On Writing a Novel: “Should I Be Writing Bigger?”

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“I’m a nobody blog writer, an amateur novelist, one of a million dotting the literary landscape,” writes Michelle at The Green Study. “Why do I have an ego that says I should be writing bigger?” In a recent post, Michelle reflects on writing a novel, committing to one’s art or passion, and telling meaningful stories in an age of uncertainty.

In a moment of clarity, as I wandered about the gardens this morning, I thought about how the real trick to anything is to fully commit to it. Ten years ago we started ripping up our lawn bit-by-bit, replacing grass with perennials. There were many times when I doubted it would ever look like the English garden I fantasized about, but each year, I took up more lawn, tried different plants, and dug in with all the enthusiasm of a novice. I hit a point of no return and for many years, our yard looked like a bad idea.

It doesn’t look like an English garden now. Not enough sun, too many tree roots and the grass is still determined retake its ground. But I love it. Plants are maturing and things that I’ve moved and divided and tried again and again are finally filling in space. It’s pretty and colorful, and it gives me pleasure. Even though I’ve done my best, it doesn’t match my fantasy and won’t make a magazine cover, but it has become something unto itself. A labor of love and persistence.

I learned in improv comedy workshops that if you commit to the sound, the word, the actions of your partners, it becomes real to the audience. They are in the moment with you and nothing outside of that matters. If I write the story as well as I can write it, maybe I will have the good fortune of a shared moment.

Perhaps, in the scheme of things, sharing moments with others is pretty damned important. If we can imagine solidarity and connection, there’s a possibility we can bring that into the world. Isabel Allende wrote, “I think I write so that people will love each other more.” Who needs to write any bigger than that?

Read all of Michelle’s post at The Green Study.

 

88 Comments

  4. I can relate with your post- author. The satisfaction we get from doing what we enjoy, though it might not be perfect- far outweighs not being courageous enough to try. The efforts and persistence, creates a solid bond between us and that particular project. It may not turnout as imagined- but still, one’s pride and joy.

    Liked by 4 people

  5. I was feeling bad that I started ‘my book’ over 5 years ago and have just a handful of chapters to show for it, despite thousands of ideas. This post has shown me that something satisfying can be built slowly, bit by bit and may not resemble the initial vision but still something I’ll be happy with. Thankyou

    Liked by 3 people

  6. I don’t get this! I JUST commented and it’s not coming up… aargh! Anyway, can you plz check out my blog that would be awesome, I think it should come up if you click me, but don’t know 😦

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    1. Hi there — comments first go into moderation, meaning they need to be approved first before they appear.

      And yes, if a reader hovers over your username, they can visit your blog.

      Welcome to WordPress.com — thanks for reading this post!

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  7. I am a young woman hoping to someday write and publish a novel and reading this has really given me a different perspective and hope. Thank you for sharing your realization so that I could also realize myself the importance of writing for all of the right reasons.

    Liked by 3 people

  13. Wow it was actually therapeutic. You should surely consider writing a book 🙂 Society needs more people to make things better for others :*

    Liked by 4 people

  14. The bigger you write the larger the net you will cast an touch people beyond your intended audience.

    I think the key to a good fiction novel is following Joseph Campbell’s outline of the Hero’s Journey.

    Liked by 3 people

  15. The clarity of your metaphor, through your garden; is particularly on the point . The act of writing may not be, as carefully written and planned as we had envisionned it. However, it remains beautiful and a huge resource in this world. Moreover, as a cure it helps everyone find his way, through their own secret garden; and convey their unique piece of art .
    So , this lesson is learned : Start before you are ready and appreciate what you already have! because you will never know ,what is the following surprise life has to offer .
    Therefore,By all means ,write you will figure things out along the way.
    Trully helpful and motivational ,I love it!
    Personnally, I have my blog mary jokes, and I am starting to write a book in English: which is a huge challenge as I am a French student, studying English Literature at University.
    There is also the struggle of the writer to forget a bit about perfection ,and doing it by passion and purpose instead!

    Liked by 3 people

  23. This is partly why I set up a blog and started posting my rough drafts instead of leaving them in a notebook to be forgotten. Because I’m writing for people other than just myself, I’ve actually started finishing things.

    Liked by 1 person

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