We could write books!

[sumiyaka]

... need to write at the exact moment when you have inspiration, otherwise all you would write is a piece of crap.

[Note, I'm not trying to upset the OP-- I've re-written this a few times, but the "tone" over the net still feels harsh. Its not meant to be that way at all. Maybe this disclaimer at the top will take the edge off... but since some of it is a direct quote from one of my English professors (with expletives removed) its not completely me anyway.]

I don't think that is necessarily true. Waiting for "inspiration" can become the refuge of the lazy artist. You want to be writer? Write everyday. You want to be a photographer? Photograph everyday. You want to be a painter... a musician... a programmer... well, do it everyday. Yes some days are better than others. Also, if you have those awesome inspiration moments and can't create at the time, get as much of the "feeling" you can captured somehow (small bit of writing in a notebook, a quick sketch/doodle, pull out your cell phone make a picture, whatever). Hopefully, you will be able to spark the idea again with that as kindling.

Creativity isn't inspiration based, its work based. Start working and the creativity and inspiration will come. Sure, some days everything will be complete and utter crap-- oh well, that is life, learn from it, move on.

And before anyone jumps on me ... Yes, I understand those moments when everything just aligns, and your work flows effortlessly. But I also understand, even on days that are super blah, you can make good work. It just hurts more, and it is easier to be distracted from it, and it actually feels like work.

[DrStraw]

I don't think that is necessarily true. Waiting for "inspiration" can become the refuge of the lazy artist. You want to be writer? Write everyday. You want to be a photographer? Photograph everyday. You want to be a painter... a musician... a programmer... well, do it everyday. Yes some days are better than others. Also, if you have those awesome inspiration moments and can't create at the time, get as much of the "feeling" you can captured somehow (small bit of writing in a notebook, a quick sketch/doodle, pull out your cell phone make a picture, whatever). Hopefully, you will be able to spark the idea again with that as kindling.

Creativity isn't inspiration based, its work based. Start working and the creativity and inspiration will come. Sure, some days everything will be complete and utter crap-- oh well, that is life, learn from it, move on.

And before anyone jumps on me ... Yes, I understand those moments when everything just aligns, and your work flows effortlessly. But I also understand, even on days that are super blah, you can make good work. It just hurts more, and it is easier to be distracted from it, and it actually feels like work.

This also applied to studying go if you want to be 5 dan.

EDIT: I wonder how many go books I have "written" based on the premise of the original post.

[mohsart]

I don't think that is necessarily true[...]

Yes, this is what I have heard from several writers, you must treat it as a job if you want to get anywhere. Writing (and painting, playing music etc) is not that different from eg programming, and what programmer would keep his job if he only coded when inspired?

/Mats

[freegame]

Posing on a forum is like having a conversation with friends.
writing a book is like giving an important lecture, presentation or speech.

The two big hurdles are; One, to set the first step and decide to actually write and publish a book. Two, to polish the result (editing)

When I wrote "The Next Move" I think I spend around 50% of the time to polish and edit the content.

[Maere]

I don't think that is necessarily true[...]

Yes, this is what I have heard from several writers, you must treat it as a job if you want to get anywhere. Writing (and painting, playing music etc) is not that different from eg programming, and what programmer would keep his job if he only coded when inspired?

/Mats

Yup. Writers write every day. They don't wait 6 months for inspiration to fall on them. Just as sumiyaka said, creativity is work based. But I think Stefany is quite young and probably she has not made this experience yet.

Gaius, you've found the secret weapon of novel writers It's like climbing a mountain, really. You do it one step at a time. When you look back, you can't believe yourself how far you got. But there are two gotcha:
- You have to keep doing it. For months. And it's not easy. Many people never make it past chapter 1 or chapter 5 of their novel. They keep proofreading the first pages to cover away from the fact that they have no idea how to keep going, or they start working on another, much cooler idea.
- Writing a novel is not just putting words on paper. It's about putting them right, and it's very tough. It's not just a matter of style. There's the whole plot architecture stuff, and so on. There's a great deal of experience and know-how involved. You can expect to spend on a novel at least double the time you spend actually writing. And even if you know what you're doing, sometimes you'll throw away weeks of work. Sometimes you'll end up throwing away the whole novel.

This reminds me of National Novel Writing Month. Both enforce the idea that, with either sufficient time or sufficient endurance, it is surprisingly doable to write a book's worth of unedited, unplanned content.
This reminds me of National Novel Writing Month. Both enforce the idea that, with either sufficient time or sufficient endurance, it is surprisingly doable to write a book's worth of unedited, unplanned content.

The nanowrimo encourages you to first write and edit after (to pass the "forever editing first chapter" hurdle). But the content is not necessarily unplanned. Many, many writers spend months planning before entering nanowrimo.

[daal]

... need to write at the exact moment when you have inspiration, otherwise all you would write is a piece of crap.

