I’m simply again from a “Author’s Retreat” organized by the Madison Author’s Studio. It was a wonderful three days, filled with inspiration, help, and teachings in regards to the craft of writing. I’m grateful to Jim for holding down the fort, and for Susanna Daniel and Michelle Wildgen, the forces behind the MWS, for organizing such a empowering occasion. On condition that I’m beginning work on my second novel (see beneath for information in regards to the first!!), the timing of this retreat was excellent.
There have been workshops on Plot, Voice, Character, and Setting, however in each session the truth that “much less is extra” got here up repeatedly. For instance, in his ebook, On Writing, Stephen King stated “Adverbs aren’t your good friend.” King quotes his instructor John Gould as saying “While you write a narrative, you’re telling your self the story. While you rewrite, your major job is taking out all of the issues which are not the story.” Nearly all writers should do it–take out phrases that add pointless weight whereas revising draft one, draft 4, draft twenty two of a manuscript. I definitely did it (and am little doubt not finished) with my first novel.
Right here’s an instance of much less is extra from our workshop on Voice, taught superbly by Christopher Chambers. Chances are you’ll, (or might not), be shocked that it’s an excerpt from James Patterson’s Sundays at Tiffany’s. “Michael was working as quick as he might, racing down thickly congested streets . . . “. Sounds attention-grabbing. However. What when you learn “Michael was racing down congested streets . . .”? Doesn’t racing already suggest going as quick as one can? How does the phrase “thickly” add to the idea of congested streets? We obtained that they’re busy streets already, proper?
Much less is extra. And never simply in writing. I’ve talked earlier than in regards to the significance of preserving issues clear when working with purchasers, and early this yr I wrote about the identical subject–How Canine Coaching and Enhancing are the Identical. So why write about it once more? As a result of I used to be reminded the weekend earlier than, at a three-day sheepdog clinic with Paddy Fanning, how laborious it’s for us people to be clear. And the way tiring it have to be for canines, particularly canines working at a excessive degree underneath time strain.
I’ve been working Skip this week utilizing as few cues as I can handle, and it feels prefer it’s making his life higher. Right here’s the query I’ve for you: Why can we people chatter a lot? Why is it so laborious for us to say much less, no more? Each verbally and when writing? I await your knowledge.
Talking of writing: Uh, I MAY have some huge information for lovers of thriller novels very quickly. I want I might spill the beans, however all I can say is issues are taking place (lastly, the MS was finished in January) and I hope to have an announcement quickly. That does NOT imply that the ebook is about to return out subsequent month! Soonest is, assist me take a breath, a yr and a half from signing with a writer. My saying “However I’m 75. And a half!” has no impact on the world of publishing, which appears to maneuver at a special velocity than many people. So . . . possibly late winter/early spring 2026? Cross your paws.
MEANWHILE, again on the farm: Not a lot in the present day, as a result of if I don’t spend the remainder of my vitality typing up my prolific notes from the writing retreat it’ll by no means occur. Apart from, Maggie and Skip wish to work sheep after their involuntary break from herding whereas I used to be gone.
However right here’s my speedy household, taking a break on the Paddy Fanning clinic. This picture makes my coronary heart sing. I’m the luckiest lady on this planet.
Right here’s extra happiness: The yard day lily backyard, drunk on all of the rain we’ve had within the final two months:
And extra flowers within the entrance:
I’m hoping there’s a number of happiness in your life proper now. Inform us about it, and why you assume it’s SO HARD for us people to cease tiring out our canines with extraneous chatter? I’d go on about this, however, you realize . . . , much less is extra.