By Melodie Campbell.
I’m not talking about a room of your own, with all due respect to Virginia Wolf. (Although that is certainly handy. Writing your early stories on the floor of the bathroom with your kids outside shaking the locked door gets tiresome pretty fast.)
But today I’m talking about what I tell the grown-up students in my “Crafting a Novel” college class. I’ve been teaching people how to write fiction for over twenty years. Some of my students have gone on to glory, and others have not.
Do you have what it takes to become an author?
Believe it or not, I can tell from the first few classes if you will. This is because it’s not enough to have talent. It’s not enough to learn the craft. From my experience, a student who is able to become an author has all the traits below. Not two out of three. You need all three. Here goes:
1) Talent
By this, I’m talking about the ability to come up with original stories, time and time again. Something we haven’t seen before. Yes, people will tell you that everything’s been done. There are no new stories. (I would disagree with that, by the way. I don’t think you will have seen the plots to many of my Goddaughter books before. And Anne, your Googling Old Boyfriends was a first! Take that, Shakespeare …not to point to another title…)
As a writer, you need a plethora of plots in your head. True, Romeo and Juliet has been done. But can you come up with a way to do it differently? Romeo as a Werewolf and Juliet as a Vampire? Earthling and Alien?
The talent to come up with many, many stories is something you are born with. Those of us with multiple publications live with stories in our heads all the time. They haunt us. They take over our sleep. I expect I would go mad if I didn’t let all these characters out of my head to tell their adventures.
That’s what I mean by talent.
2) Craft
This is the part I can teach you, I tell my students. A good fiction writing class will teach you about plotting, creating conflict, providing obstacles and setbacks, motivation, characterization etc. etc. We can show you how to write ripping good dialogue. We can teach you how to create tension. And in our classes, you will learn how to open, why a reader must be satisfied with your ending, and more. You’ll learn the reader and publisher expectations for all the genres.
Yes, you can master the craft yourself, if you are smart and disciplined. But taking a good writing class can shave five years off your apprenticeship, sometimes more. I highly recommend it. Besides, it’s fun!
3) Passion
Some students come to my class brimming with ideas. They listen carefully and are serious about learning the craft. But somewhere during those fourteen weeks, they discover that writing a manuscript isn’t the fun they thought it would. They don’t have a passion for it. And they are disappointed to find that out, of course.
Man, this writing thing is WORK! It’s lonely sitting at a desk for hours and hours, with only your characters for company.
I estimate it takes close to a thousand hours to complete and edit a full length novel. All those hours, when you could be doing something else – something more FUN.
Here’s what I’ve found. Lots of people want to be authors. But very few actually like the work of *writing*. It sounds glamorous. But what you’re really doing is sitting by yourself, facing a screen, pounding at a keyboard.
The people who make it as writers are those for which the writing part is actually fun. They have a passion to get their stories out. The hours they spend at a keyboard are cherished rather than avoided.
For me, the best vacation is going to a resort where the air is warm, the meals are prepared by someone else (bless them) and I have hours and hours to write with no interruptions! Family can go to the pool or sightsee or shop. I can have glorious time to write.
Does that sound like fun to you? Welcome to our writing world!
Does it sound like a chore? Don’t feel bad. You are probably a lot saner than me. I think authors are nuts. After all, we write about people who don’t exist and things that never happened.
But wait, you said three things. There’s a fourth?
The Most Important Trait to Stay in the Game
You wrote the book. You got the publisher. You’ve won the awards. Okay, you’ve even got seventeen books and five series behind you.
What’s the most important thing you need to remain in the biz?
It’s not something you hear about often. In fact, I wouldn’t have known it until this year. But 30 years after I won my first short story award, it’s clear to me.
4) You Need to be Versatile.
I got my start writing standup. Mostly, I wrote for other comedians, and sold through an agent. Then I became a newspaper humour columnist. After that (and in addition to) I started writing short stories. Often, I got paid $1000 a gig.
Then the short story market crashed in the 90s. Did you hear about that? Magazines like Good Housekeeping used to feature short stories. Then some bright ad exec figured out they could get fiction publishers to pay to have the first chapter of a novel featured in their magazine, as an enticement for readers to buy the book. In one move, many magazines quit paying authors like me, and started making money from them. I was axed.
Next I tried the men’s magazines. And yes, I wrote some pretty racy stuff for Fox and others. (Under a different name, natch.) That got old pretty quick.
Someone said I should be writing novels. I started writing novels. First, I wrote fantasy, because fantasy as a genre accepts comedy really well. A trilogy (Rowena Through the Wall) got me featured in USA Today. Things were going great.
