DM Porters
Author
What do writers feel while writing?
While working on my second novel I was emotionally touched by a very powerful scene I was developing. It was to the point that as I typed, tears were streaming down my face. Although still in rough draft, the scene will be crucial in the book and I am pleased with it even though it will be difficult to read it again.
Other writers must surely feel this level of emotion as they write. And I am convinced these must become their most cherished scenes.
Author Manoj Arora had a brilliant response to the question of how a writer feel when writing and I had to share:
“It’s chaos. And from that chaos, an idea appears. And you have to see it, you have to feel it. I’m not being abstract. It actually happens; you try to visualize everything, you try to talk and walk and think like your characters do and you put yourself in the situations where your characters are just to see exactly how it feels…”
Manoj could not have been more accurate.
It is when we get this absorbed that we create our best work. Writing is not a chore, it is an extension of life and the emotions and feelings we create are what make the novel worth reading.
Write on.
DM
The Benefits of an Honest Book Review
Recently, I received what I considered to be a wonderful review of my new novel.
I could not have been more pleased. This was not from a friend or a family member forced to read my book because of close ties. No, this was from an actual reader who purchased my novel and wanted to give me an honest and sincere review.
All I can say to this individual is “Thank You”!
It is through this type frank criticism that we grow as authors. You can be assured I am already heading these words as I work on my second manuscript.
Here is the review of my novel “Here and Then After”:
“This story has an interesting concept. While the pace feels rushed at times, the plot is captivating enough that it doesn’t matter. The main characters are well-developed and likable. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I couldn’t put it down and read it straight through.”
Yes, admittedly I agree the pace was rushed at times. When I was writing this first book, the ideas were flowing so fluidly, I feared I would lose some of them (I’m not as young as I used to be.). My first book was a whirlwind. I plan to have my second, be a gentle stroll. There are fewer unknowns and more enjoyment in this new installment. The honesty of this review has made me reflect and consider improvements in my approach.
Let’s stop considering reviews as simple marketing tools but instead use them for what they were really meant to do. Make us better authors.
Keep reading!
DM
DM Porters
DM Porters 