the back of the wardrobe. Maybe it’s a door, but you never see the face of it. You can’t tell at the moment you pass through the door, you can only tell when you come back to the world that you had just been somewhere else. You realize you were pleasantly alone in your head and the weather came in, and it was only you and the story. You were a cabin in the woods with a light on, even if you were in a coffee shop or your living room. The only things you knew were the story and the dog. And even the dog got quiet at your feet. I’ve never understood why Lucy gets quiet, but she does, every time. Lets hope it happens again today. I have to take Lucy for a walk. She’s crawling into my lap even now.
I really enjoyed that. I felt like I was reading one of your books, and it just inspired me once again.
Can’t wait to read your new book!
God bless,
Stephen
I always hate it when my mood holds me back from writing well. Why can’t it just always flow like a river? I’m not sure. But I totally get what you are saying.
I was curious as to what role Lucy was playing into your writing schedule. I have a bad habit of using my pooch as an excuse. He’ll be dead asleep and I’ll get all huffy. “C’mon, Gus! If you just can’t wait to go on your walk I guess we’ll go now!” He’s just like “what”? Can’t wait for the read, friend!
Thanks for this piece today. I write for an online magazine (BWC…you might know of it) but I have a full-time job. I want to write every day. Every book I read about writing says I must write every day. I can’t. But if I don’t write often then I may not breathe at all. I’m serious.
I want to write more but I am frequently found in the forest just wandering around. Penny is great – she loves everything I turn in and encourages me to push on. And Jordan offers great structure and deadlines. I am a part of an amazing writing community (and today we are all online and plotting) and it’s. just. so. good.
But I needed someone to write to me today, to write about the struggle and the voice and consistency. So thanks. Writers need more cheerleaders.
yep. that’s it exactly. well said.
thanks for the writing tips and inspiration. all the best on your new book!
Here’s hoping you continue to persevere through all the mental work! I’m quite anxious to read the new book, Don.
Posts like these are the worst. It’s like something shiny to distract from me from my real job that prompts me to become a writer. A call that hasn’t been dialed.
And when thoughts of grandeur try to overtake me, I’ll remember your comment about the distinctive voice. Mine changes from noun to prepositional phrase so anything like paragraphs or chapters are definitely not in the cards.
But I’m glad they are in the deck for you – I look forward to the new book!
That was really great Don. That last part about what it feels like to have written well was really insightful. I am gathering then that you simply keep plodding along and writing through those times when you dont “have it” for a day, week and beyond?
I write a lot. And rarely well. Mostly for my own benefit or more likely my own amusement. I think I do it primarily as a substitute for more meaningful human interaction. And the more I write, the more I respect those who truly write well. Every rare once in a while something comes out that I’d actually want to share. The majority of it is just a purging of thoughts and 99% of it makes me queasy to look at the next day. And yet, I just keep plodding through it. There is a great difference between those of us who write to journal or blog and those with a gift. In our short attention span throw away culture where every yokel (this one included) has a “voice” I am heartened to know that there is still a critical place for carefully crafted words printed on paper by those who do it exclusively and do it well. I rarely read something online that stops me in my tracks. There is brilliance in those moments where book in hand one is so surrendered to the author’s path that you have to remind yourself to breathe.
Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the book.
I really liked reading this, and I honestly cannot wait for your new book to come out. Thanks for writing this, because it makes me want to try to write again.
Take care.
Totally get what you’re saying. It’s pretty tough not to sound like a schizophrenic when your preject is long and elaborate. Sometimes our thoughts are schizophrenic though. We realize just how much our thoughts can’t stay…on…track…
And I’ve noticed this in your books. You’ll be on a topic and you’ll start going somewhere and I’ll wonder where we’re going with this and then I think “…oh…I guess what he’s saying really does tie into his thoughts…” It required me realizing that our thought processes actually have to go about a million places before things make sense.
Keep up the good work, I really enjoy the books.
Oh, and I saw you in Tyler, TX. We actually met. However Lucy seems like a pretty cool dog to meet.
Looking forward to meeting you again and/or meeting your dog. And looking forward to the book.
-Colby
I look forward to the new book….hopefully, the process is as rewarding as the book.
I’m relatively new into the idea of me as a writer. I went to college to be a doctor…and came out ready to be a lawyer. And a few years later – neither happened. So the idea of me as a creative (as opposed to the logical thinker) is something that I am still getting used to.
The scope of the whole thing is what I think scares me the most. I know that I am really talented, but sometimes get worried that it’s really just me that my words resonate with. Like I’m some kind of narcissist that is just in love with the sound of my own voice.
