In case you missed it, there was an Op-Ed piece in The New York Times by John Grisham called Boxers, Briefs and Books about how he became a writer. Here is an excerpt:
Writing was not a childhood dream of mine. I do not recall longing to write as a student. I wasn’t sure how to start. Over the following weeks I refined my plot outline and fleshed out my characters. One night I wrote “Chapter One” at the top of the first page of a legal pad; the novel, “A Time to Kill,” was finished three years later.
The book didn’t sell, and I stuck with my day job, defending criminals, preparing wills and deeds and contracts. Still, something about writing made me spend large hours of my free time at my desk.
I had never worked so hard in my life, nor imagined that writing could be such an effort. It was more difficult than laying asphalt, and at times more frustrating than selling underwear. But it paid off. Eventually, I was able to leave the law and quit politics. Writing’s still the most difficult job I’ve ever had, but it’s worth it.
To read the entire article entitled Boxers, Briefs and Books go to: Boxers, Briefs and Books. Check out John Grisham’s website here.
So what do you think? Did you realize writing was as difficult as it is?
I’d love to hear from you.
I am an ex-shrink who writes novels. Check out my books here.
Right now I’m trying to write something that is proving to be incredibly difficult to get out. This is not my usual experience with writing: sure, there’s always problems to resolve and things don’t got the way I’d thought they would, but this story I’m working on right now is very hard. To be honest, I’m not even sure why I’m still at it.
But the most difficult thing I’ve ever done? Well, I’d have to say no. I’ve done things that were very difficult that I didn’t want to do but had to due to circumstances. Writing is a choice for me, and I can always choose not to do it. So for me, knowing that I’m choosing to do it makes it easier.
Fascinating, but just as you said a while back that you didn’t see writing the way I did in my satirical post about Jack Daniels, I don’t see writing the way Mr. Grisham does. It’s not the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I wish I had as easy a time doing everything else. I have no idea how it’s going to be received by Those With The Power Over My Scrotum, but at the moment I don’t care. I only care that my writing have a reason for being, a reason larger than itself, while being enjoyable and, I hope, thought-provoking at the same time.
But when I have major reworkings to do in web design, or something else, I cringe and start worrying if I can complete the workload. When I have major reworkings to do in my writing, I look forward to it, no matter how enormous, and look forward to it, even if it leaves me tired and frazzled at the edges. Somehow even exertion is less painful when it’s writing and not something else.
Such thoughtful comments. I love you guys/gals. I really do.
I think it is Billie Jean King, the tennis great, who says, “Pressure is a priviledge.” I think of writing that way, too. It is a priviledge. At times, it is not that easy. But at other times I feel like the most fortunate person in the world.
Thanks for commenting!
Also, here is a response via email from Tr:
Hi Susan,
I always enjoy reading or hearing about how successful writers got started. I am not, nor will I probably ever be on that list. At least , not on the level of John Grisham. I was born, I feel inside, to write, draw and play music. I have been actively doing all three since early childhood, and I’m too old to stop now. I’ve performed music before, for money. (not busking) I’ve sold crafts and artwork of mine over the years and sold poetry and stories and had a few plays that I’ve written, produced. So, from that standpoint, I have been “successful”, in all three. Since my creativity is my soul’s passion and desire, every job I’ve ever had has always been just that…a job to keep a roof over my head, food on my table, and the means to buy the tools I need to continue to write, draw and play music. I would love to be able to live comfortably through the fruits of my creative passions because these are the only things that make my heart sing; but if those cards don’t happen to have been dealt to me in this round as I sit at the table of the card game of life, then I shall continue to entertain myself and a few tolerant friends who love and encourage and support me.
From my personal observation, I’ve come to believe that success in the realm of creativity comes from a healthy dose perseverance, combined with an even healthier dose of lady luck smiling on you. (Hopefully, while you are still alive)