You’ve Become an Author…then your World Crashes
Then my publisher showed signs of collapsing.
Enter Publisher no. 2. Would I write crime novella length books for them? Damn right I would. I wrote six. (The Goddaughter series.) Then Publisher no. 2 says, “We need a romantic comedy for the line. Can I have your outline by April and a book by Sept.?”
I wrote the outline. And the book. Me, writing romantic comedy. Contract came for a second. All the while, I’m whining, “I’m a crime writer!”
Are you seeing a pattern?
Two years ago, I was signing books in my publisher’s booth at the Ontario Library Association conference. Two male teachers can up to me and said, “Did you know your Goddaughter books are popular with the teenage boys in our high school? Why aren’t you writing YA?”
The YA publisher for Orca Books, who happened to be standing next to me in the booth, said, “Yeah. Why aren’t you writing for me?”
And so Crime Club, the book that came out in September, is young adult crime. And I don’t hate it. I actually enjoyed the challenge of writing for an age group I’d never tried before.
What you Need to Have a Sustainable Career.
I have come to the conclusion that the most important trait you need to survive in this business is to be versatile. Markets change. Tastes change. Publishers come and go. Fads come and go (seriously, are we done with Vampires yet?) Even average reading ages change. The girls who read sweet romances have all grown up and are now into domestic noir.
No, you don’t have to turn yourself into a pretzel. You don’t have to write what you hate. But if you want a thirty year career as a writer, the best thing you can be is versatile. Asked to write in a new genre? Think of it as a plot twist. And welcome to the very twisty game of writing fiction for a living.
by Melodie Campbell (@MelodieCampbell) December 8, 2019
What about you, scriveners? Do you feel you have the “Big Three” qualities Melodie talks about? Do you know of writers who have succeeded who didn’t have these traits? What about #4? Do you think you’re versatile enough to change genres if the market changes?
Melodie Campbell
Called the “Queen of Comedy” by The Toronto Sun, Melodie Campbell has won ten awards for fiction, including the Derringer and the Arthur Ellis. She has over 200 publications, including 17 novels, 40 short stories and 100 humour columns. Melodie has been on faculty at Sheridan College since 1992, and is the past Executive Director of Crime Writers of Canada.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
There’s a new Goddaughter Book! Gina Gallo goes to Las Vegas!
THE GODDAUGHTER DOES VEGAS is on the FOREST OF READING 2020 GREAT STORIES list,
sponsored by the Ontario Library Association!
(The paperback is only $6.15 USD right now. I scored a copy. Makes a great stocking-stuffer!…Anne)
Gina Gallo is a mob goddaughter who doesn’t want to be one. She’s left her loopy family behind to elope with Pete to Vegas. Except that eloping may be a mortal sin in an Italian family. Between that and some weird deliveries and suitors, Gina’s nerves are frayed. Vegas is full of great acts, but one impersonation is real: Gina has a crime-committing double whose activities are making Gina front-page news. Gina has to track down this fiendish fraud before the police catch up with her. And, of course, cousin Nico is along for the ride.
Another madcap adventure for the loveable Gallo cousins that proves the rule “Why should things go right when they can go wrong?”
Featured image Tee-shirt is available on Etsy from MurphyClothingcoshop
Nice piece, Melodie. You nailed it with versatility. The only constant thing in the writing wold is change, and you need the first three qualities to keep up. Thanks for this uplifting post. Mind if I share?
I`d be delighted, Garry! Thanks for your kind words.
Thanks so much Melodie. I feel you’ve certainly got the right of it with these three (OK, four… but you must know that five is RIGHT OUT) things to be successful. Makes sense.
I’m trying to figure out what I’ll be in terms of the future and work. A lot of things I could do, somewhat fewer that people would be willing to hire me for…
Go hang out my own shingle? Not as a writer, I wouldn’t be versatile enough. I know this one place, I write about it, the pace is completely unreliable and it hasn’t been truly huge/popular since I was a kid. Makes me happy, gives me a kind of fulcrum to explore other, more real options.
But this is a terrific guide for new/aspiring writers and I’ll be sure to refer to you when I talk to them!
Thanks William! I think the thing with hanging our your own shingle is you have to become a publisher as well as a writer. I`m no expert in that area – well, dang, I find keeping up with writing hard enough!!
Melodie—Thanks for such a realistic, down-to-earth post. Your career sounds like mine. I started out writing for men’s magazines, then wrote for women’s magazines, after that some original paperbacks, then Gothic romances because they were hot at the time, and gradually worked my way up to hardcover NYT bestselling Women’s Fiction. I’ve had publishers go out of business, had offers unexpectedly withdrawn, lost editors who left for better jobs or were fired, had publicity departments go on strike, gotten stuck with publishers who felt they were stuck with me. And on and on it goes.
