Essentials

I was listening to a podcast for a while, James Thayer's podcast on novel writing. It was good but each time I listened to it, usually on my commute, I found myself wanting to take notes and really listen, not background listen as I tend to do when I listen on the drive. 

So, I've stopped listening to the podcast. Which is too bad, I really liked it. 

But, I've started reading his book, The Essential Guide to Writing a Novel. The good news is that it's basically the podcast in written form. I think in fact that Thayer just read his book as a part of the novel. It's too close not to be. 

The other good news is that I was right, it is worth it to slow down, to pay attention to this advice, and to apply it. I've already started using it in many ways, I look forward to seeing how else it can help my writing. 

One thing that my PhD has shown me is just how much there is still to learn about writing. I used to write a bit more naturally, instinctually, . . . but I read so many text books getting my PhD that I see now that if I apply that same level of effort to my writing, it can't help but make my writing better. 

The hard part is finding time for it, but I find that when I do, it's worth it. That's so true of so many good things, if you find the time for it, it pays off.