Comments on: What an Exercise Ball Can Teach You About Novel Writing

By: Suzannah

Suzannah — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:13:12 +0000

Beth,

Thanks for your continued support here. I do find some books are just too long. The human brain can only absorb so much. Unless the information being presented is relevant and attention-grabbing, it's just wasted space (in my opinion).

By: Beth L. Gainer

Beth L. Gainer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:35:12 +0000

This is a great posting, Suzannah!! I really love your point about bigger not meaning that something is better. I'm all about conciseness, and any writing that's longer than it should be will not get read.

Thank you for another insightful posting!!

By: Suzannah

Suzannah — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:25:03 +0000

Thanks Rocky, I had fun writing this one. And thanks for your best wishes for the baby. We're all very excited around here!

By: Rocky

Rocky — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:46:46 +0000

Really insightful article, Suzannah ! I know for me whenever I start a new project, its definitely keeping the momentum going that is usually the toughest part. I gotta stay pumped up (haha! I just got the analogy….)

Good luck with the baby !

By: Suzannah

Suzannah — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:06:43 +0000

Larry,

I like your thoughts on novel writing and exercise. I've definitely hurt myself in the past trying to get fit in the wrong way, so I can see how that would apply to writing as well. The bit about "taking time to show results" is particularly relevant. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks!

By: Larry

Larry — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:43:15 +0000

Suzannah — love this analogy. Leads me to reflect on a similar one I use from time to time: novel writing is the same as exercise in general. There's a right way and a wrong way to do it, and if you do it the wrong way you'll not only most likely fail, you might get hurt. It's all about learning the basics and the latest techniqes instead of making up your own rules. Chance are doing it "your way" is wrong anyhow. It requires and cultivates discipline and consistency. It's all about mind -ocus and strict form, rather than merely style. And, it takes time to show results.

Mostly, it's this forumla: effort — informed effort — gets results. Nothing less. You can't do it casually and expect to turn pro at it.

Heading for my exercise ball for some crunches. And then, to my manuscript to crunch on it.