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Writing: the Fantasy and the Reality

May 13, 2009 / Uncategorized / 20 COMMENTS

The fantasy: I knock out a ton of writing at the beginning of the day.

The reality: I’m frequently distracted by email when I first wake up.  It seems vital to me that I respond immediately. This takes some time and then abruptly, it’s time to drive the school carpools.

The fantasy: A picturesque writing cottage  in a lovely village is my inspiring retreat as I pen timeless masterpieces that will be studied by collegians for generations.

The reality: I write on the go. I frequently write in the car, pediatricians’ or vets’ waiting rooms, the playground (while trying to ensure my daughter is not abducted by strangers) and carpool lines.  I’m a paperback mystery writer…fun stuff that’s a good escape. Not exactly The Divine Comedy, though.

The fantasy: After a restful night in the arms of Morpheus, I scribble quickly as my personal Muse prattles on and on.

The reality: I’m a raging insomniac. I rarely sleep more than 3 hours straight.  The Muse is never there; I have apparently deeply offended her, so I’m left to my own devices.

The fantasy: I write perfect prose while keeping an immaculate house, neatly attired children, and providing nutritious suppers.

The reality: I write decent first drafts. Draft ten, however, is much better. The house looks fine unless you look too closely (which I don’t advise. Please back away from the refrigerator, sir.)  The children do usually pass muster. Supper is hit or miss. Occasionally we’ll have a special occasion, which I call Breakfast for Supper –a charming name for Eggos, cereal, bananas, and pre-cooked bacon. (Oddly, this meal is a tremendous hit with my husband and children.)

The fantasy: A fan of my series approaches me with great excitement, burbling with admiration about my appearance on the Today show.

The reality: I’m recognized by someone who read a write-up in the local paper. Unfortunately, I’d just finished a grueling day of yard work in 95 degree Southern sun.  I hardly even recognized myself.

The fantasy: I write for myself at all times. Anything less would be selling out.

The reality: I write for my editors and my readers. Anything less and I would not be selling at all.

The fantasy: I am living my dream.

The reality: I am living my dream.  In the real world.

  1. This is simply another, wonderfully written and entertaining post of the type I’ve come to expect on your blog. Well written…clean, crisp, easy to follow, very creative, dryly funny, and true for most writers….which is why is so easy to connect with you and what you write. Makes me jealous. (Grin)

    Keep up the good work.

    Best Regards, Galen.
    http://www.galenkindley.com

  2. This is an incredible post and I think that most writers can relate to it. We all have our ideals, and we know that we could do things so much better if only… Then reality sets in and we go about our day jobs and living our lives.

    Thanks for sharing this.

  4. Ha! Splendid, honest, and a most entertaining post. My favorite of yours so far. I liked the special script font you used too – a reminder to me – I’ve got a site bookmarked where you can grab those tools and haven’t taken the time to do it yet.

  6. My favorite of your posts yet! You managed to get a bit of a surprise in at the end… A lesson I could apply to some of my own blog posts. I wanted to keep reading this one! Nice work. Oh, and my family, too, loves breakfast for supper.

  8. Nice post.

    Those are some good fantasies, but what about the one where you’re a millionaire, sipping bubbly on your yacht as you make a few minor changes on your ms?

    That’s the one I can’t shake from my head!

  13. Very entertaining. I liken posts like this to ‘gifts’ realtors leave on my front door. It they are useful, like a recipe or a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream, I’ll read what they have to say. Same with blogs. I like what you did because the dry humor made me laugh. I got something out of it. It wasn’t what can I (the reader or potential buyer) do for you (the author), but can the author do something of benefit for me. Thanks.

  14. Very creative! You describe some of my day, too. This was a great read. What are some of your published works and how can we get them to read?

  15. I love this blog and your sense of humor. It definitely makes me want to read more of your work. Sounds as if you have admirable self-discipline, too, despite all the distractions.

  17. Warren, you’re nice to ask! “A Dyeing Shame–Death at the Beauty Box” should still be available at the bookstores, although I’ve switched publishers so it’s not as easy to find. “Pretty is as Pretty Dies” is being released August 1 and a new mystery series by Penguin books (my name will be Riley Adams for that series) will be available next year. :)

    I appreciate everyone’s comments so much.

    Elizabeth

  18. You don’t have a writing cottage either? I think someone is asleep at the wheel? Who is supposed to hand out lovely cottages to writers? Let’s wake him up!

  20. In a perfect world….But wait! This is the perfect world – at least it is if you’re a writer. You get to make your own.

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