[Note, I'm not trying to upset the OP-- I've re-written this a few times, but the "tone" over the net still feels harsh. Its not meant to be that way at all. Maybe this disclaimer at the top will take the edge off... but since some of it is a direct quote from one of my English professors (with expletives removed) its not completely me anyway.]

I don't think that is necessarily true. Waiting for "inspiration" can become the refuge of the lazy artist. You want to be writer? Write everyday. You want to be a photographer? Photograph everyday. You want to be a painter... a musician... a programmer... well, do it everyday. Yes some days are better than others. Also, if you have those awesome inspiration moments and can't create at the time, get as much of the "feeling" you can captured somehow (small bit of writing in a notebook, a quick sketch/doodle, pull out your cell phone make a picture, whatever). Hopefully, you will be able to spark the idea again with that as kindling.

Creativity isn't inspiration based, its work based. Start working and the creativity and inspiration will come. Sure, some days everything will be complete and utter crap-- oh well, that is life, learn from it, move on.

And before anyone jumps on me ... Yes, I understand those moments when everything just aligns, and your work flows effortlessly. But I also understand, even on days that are super blah, you can make good work. It just hurts more, and it is easier to be distracted from it, and it actually feels like work.

This seems all well and good, but remember that you're offering a secondhand lecture to a kid who has by her own account already written 8 (in words: eight) books. While the advice you offer is pretty standard and generally non-controversial, it might not fit the bill every time. A 16 year old who is already that prolific doesn't seem to be the "lazy artist" type and might not fit the mold in other ways as well. Her personal experience, as someone who has already confronted the difficulties of starting and finishing a book several times, is probably a better guide than what a professor (is he also a writer?) may deem appropriate for aspiring writers. And just because she hasn't been writing for six months doesn't mean that there aren't equally valuable ways for her to spend her time. (Like ...playing go? ) Anyway, I've also heard writers say that more important than slaving away at their desks is for them to read more books.

[sumiyaka]

This seems all well and good, but remember that you're offering a secondhand lecture to a kid who has by her own account already written 8 (in words: eight) books. While the advice you offer is pretty standard and generally non-controversial, it might not fit the bill every time. A 16 year old who is already that prolific doesn't seem to be the "lazy artist" type and might not fit the mold in other ways as well. Her personal experience, as someone who has already confronted the difficulties of starting and finishing a book several times, is probably a better guide than what a professor (is he also a writer?) may deem appropriate for aspiring writers. And just because she hasn't been writing for six months doesn't mean that there aren't equally valuable ways for her to spend her time. (Like ...playing go? ) Anyway, I've also heard writers say that more important than slaving away at their desks is for them to read more books.

I knew something like this was coming First, its not a second hand lecture, I have internalized it-- it has become part of me.

Also, I didn't call her "lazy", but that "inspiration" is used as a segue into laziness for so many people. It "can become" an excuse for laziness. That is what I said. Waiting to be "inspired" sounds so grand an idea right? I can't make a picture today, I'm not "inspired"! Its not my doing, I'm not "inspired"! Bah, just do something already, it becomes an excuse.

No disrespect to 16 year olds (I used to be one), but I doubt the experience of a 16 year old is better than my professor no matter the accomplishment (And she she is accomplished). His name is Michael Olmert. He had a regular column for Smithsonian magazine, he has written numerous books, has written documentaries produced by Discovery channel, among other things. The fact that he lives what he preached is probably the only reason I remember what he said. Well, that and liberal use of impolite words.

Everything I've ever done is creative in nature. I've done programming professionally, photographing (primarily not professionally), writing (not professionally), and traditional art ( almost certainly never ever to be done professionally ). Guess what? Nothing I ever finished was 100% "inspired", there is always a strong component of GOYA to get something done.

Also, doing something everyday doesn't equate slaving at a desk for the entire day. If you can only do a little, do a little, but still do it.

[Maere]

This seems all well and good, but remember that you're offering a secondhand lecture to a kid who has by her own account already written 8 (in words: eight) books.

This is impressive and worth praise, especially for someone so young. If she has written so much, then she certainly has discipline. But others might get mistaken about this idea of inspiration and "waiting for the exact moment". If you wait for it too long it never comes again. Sometimes you've got to hunt it a bit. By sitting at your desk and writing crap, for example.

Anyway, before you've written a few novels, all of your writing IS crap. It's like the first games of a new player. You've got to get some experience first. Waiting for inspiration will just get in the way of getting more experience. If you don't write, you don't learn.

Anyway, I've also heard writers say that more important than slaving away at their desks is for them to read more books.

Yes. Getting some fresh air is also good for the mind and helps creativity. Trying writing different things (but finish them after they're started! Short stories are good for relaxing from a novel). Looking at places and people. Doing new things. All that is good.
But for a future-maybe-wannabe writer, the most important advice is to finish his work in progress no matter what. Because if he doesn't, whatever else he does won't help. Professional writers are professionals because they have the ability to write on a regular basis, on long periods of time. Everything else is how to get better quality from whatever comes in that working time.