Like you said, wandering alone in the forrest and realizing that there is something amazing happening. But then I get out of the wardrobe and can’t help but ask, “Does what I’m writing really even matter to people?”
Thanks for the honesty. It is really true – cheerleaders needed.
Love the thoughts here, Don. As a photographer, I can relate to just about every word in this entry, in my own way, but I’d never be able to put it into words. I suppose that’s why I’m such a fan of your work- you seem to put down on paper a clear way of understanding things that I often, and ambiguously, feel.
Your description of the difficulty to capture a distinctive voice really hit home with me. I’ve never considered that something like the time of the day may be a factor but it’s true.
I’m also wondering whether the process of revision may sometimes lead us to cut out things which should have been left in. I don’t know whether you’ve experienced this too – there is a thought that looks awesome and inspiring one day and the next morning it still makes sense but seems to have lost most of the luster and the appeal it had the day before.
I totally feel you on the moods. They always go in and out, and fly away like quick adrenaline. I am supremely thankful to be surrounded by amazing people who have a genuine, yet original comedy about them, and they usually inspire me to write my 3 paragraphs–a feat–in my blog every other 2 weeks.
I will most likely write more when I leave school in May, but sometimes there is a lucid level of excitement about not writing anything down.
Peace,
Jeremiah
Well said. Writing isn’t really about dictating perfect thoughts. It’s about the never ending mind wrestle. Keep fighting.
And then take a walk.
Rinse. Repeat.
Do you think this book will your best yet?
Great thoughts Don, and I would fully agree that writing is more difficult than physical assertion. If the brain isn’t cooperating then it’s game over. There are days that I seem magically witty and quick, and other days I’m as dumb as an Ostrich. Funny how that works.
I agree with Stephen. I started re-reading Blue Like Jazz last night and it encouraged me to write again.
The problems you go through after writing, wondering if it’s good, and keeping the same voice, is something I struggle with as well. It’s amazing how many of my “smart” friends, those who are pre-med, think writing is simple.
this is all very encouraging. i’ve been rereading “The Writing Life” by Dillard and appreciate it more each time I read it. The writing life is unique, and it takes confidence. I hope you guys keep at your work!
This post brought to mind a video that Shaun Groves posted on his blog. Its a TED talk by Elizabeth Gilbert on this wierd experience of being a creative person and managing the inspiration that comes and goes so unpredictably. 19 minutes long, but very interesting thoughts:
http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html
The Shaun Groves post is here:
http://www.shaungroves.com/shlog/another_special_little_crazy_snowflake/
It was encouraging to read that you still struggle with the writing process. I complete relate to the insecurity thing. Writing forces me to be alone. Sometimes that aloofness occurs when I’m with a group. “Who wants to hear me drone on about that idea?”
All that separation makes one feel like Tom Hanks holding “Wilson” in the movie Castaway.
I hate writing around moods. HATE it. Unfortunately it’s the only way to get the job done most days.
I love the last paragraph. You are so right in that there is no better feeling than successfully piecing together words to illustrate your feelings. You are also right about the insecurities of writing! However,those insecurities cease to take anything away from the love I have for thoughts depicted through words…
I recommend sleepin longer and more often. If dreams truly do help us categorize our thoughts and happenings, then, by sleeping, we would waste a lot less time inking and save more trees. Our inspired moments might come calling and we wouldn’t have to go wandering/wondering. Early to bed – late to rise, makes a writer less wordy, more wealthy and wise. Too many “my thoughts are hallowed, flowing from my holy vessel” writers. Go to sleep! ZZ
A lovely post. Continued blessings upon your writing process.
I love the third paragraph. I hadn’t really thought about writing/revising at different times of the day. As a writer, there are most definitely times of the day and sometimes longer periods of time, where my voice varies. But I hadn’t even considered doing as you’ve mentioned here. I’m going to have to try that!
I’m looking forward to reading your new book!
i loved the post. thanks.
its great to hear your thoughts as the book gets going.
I’d just like to start off by saying I read your blog regularly, but this is the first time I’ve ever commented.
I’m a third year literature student and it is completely exhausting; I write paper after paper, often without ever truly feeling satisfied, and after three years/six semesters it feels less like writing and more like churning. For people like us, the pleasure can become a chore and cease to be beautiful.
Sometimes, however, I find that I write something really beautiful; I somehow write something that puts my insecurities to rest and something that reminds me that the hours spent in labor and tears over it were worth it. Its rare that it happens but when it does, it is undoubtedly one of the best feelings in the world. You mention Lewis and coincidentally I’m taking a Lewis-based class right now. He talks about Joy as something that is more of a longing and less than an emotion or feeling. He says that the longing for the moment that you’ve had before is the real meaning of joy. In a way it kind of makes sense, yearning and anticipation lead up to that moment of pure, unbridled joy. But this comment is growing steadily and I am easily sidetracked.
