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March 30, 2007

Lisa Scottoline Advises "Don't Give Up"

Most mornings, at or around 8:45 AM, I flip on the TV and hit all three networks. I'm checking hungrily for author interviews. I know they only last 4 to 5 minutes, but I absolutely love hearing what big-name authors have to say about their new releases and, more importantly, about the writing process.

Earlier this week, I found Lisa Scottoline on The Early Show. And to my delight, she didn't disappoint. Among a range of topics, Lisa talked about the pains of rejection, having suffered through five years of it herself. Rejection is something we all experience. And yet, her words made me think about how reading the blogs of writers, agents, and editors is an essential task for writers. It is possible, simply by listening to the experiences of others, to shave years of valuable time off of the writing and submission processes -- a fine example of how "Don't make the same mistake I did" can really work.

During the interview, Scottoline talked about the protagonist in Daddy's Girl and how she comes to realize the importance of family. The author said she often writes about this subject in her books. Because family plays a dominant role in my own life, I pressed the "up" arrow on the volume button and leaned in.

Lisa laughed as she recalled her mother saying to her as a child, "Go out. You're going to ruin your eyes. Stop reading."

It sounds like a crazy message for a mother to send a child. And yet, for me (and probably for many of you), it was as though Lisa were talking about my own precious childhood.

I found out, when I was about tirty years old, that my mom signed me up for the local softball league because she was afraid I "read too much." Can that be? Can a child read too much?

So much of what Lisa Scottoline covered in those few short minutes struck a chord. She said of the writing process that, while she hoped she was evolving into a better writer (much like strengthening a muscle by stretching it), the act of writing itself wasn't getting any easier. It felt good to hear her say that, and not because misery loves company.

Writing is work and we can't forget that. While sometimes the words gently roll off the fingers and onto the page, more often it is a struggle to shape each sentence to get it just right. As a result, the writer who's willing to put the time in, who progresses and evolves, who changes and makes amends is the one who moves forward.

One of the most enlightening statements Lisa Scottoline made was this: "Don't give up until they publish you."

I couldn't have said it any better. Keep growing as a writer, continue seeking out the best match-of-an-agent or -editor. Don't stubbornly stand there and whine that your voice isn't being heard. Instead, be a Siren. Transform your words into a crystal clear song that agents and editors and readers adore.

Posted by Judy at March 30, 2007 09:37 AM

Comments

This info can apply to short articles as well. I'm not "published," other than my columns on gardening, but growing as a writer is a constant. And yes, "writing is work and we can't forget that."

Posted by: TC at March 30, 2007 01:36 PM

Thanks Judy, this was a great post. I'm sorry I missed the interview, but this was the next best thing. I abide by the rule, don't stop until they publish you. I'm doing everything I can to learn and develop my writing and know it's just a matter of time-doesn't always make it easier to knows that, but usually it's enough.

Posted by: kathie at March 30, 2007 01:39 PM

Great interview! Thanks for providing the link, Judy. Lisa Scottoline is such a class act and an inspiration to writers.

I love reading and watching interviews with published authors. There's always at least a kernel of wisdom that comes from doing so.

Posted by: Kristine at March 30, 2007 04:22 PM

Thanks for your comments, TC and Kathie. This information definitely applies to submitting queries for articles and selling shorter works of fiction and nonfiction, as well as book-length manuscripts. I know from experience that often, just when you think it's time to give up and try your luck at telemarketing, an acceptance arrives in your Inbox! Or some other positive twist occurs that sets you on a straighter path. It's that not-knowing phase that is killer! Hang in there. Your good news is just around the corner!

Kristine, I agree that the "kernel of wisdom" is worth the time spent reading reviews and author interviews, attending workshops, and reading blogs. It seems that even if you're reading/hearing advice you think you've heard before, all of a sudden something clicks, a bit of information will ring differently in your ears, and you change as a result. I love it when that happens. (I usually say to myself, "Now, that's why I stayed.")

We must remember to keep in mind that these mini-awakenings can't happen if we're out there believing we've heard it all and know the ropes. We need to read with fresh eyes and open minds. Always.

Posted by: Judy Schneider at March 30, 2007 06:40 PM

Great post, Judy. I truly believe that if we persevere, learn the craft and NEVER quit, we will be published.

And I'm glad to know that my two years of querying really wasn't all that long! :-)

Posted by: Joyce at March 30, 2007 10:38 PM