Chapter 2: The Science of Fiction

Chapter 2: the science of fiction.

So you’re probably blown away by the cool name of my blog (thanks Grace). And rightly so, it's an awesome name, lol.

Trying to become a writer is not exactly a new struggle. Complaining about not succeeding is nothing new either. I know people who have been trying for years (and complaining for just as long). And writing a blog about struggling as a writer isn't exactly a fresh idea as well. That is part of the reason I have struggled with blogging in the first place. It's hard being a cliché.

A publisher I was listening to the other day said there is an estimated twenty million books that have been written, but remain unpublished. That says to me I'm not the only one chasing a dream.

That leaves me with the nagging question. What if I put myself out there, and it all comes to nothing? At the heart of it all is the classic fear of failure. The thing that plagues so many people (not just authors). But when I take an honest look at myself, I don't honestly fear just failure. Even if I never succeed at writing I will still be okay. I love writing, if for no other reason than I get to enjoy a good story, and that is enough for me for right now.

Don't get me wrong though, I fully expect this to all pay off in the end. I mean what other option is there really? Writing is becoming more of a passion and less of a pastime. And I want to be able to do my passion for a living. In my opinion fear of failure is one thing, but fear of not finishing is another thing completely. More on that topic another day, I don't want to go there right now.

So maybe you're wondering what writing a book is all about. What makes it worth it? Especially considering your odds are one in twenty million of ever being published. If you have ever finished one then you know what that sense of pride and accomplishment really feels like. If you're part of the many that have a few dozen pages stuffed in a box, in a closet somewhere then you have realized that it isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Writing is hard, it takes a lot of work. And as my wife can also tell you it takes a lot of sacrifice. That to me is the real science behind writing. Persevering to greatness is not only the fear, but the goal.

Back in 2007 I put the finishing touches on Overshadowed, turned to my wife and said, "I'm finally done". She gave me a big hug and replied, "That took forever, great job". Of course I was both young and naive at the time and had nooooooo idea what it really takes to write a book. I set it down for a couple weeks, then read it, after I got over my embarrassment. I opened a fresh word doc and started on it again. Now I feel like I truly am on the cusp of resolving the first stage of this adventure and it's kind of sad honestly. Sad that I had no idea what I was doing when I started, and because I am five years into it and still not done.

Writing a book is more than a good idea and a computer. It's more than just a couple of drafts and a dazzling synopsis. For me it's part of my heart, it's opening myself up and in a twisted obscure way it's showing you the reader a little bit of who I really am.
That is the hard part for me. Being able to put myself into something knowing that the world may just not care enough to give me a second (or even a first glance). But at least I can say I'm ready to try. Even if it takes another five years. That's the heart of it all to me. The sacrifice that no one tells you is there when you start. I wouldn't have it any other way.


Practical advice for the day:. Scheduling...

Let's just face it, 99% of writing is going to result in a loss of time you're probably not going to get compensated for. I think of the time I use for everything I do as an investment. Whether I be at work, playing with my kids, or typing away at something, it is an investment of time. The problem with using that philosophy, is that writing for financial gain is a unsafe investment. Akin to putting your retirement into the stocks of a company that is working on say, a flying car.

Now I'm not saying this because I think it is a bad idea. I for one firmly believe anti-gravity propulsion capabilities are only about a decade away. I also firmly believe my writing time is valuable. The challenge that presents itself then is that if I write I take time away from other things.
So when do I write? Apparently I am one of the very few people who call themselves "writers" who actually write. And I have achieved this distinction by creating a schedule that works into my life.

I start writing at roughly 10 PM Friday night, and have done so for the last year and a half. I routinely write for five to seven hours (yes I finish around 3-5 AM). That has been what has worked for me. And quite frankly late at night is when creativity flows the fastest. It has been grueling but also well worth it.

Find the time that works for you and make it yours, then use it for every second it is.