Bottom line: writers had better be flexible, have a little money in the bank, and be prepared to roll with the punches. Glamorous? Surely you jest!
https://media.giphy.com/media/3oKHWBujeYZcz0SaTm/giphy.gif
LOL
Exactly!
Oh, that is funny. Glam, indeedy! I remember in the 90s finally making to Maxie magazine (I think that was the name) and getting that big cheque, and before I could cash it, the mag went under. Even my kill fee bounced. And then there was the New York agent who promised the world and then died before he could deliver it (poor fella. No, really.) I should have mentioned the little money in the bank, Ruth. Thanks for that.
Melodie, I really enjoyed your post – and you made me laugh, you’re certainly still great on humor even if you’re into YA these days (besides, who knows what’s next? Laughing always helps). And yes, I agree with both you and Ruth Harris: “writers had better be flexible, have a little money in the bank, and be prepared to roll with the punches.” And sure, it’s not glamorous…
But when you have the passion, it’s no problem!
Actually, can I share a secret? I LOVE to edit! Sounds crazy, but I really like it. When I’ve finished my first, hurried draft, the baby’s born, it’s there in front of my eyes and looking kinda crumpled and ugly. But now I’m going to go to work on it and make it beautiful! Birthing the baby was an anxiety nightmare, but once it’s born, then the whole world brightens up, the fun begins. The goal is clear. Put it into shape, dammit. Make it presentable – attractive even! What could be more fun?
Honestly, of the 4 things you mention, I think passion is the most important, and it’s easy to measure: you’re passionate if you like to edit!
So true, Claude. Being a writer means a whole lot of time editing, and also tolerating the editing of others so assigned by your publisher! I think my happiest moment is when the work is done to my satisfaction, actually before it gets published. Maybe even before I send it to the publisher – grin.
So far most of my fiction has been in one genre, but I have been asked to write in other genres for magazines and certainly for anthologies. I’m willing to try anything once.
Melodie, if you could survive writing stand up comedy, you could survive anything!
The writing of standup is easy, Alex. It`s the delivery that`s tough. I still do some for conferences, but I never did like clubs. Don`t like a liquored up crowd. I really admire the gals who do it now – all younger than me!
Hey Melodie & Anne,
I’m with you on all these, especially versatility, which comes in handy no matter what one’s vocation/avocation is. When I started teaching middle school English, I figured that’d be it. Not so much. Along with English, I ended up teaching history, math, remedial reading, drama, public speaking, creative writing, journalism, guitar, & home ec. And most those changes were wonderful things that rejuvenated my teaching, just as a switch of gears in the writing world can rejuvenate one’s writing.
Just a quick note to say I find this particularly inspiring. I’m hoping for teaching as well and I have taken on other subjects recently, found it to be almost as much fun and just as rejuvenating as you say.
What an excellent point, CS! I`ve taught at college since 1992, and have taught 17 different courses, including those in business, engineering, theatre, as well as my Crafting a Novel staple. Maybe we learned versatility in the classroom! Glad to have it, whatever.
What a reassuring post, coming at a time when I was doubting myself. I like to think I’m OK with the first three attributes on your list, to be honest you’ve given me a new perspective on the fourth. I was worried that by writing in three genres I was somehow diluting my appeal, that I needed to be three people to market them properly. Having read your post, I’m feeling better about my habit of publishing novels (and series) that are completely different to each other.
Honestly, Richard, I think it`s a huge advantage to be able to write in different genres. I`ve seen popular genres tank, and others take off. Wish I had the talent and desire for domestic noir, which seems to be hot now (that`s another post, coming soon on my home, Sleuthsayers.) Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for the great article, Melodie. This is the opposite of what I have been told in the past: “pick 1 genre and stick with it, or you will never get loyal fans in any of them.” Or, you will upset the readers of your 1st few books. I have always sensed this wasn’t good advice. As a beginner, I am trying different genres to see what I do best. I now believe this will make me a better writer in the long run.
IN the old days, we didnt`have websites. So if a reader picked up a book by you in a different genre, they may not have known what they were getting, and might be disappointed by it. But my website defines all my books pretty clearer. It`s more important (and possible) to be branded now, And I guess one has to decide if they are in for the long haul!
Excellent tips here Melodie. You nailed it all. You can’t have passion if you aren’t spending that alone time and not even noticing the clock, the odd missed meal and those days when you don’t get out of pyjamas. LOL 🙂
So many of my students are shocked to discover how much time it takes to write a book! Yes, we are a weird bunch. Surely there has to be better things to do then have imaginary people in your head ordering you to write their stories – grin.
