Never stop learning
Being the overachieving, perfectionist, borderline OCD workaholic that I am, I'm never satisfied with anything but my best. And with each book, I try to raise the bar. There's always something I could do better from the book before, and come hell or high water, I'm going to achieve it with my next book.
At least that's my goal. I've come to the realization that my best is all I can do. As writers, we realize that our books rarely live up to the image we have in our heads. But that doesn't stop us from trying to get there. BTW -- I think The Trouble with Demons is the best book I've written so far. But you all will have to tell me if I'm right (or delusional) once you read it.
I listen to you all. You're reading my books, and you know better than anyone if I've cleared the bar I've set for myself, or if I've run smack into it and given myself a concussion. And my gut tells me if a scene works, or if it needs more. When I turn in a book, I usually have the nagging feeling that I could have done more. And I'm sure I could have -- if I'd had a couple of years to write the danged thing, but I don't. I have nine months maximum from first word to editor's desk. Apparently the gestation period for babies works for books too. ; )
And as I keep setting the bar higher for my books, I raise the bar for other projects. In the next year, I'd like to write a short story or novella for inclusion in an anthology. Hmmm, I guess I should let my agent and editor in on my plan; it sure ain't gonna happen without them. ; ) I have a couple of ideas kicking around in my head, and when I get a moment to come up for air, I'd like to flesh out a couple of them and see which one sticks in my head and won't let go.
Basically my goal with my writing career is to always have a new, tougher goal. To always challenge myself. If a new project is exciting and a little scary at the same time, that means that's the project I need to do.
Tomorrow on the Saturday Fun Pic, I'll post the new poster in my office of the cover for The Trouble with Demons as well as the entire wall with all three covers. I have room for one more cover and then I'll probably be moving out into the loft area outside of my office, lots of empty wallspace there. ; )
Happy Friday!
Lisa
At least that's my goal. I've come to the realization that my best is all I can do. As writers, we realize that our books rarely live up to the image we have in our heads. But that doesn't stop us from trying to get there. BTW -- I think The Trouble with Demons is the best book I've written so far. But you all will have to tell me if I'm right (or delusional) once you read it.
I listen to you all. You're reading my books, and you know better than anyone if I've cleared the bar I've set for myself, or if I've run smack into it and given myself a concussion. And my gut tells me if a scene works, or if it needs more. When I turn in a book, I usually have the nagging feeling that I could have done more. And I'm sure I could have -- if I'd had a couple of years to write the danged thing, but I don't. I have nine months maximum from first word to editor's desk. Apparently the gestation period for babies works for books too. ; )
And as I keep setting the bar higher for my books, I raise the bar for other projects. In the next year, I'd like to write a short story or novella for inclusion in an anthology. Hmmm, I guess I should let my agent and editor in on my plan; it sure ain't gonna happen without them. ; ) I have a couple of ideas kicking around in my head, and when I get a moment to come up for air, I'd like to flesh out a couple of them and see which one sticks in my head and won't let go.
Basically my goal with my writing career is to always have a new, tougher goal. To always challenge myself. If a new project is exciting and a little scary at the same time, that means that's the project I need to do.
Tomorrow on the Saturday Fun Pic, I'll post the new poster in my office of the cover for The Trouble with Demons as well as the entire wall with all three covers. I have room for one more cover and then I'll probably be moving out into the loft area outside of my office, lots of empty wallspace there. ; )
Happy Friday!
Lisa
posted by Lisa Shearin at
7:59 AM
8 Comments:
So, novels first, then short fiction? That's usually the opposite way "they" tell you to get published in the genre world. Maybe that's what I've been doing wrong...
You might find it hard to keep the word length down when you make the attempt. Orson Scott Card wrote about that in his "Folk of the Fringe" collection. He struggled to get back to writing short stories after novels, and was so pleased when he finally did it.
Thinking of any anthos in particular, or just thinking?
Hi Robert!
I tried getting short stories published first, but they kept turning into chapters for novels.
I'm hoping that I could actually write a short story now. I've always admired a well-done short story. Good storytelling and clever twists all in one neat little package -- it's truly an art.
No antho in particular. Just thinking. For now. ; )
Lisa
Hey Lisa,
I love your books... I always have, I have had them probably since MLTF came out, or close to it. I just never came to the site, even though I'm always impatiently waiting for the next novel. I always reread novels right before the next one comes out, but I couldn't wait for TTWD to come out, I'm rereading them, again, right now. I just thought I'd let you know you have another huge fan out there.
I did have a question for you though... If you don't know if you are going to be signed on for books 5 and 6, how do you know how to end book 4? I'm not asking for the spoiler (although I am impatient for TTWD to come out) it is just something that has been bothering me since you said that we should tell all our friends about your novels, which I have.
Thanks!
Randal
Welcome, Randal!
Thank you for stopping by and I'm so glad you love my books!
I know exactly how I'm going to end Book 4 because I know where I'm going to start Book 5 -- and I know what's going to happen in Book6 AND Book 7. As most writers will tell you, it's difficult to think beyond 2 or 3 books because the plot nuances can change in the course of that many books.
Which is why I go for contracts in 2-book chunks; I feel more secure writing a proposal to my editor (who makes the offer for the books on behalf of her publishing house).
I feel VERY secure that I'll get a contract for Books 5 & 6. Sales are going nicely, and most importantly they're going in the right direction. Each book has sold better and faster than the previous and the sales for MLTF increased when A&M came out. Publishers love to see that. Plus A&M made a national bestseller list, so the cover for TTWD has "National Bestselling Author" on the cover -- and spine. ; )
It still puts a grin on my face to look at that. I never imagined going National Bestseller on my second book and I have you, the friends you have told, and everyone else out there who has bought my books and spread the word to thank for that.
So THANK YOU!!
So don't worry; I'm confident there will be a Book 5 & 6 -- and I'm equally confident that you're gonna love TTWD. There's something for everyone in there.
Take care -- and don't be a stranger. ; )
Lisa
:) I like it when you address issues which I'm going through at the moment (or have been going through). Goal setting - yup raising the bar is good! Which is why it took 8 attempts to get the first sentence of a wip I'm editing into Word.
:) Glad to hear Raine will last for a few more books! I'll be buying them all!
Hi Yunaleska,
I'm glad my blogs help. THat's what I'm here for. ; )
Thanks to my stupid head, I've been doing nothing but read the last 24 hours (its the only thing I've been up for doing). My muse is going overtime. I'm learning so much by reading, what is good to include, and what isn't. I definitely recommend reading every day, even if its just a page ;)
Amen to the reading every day.
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