by Shari Randall
This past Saturday I treated myself. I bought a virtual pass to CrimeConn 2024, a crime writing conference sponsored by Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, and hosted at the Ferguson Library in Stamford, Connecticut. I spoke there a couple of years ago and enjoyed their creative combination of author panels and workshops. If you have a chance to attend, go (or watch)!
This year there was a stellar group of presenters on the topic "History, Headlines, and Heroes," which delved into historical mysteries, true crime stories, and how thrillers have evolved over the years. The speakers included bestselling TV writer Megan Abbott, a real life Medicolegal Death Investigator, historical fiction stars, TV producers, and many award-winning authors.
One of the highlights for me was the workshop led by Reed Farrel Coleman. A fine writer and former professor, he brings a humorous and no-nonsense approach to writing. The workshop focused on how to blend fact and fiction in a successful novel. At the end of the workshop, Reed offered some of his hard-earned writing tips. Two stood out to me: “Don’t create your own roadblocks” and “Only writing is writing. Research isn’t writing, thinking isn’t writing, reading isn’t writing.”
Don’t create your own roadblocks. I hadn’t thought of my distractions and bad writing habits as of my own making, but they are. I choose to work at home most days when I know I’ll be distracted by that pile of laundry, or the weeding that must be done, or the dinner that has to be started. I know that I’m most productive when I’m in a quiet library staring at a cinderblock wall. Who wouldn’t be? There’s nothing else to do but write.
Only writing is writing. I’ll confess. I enjoy editing, so I’ll often noodle about in the previous day’s work and an hour later realize I hadn’t done any actual writing. Research is another very enjoyable roadblock, and with the internet it’s too easy to go down that tempting side street.
I didn’t know this blog was going to turn into true confessions! Do you have a writing roadblock? How do you get around it? Feel free to get it off your chest in the comments.
Shari Randall is the author of the Lobster Shack Mystery series and, as Meri Allen, pens the Ice Cream Shop Mystery series. Starting today, you’ll find her hard at work at the public library.
My writing roadblocks are twofold: 1) lack of an idea I want to spend time with and b) reading --- I'm a very happy reader. In fact, I spent the entire weekend reading which equaled three books. No complaints but it isn't writing (and maybe that's good).
ReplyDeleteI firmly believe that reading is necessary for writers - and for everyone! Writing is difficult enough. I think we earn our reading time.
DeleteI agree with Shari, and I wonder if my lack of time for that could be contributing to my current writing roadblock. I usually read at bedtime, but don't get very far before dozing off.
DeleteThe need to read is my night time dessert. It could be low calorie if I didn't get out the wine or the chips.
DeleteI get distracted easily, so I create my own road blocks for sure. This is true for many things, not just writing.
ReplyDeleteToo true. This is the first time I realized that some of my roadblocks were of my own making. Eye opener for sure.
DeleteThis is true for me too!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, he didn't tell us how to get around those roadblocks when they happen.
DeleteI would never debate anything Reed Farrell Coleman has to say. The man is brilliant. And it's true that only writing is writing. But I'm going to make some rationalizations for some of those roadblocks. Research? How will I know what to write if I don't do my research homework? Thinking? I spend a lot of time staring into space, thinking about what needs to happen next in the story. I need to do that before I can put words on the page. And even that pile of laundry--I have come up with some of my best solutions to plot holes while folding clean laundry. Just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you - I write so much better when I've thought through a scene and know what comes next. And didn't Agatha Christie say that doing the washing up was a great time for plotting? I guess the trick is knowing how to make your roadblocks work for you. Sounds like you do that, Annette. I'd love to see your writing tips!
DeleteBrings to mind an old episode of the old Dick Van Dyke Show where he's laid off and decides to write his novel. From home. He spends almost the entire time straightening his desk, sharpening his pencils, adjusting the lighting, changing his typewriter ribbon, etc. And wonders why, after spending the morning "writing," he has nothing to show for it.
ReplyDeleteWasn't that show the best? Too true!
DeleteI remember that one! Funny!
DeleteI write at the kitchen table and have incorporated many household chores into my process (laundry, loading the dishwasher). Outside chores (weeding, watering, walking the dogs) are thinking time. I reserve research for the end of the day. It's fun, and I'm drained after writing for five or six hours.
ReplyDeleteThe trick is making those often necessary roadblocks work for us. And I'm with you - four or five hours and my writing brain just leaves for a coffee break and doesn't come back.
DeleteDoing chores to allow your mind wander to the possibilities after an intense writing session is great way to prepare for the next intense writing session. My best activities are walking the beach and riding my bike.
DeleteInteresting post! Like you, I love research and editing.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with Reed. While editing and research are not putting words on the page, they are a part of writing. Since I write short, I often add up to 10K words during the editing process. Whew! Without it, I’d be queen of the novel turned novella. As for research. I find that speeds my writing. If I have a good background for where I’m going and confident I’m getting it right, the words flow. I understand what he’s saying. If it ain’t word count, it ain’t words on the page. That’s true, but it’s all part of the writing process.
Writing is an effective roadblock that keeps me from dusting and weeding as regularly as I should. Yay for writing!
ReplyDeleteI write in my little home office and road blocks I can control are checking email, going on Twitter etc. What I can't control is other people interrupting me! Do you have a web site for CrimeConn? I can't find anything on it.
ReplyDeleteTry googling CrimeConn Ferguson Library
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