I think its important to remember those moments, that story, and to keep that joy. Those are the things which get us through everyday life, through the endless churning sea of revisions and corrections and voice and meter and style.
I guess what I’m really trying to say (not that this is anything new to you) is, don’t give up. Don’t let the pleasure turn into a chore. I hope that you get through the rough drafts and revisions still loving what you do more than ever. Hold on to that joy.
Yes, well some of us can only write on deadline – then the fur flies, so to speak!
Wishing you continued progress on your new book and God bless.
Love to hear about your writing process. My process is very heavy on the editing end – If I can come up with an idea, I can usually spit it out on paper, then beat it into submission by editing the heck out of it, over a period of days, even longer. If I’m lucky I can finally, mold it into something readable, but usually through editing, and more editing.
I think everyone has their own way of working, but always good to hear from you as someone who has written his truth, in a way that connects with others – millions of others!
I loved reading this. I’m a writer too, though unpublished and half of what I write never even gets out of my head onto paper. (I’m working on that.) I know exactly what you mean, by the discipline it takes to write and how hard it is. You wouldn’t think it would be so hard to do something you love so much, but in a way, those two are so inextricably linked. I love it in a way BECAUSE it’s hard and because when I sweat and curse and delete and rewrite, and then finally, finally, arrive at the final sentence or paragraph or page, it feels so good to know I’ve earned it.
Also, I loved the reference to “whatever it was that Lewis found at the back of the wardrobe.”
I am a Narnia geek to the core, and I appreciate the subtle reminders that others are too.
Keep writing.
(And thanks for the encouragement this gave me to follow my own advice.)
Caroline
[...] miller on writing Posted on February 19, 2009 by Aly Hawkins Beautiful little rumination on the struggle and the reward of slogging out a few good words. Still, there is no better feeling [...]
Thank you for the encouragement found in your words.
looking forward to the book…
I think this is true in other professions as well.
I’m in sales, and sometimes I’m just on my game and it seems that every conversation I have is golden, then I’ll go for weeks without feeling in the groove.
Sure, you can pick up the phone and keep making calls and you’ll fall into some sales, but the good ones happen when you are in that zone.
Someone once said, “Love is for Lovers” (It was the DB’s- great song, but not sure they can claim they coined the phrase). And in the case of this blog post, writing about the writing process is for writers. I am also a writer and love to read other writers’ thoughts about the process…it reminds me that there are other people who catch my drift and I feel less alone in my own musings. Early in our partnership, my writing partner forwarded a blog post about the mind of a writer by Roger Ebert called, “I’m Musing My Mind” which let me know (in an abstract way) that we’d be able to write great stuff together. So, naturally, I loved this post and all the comments left by my fellow writers.
Wow. Again I know why you inspire me.
Thanks for that.
[...] It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Don Miller. He wrote a really great post on his blog recently about the difficulty of writing. Here it is. [...]
Great thoughts on writing- your perspective makes me feel not so alone in this journey of working on my first book. I expected it to be easier than this but the good paragraphs are worth the effort.
This is amazing. Just this morning I was thinking, “I need to write Donald Miller a hate email expressing my frustration that he has not written a new book.” I’m glad I won’t have to do that now.
I look forward to reading what is going on in your heart and mind.
thank you. i needed this in a week of rough sentences and red-inked pages.
this blog post offers an authentic glimpse of another book about writing…maybe something in your future??
may you find the words tomorrow…
“Mental work is a nest for second guesses and insecurities.”
Yes. Yes it is. Ha!
That’s why I keep at least one person around who will tell me what I write is amazing no matter what. I could hand Mary Beth a haiku about the refrigerator and she would praise it for the next week and a half. Mary Beth praises the sun for being bright. She affirms the fish in the bowl for swimming a good lap. I keep her around for a shameless ego boost whenever I need one. I may know that by all literary rules and good common sense that my refrigerator haiku is not worthy of a high school creative writing class. But I just need to be told that I am good so that I can become something better.
No pressure intended but, please finish the new book soon? I’m sure it’s very good and I can’t wait to read it. If you like, I can have Mary Beth write you a letter telling you how amazing you are to read when you get stuck if you like. Works wonders for me.
[...] Donald Miller shares some thoughts on “Mental Work” vs. “Physical Work” over at his blog donmilleris.com. [...]
everyones writing these days and only a few see the light of bookshelves. mine prolly wont but after reading this im inspired to give it a good effort on the way. so thanks.