Embracing the Ebb and Flow of the Writing Process: Reflections on Ghosting My Book

Core Concepts

The writing process is not a linear or predictable endeavor, and it's okay to take breaks and revise published works.

Abstract

The author reflects on their experience with writing and publishing two books. Their first book, published in 2008, was a lifelong project that the author now wishes they could revise with the perspective they have gained over time. The author acknowledges that the process of dealing with loss and complex emotions is not straightforward and could have been better captured in the book.
The author's second book, published in 2017, was a more intense and focused writing experience, taking two years to write and revise. However, the author still feels they would like to rewrite the third act if they could. The author has learned not to listen to advice about writing every day, as their writing process is more sporadic and torrent-like, with periods of intense productivity followed by long stretches of no writing at all.
The core message is that the writing process is not a linear or predictable endeavor, and it's okay to take breaks and revise published works. The author embraces the ebb and flow of their creative process, rather than trying to conform to external expectations or advice about how to write.

Stats

My first book was published in 2008.
It took me two years to write and gut-renovate my second novel, and two years to sell and publish it.
I've learned not to listen to people who tell me to write every day.

Quotes

"Maybe I shouldn't have held on to my anger so hard. Maybe I should've written that loss is tricky — once you think you've defined it, it changes form."
"How do you live with loving someone, hating someone, and forever feeling stuck in the space between the two?"
"Believe me when I say that I'd revise that book too, rewrite the entire third act if I could."

Key Insights Distilled From

I’ve Been Ghosting My Book

by Felicia C. S... at felsull.medium.com 07-26-2024

https://felsull.medium.com/ive-been-ghosting-my-third-book-9e74f0914f9d

Deeper Inquiries

What factors or life experiences led the author to develop this nonlinear, sporadic writing process?

The author's nonlinear, sporadic writing process can be attributed to various factors and life experiences. Firstly, the author mentions that a story comes to her in a torrent, fully-formed, indicating that her creative process is not linear but rather spontaneous and intense. This could be a result of her unique way of processing emotions and experiences, where the need to write is triggered by intense feelings or moments of inspiration. Additionally, the author's mention of being shackled to a blank page and struggling to hit a daily word count suggests that forcing herself to write consistently does not align with her natural writing rhythm. This could stem from a desire for quality over quantity, preferring to write when the words flow effortlessly rather than producing content for the sake of meeting a daily quota. Furthermore, the author's personal experiences, such as grappling with complex emotions like love and hate, feeling stuck between conflicting emotions, and dealing with loss, may have influenced her sporadic writing process. These deep, emotional themes require introspection and emotional availability, which may not always align with a structured, daily writing routine.

How might the author's approach to revising published works be viewed by traditional publishing industry standards or expectations?

The author's approach to revising published works, as expressed in the context, may diverge from traditional publishing industry standards or expectations. In the traditional publishing world, once a book is published, it is often considered a finished product that should not be altered or revised extensively. Authors are typically expected to move on to new projects rather than dwell on past works. However, the author's willingness to revise her published books, even expressing a desire to rewrite entire sections, may challenge these conventional norms. This approach could be viewed as a commitment to artistic integrity and a relentless pursuit of perfection in her craft. While some in the industry may see this as unconventional or even unnecessary, others may appreciate the author's dedication to honing her work and ensuring that it truly reflects her vision and voice. Ultimately, the author's approach to revising published works showcases a deep sense of ownership and commitment to her artistry, which may resonate with readers and fellow creatives.

What insights could the author's experience offer to aspiring writers struggling to find their own authentic writing process?

The author's experience offers valuable insights to aspiring writers who are struggling to find their own authentic writing process. Firstly, the author's acknowledgment of her sporadic writing style and rejection of the pressure to write every day highlights the importance of honoring one's unique creative rhythm. Aspiring writers should not feel compelled to conform to rigid writing schedules or productivity standards if it does not align with their natural flow of inspiration. Instead, they should embrace their individual process, whether it involves bursts of creativity followed by periods of rest or intense immersion in a project for extended periods. Secondly, the author's emphasis on quality over quantity underscores the significance of producing meaningful, impactful work rather than focusing solely on output volume. Aspiring writers should prioritize the depth and authenticity of their writing, even if it means taking longer to complete a project or revising extensively. Lastly, the author's openness to revising published works demonstrates the importance of continuous growth and evolution as a writer. Aspiring writers should not be afraid to revisit their work, make revisions, and strive for improvement, even after a piece has been shared with the world. This commitment to refinement and self-improvement can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic creative journey.