Has anyone ever given advice to a novice writer? Has anyone ever given advice to a novice writer who's a friend or loved one?That's what I'm doing right now.
About three nights ago, my husband announced that he's going to write a book. Now, Mr. McKenzie has very little patience, and when he sets his mind to something, by gum, he's going to do it! I believe his lack of patience and short temper can be attributed to his Scottish ancestry, but perhaps I shouldn't stereotype.
Hubby can write (he wooed me with poetry), so the talent is there. He's already written the first two chapters and I'm quite impressed because it's a great story! But Mr. McKenzie has little patience when I try to explain things like point of view, setting the scene at the beginning of a chapter, cause and effect, etc. He's eager to listen and learn, but as I expound and give examples, he claims, "I got it, you can stop now!" Even when I suggested he read a chapter from one of my craft books on POV, he said, "No, I understand it!"
Maybe I should explain that the writing process is a slow one--one that requires tremendous amounts of patience. Writing a novel can take months, or even years to get it perfect/publishable. He thinks I'm just slow. But sooner or later he'll realize that the writing itself is slow, and that there's a lot to learn on the way. I suppose I'll have to be patient with his impatience as I guide him along!
How are you at offering advice to a novice writer? Is it harder for you when the novice is a friend or relative? Tweet me at maria_mckenzie. Thanks for visiting!