Talent is useless if you don't play

[daal]

I knew something like this was coming

I hope you didn't feel attacked, and I don't think that what you said was harsh or unreasonable. I just wanted to point out that your good advice may not be true for everyone. For example, it is generally acknowledged that the best way to improve at go is to do tsumego, and that when doing tsumego it's best to try to figure out the answer in your head. There are however some fairly accomplished go players who don't do tsumego. They don't like it, and if it were mandatory they might choose to stop playing go entirely. Maybe it's ok for these people to take their own route. If you counter that these players are certainly not professionals, then I would say, perhaps they don't want to be.

Also, I didn't call her "lazy", but that "inspiration" is used as a segue into laziness for so many people. It "can become" an excuse for laziness.

And I didn't say you called her lazy. I just don't have the impression that lazy is something that the person in question is in danger of becoming.

No disrespect to 16 year olds (I used to be one), but I doubt the experience of a 16 year old is better than my professor no matter the accomplishment...

Bear in mind that your professor is talking about people who "want to be a writer." Someone who has written several books already is a writer.

To get back to the topic, I'm sure that there are a number of go books waiting to be written by our crew, and it is fantastic that at least 5 of us (off the top of my head) already have. I personally find the OP's realization, in combination with Sumiyaka's (professor's) advice heartening, and I find it inspiring to hear from Freegame and Stephany93 about their experiences. I've pondered writing a book about go too , but up until now, all of the revolutionary concepts I've thought up have not withstood rigorous scientific analysis. Maybe I'll go with: How to reach 6k in just 3 years.

In any case, if you are thinking about writing a book, I'd suggest doing as Bill Spight has done, and ask us what we want to know more about. We are after all your prospective customers.

P.S. Happy Birthday, Stephany93!

[Fedya]

Anyway, before you've written a few novels, all of your writing IS crap.

And for anybody who doesn't believe this, just read my blog.

[sumiyaka]

Daal, no I don't feel attacked. I think I found where our opinions differ.

And I didn't say you called her lazy. I just don't have the impression that lazy is something that the person in question is in danger of becoming.

...

Someone who has written several books already is a writer.

I think this is why we have a differing opinion.

I do see a danger. And I disagree with the last statement.

I will tell you why, but I'm not attempting to change your mind. I have 2 personal reasons why, and one from observing a friend.

Its probably been a long time since I've written a serious program. I throw together smaller things at work all the time, but still, now I don't really consider myself a programmer. I could probably change that, but for now that is my feeling. This is despite over 15 or so years experience programming, having developed large systems, etc.

If I don't make a picture today, I will start to doubt myself as a photographer. It might be silly, but its my feeling. This is despite having work published in magazines, having work displayed in juried shows, and having won contests.

And my non personal example. One of my friends drew and wrote maybe 100 comic books through high school and college. Some were completely original works, some he borrowed liberally from other sources, all were really well done-- when I look at some of the photocopies now I realize it really is professional caliber work. But, he stopped, he let things get in the way (mostly fear I think), but he stopped. I don't think he considers himself an artist, and because of lack of current work I have to agree. Although, if he does pick up the pencil I know amazing images will just fall out of it. It actually pains me to think about how much talent is sitting there unused! I don't want to see that happen again, but it probably plays out every day. So, again, I reiterate... if you want to be a creator, create everyday.

[sumiyaka]

Anyway, before you've written a few novels, all of your writing IS crap.

And for anybody who doesn't believe this, just read my blog.

I love shameless self promotion I read all the current posts. I dropped it in my Reader too.

Can I ask a dumb question though? What is "TCM"?

[kirkmc]

Just a brief note for those interested in writing, based on my experience. I'm a full-time freelance writer, and I've published a dozen books about computers and software.

It's one thing to write a book, it's another to actually finish it. But it's a whole 'nother ball game to get it published, especially these days with the publishing industry undergoing serious changes. (I'm not talking about self-publishing, which is incredibly easy now.) Depending on what you write, you're confronted with a number of hurdles you have to get over to actually get a book to someone who might consider publishing. For starters, you absolutely need an agent, as most publishers have slimmed down their staffs so much that there's no one left to read the slush pile.

Not to dissuade anyone who wants to write. I just wanted to point out that writing and getting published are very different.

[Maere]

Anyway, before you've written a few novels, all of your writing IS crap.

And for anybody who doesn't believe this, just read my blog.

I'm not sure what you mean by this... with writing I meant "novel writing" in this context. Writing articles or other non-fiction work is obviously a related, but nonetheless completely different exercise.

[Fedya]

Anyway, before you've written a few novels, all of your writing IS crap.

And for anybody who doesn't believe this, just read my blog.

I love shameless self promotion I read all the current posts. I dropped it in my Reader too.

Can I ask a dumb question though? What is "TCM"?

Turner Classic Movies, an American cable channel that airs a lot of wonderful movies from the Hollywood studio era, and which is what I probably watch more than anything else.

TCM has a cable channel in Europe as well, although as I understand it the European equivalent doesn't have anywhere near the library of old movies that the US version does.