Thanks, Melodie, terrific and realistic post. From childhood I only wanted to write for a living. That meant my first book was about growing herbs, much to my family’s disappointment. Followed by several “how-to” titles until I was asked to write about plumbing. I did and the struggle pushed me off the romance writing cliff. 50 Harlequin titles later I tried my wings at sci-fi, most recently wrote a memoir. Versatility and passion are ideed key. 40 years and 90 books later I still mourn the demise of magazine short stories which I loved writing, but as long as I’m paid to produce words, I’m a happy camper.
90 Books! You are my hero, Valerie. I`ve used up 56 plots to date, and so admire those writers who are reaching 100. What imagination! And passion. We share that demise of mag short stories.
I started out writing horror, switched to YA, then romance, then back to YA. I just love the genre and hope to see my books published in the future.
YA was certainly different for me, Traci. I had to button my naughty mouth and clean up my naughty thoughts (my first fantasy series was racy – grin.) Wish you every luck in this publishing game!
I made the decision to work a day job so that I could follow my writing passion without worrying about how I was going to pay my mortgage. The versatility has come in with being able to teach myself different forms of expository writing and cranking it out with minimal rounds of revision. I’m not making any money off writing literary fiction, but I’ve accomplished what I set out to do with publication and readers’ responses to my work.
Liz, there is good sense in not depending on your writing to pay the mortgage. In fact, it gives you freedom to write exactly what you want to write. Thanks for commenting!
Thank you, Melodie, I love this no-nonsense approach of your post. It makes so much sense. It’s really the way to live a life, be ready for changes because they are coming.
Mark, it`s so true. I`d love to go back to the 90s in my writing career, but that world doesn`t exist anymore. I`m lucky I had it when I did. Thanks for commenting!
What a great career, Melodie!
I want to write in more than one genre.
Thanks Ingmar! I always went by the theory: write what you wish someone else had written, so you could read it.
I loved this post. And I agree with Claude – I love to edit. Yes, I really enjoy writing the first draft but the fun for me begins when I pick up that first draft again and dig into editing to make it what I really, really want it to be. I’ve been at this thing for ten years now, still looking for an agent, though I have five books that are published by a small press along with three other books in the wings, waiting for someone to be interested in representing me. All were women’s fiction until the last one which is Young Adult. I feel I have the traits needed but finding an agent was always my dream. I think I’ve realized that’s never going to happen so I guess I’ll have to self-publish because I will not quit writing. Perseverance is my middle name.
That`s a very good name to have, Patricia! I wish you much luck in the agent quest. And publishing whichever way you choose.
Very instructive! Instead of blaming my tendency to genre-hop on a lack of attention span or Ooh, Shiny! Syndrome, I now pronounce myself ‘versatile’. I like the sound of that much better! ????
Lissa, one of my pet peeves is the fact that I love genre crossing books, and publishers haven`t gotten that message! Thanks for naming that syndrome I share with you (Ooh, Shiny!) Nice to have a name to it 🙂
This is a great writeup Melodie. I like to think that I have all 4 of these traits! I don’t mind long hours writing. The creative process feels awesome. However, I do have the kids rattling the bathroom door. I’d love to write a novel one day, but for now I have the mortgage-paying corporate day job and I write short pieces and poems when I can. I like what you said about adaptability. I’ve heard the advice to find one genre and stick with it, but that feels like pigeonholing yourself, and why do that? Nice to know so many of you are not only making a living writing but publishing so many books!
Jen, I had 24 short stories published and six awards before I even tried to write a novel. Those kids, you know – grin. You`ll have time in future. Believe me, you will. Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for this post Melodie. It has certainly given me something to think about when it comes to versatility. I’ve always read a wide range of genres, which has been reflected in my writing. As has previously been stated, there is the advice of finding one genre and stick with it. I believe this is good advice to a degree because it’s a good way to hone our craft, but I feel there is the need for us to step out of our comfort zones and experiment. At at time when I’m beginning to doubt myself, this post has been very reassuring.
Thanks Debbie. The stepping out of our comfort zone is often something precipitated by the publishing industry – not by our own choice! At least, to keep in the game, I`ve been forced to write outside of my original genre. But it has served me well.
So much of this is passion. You have to love something that is hard to do.
Bryan, you said it! Thanks for commenting.
I’ve never thought of writing as glamorous. Perhaps because I’ve been writing and teaching writing for so long. But I get your point. Versatility is key. I think some writers can survive writing just one genre (and a lot of them actually benefit from sticking to that–just saying) but being *able* to be a versatile writer will certainly open doors. Good on you for so many genres. I’m intrigued and off to check them out.
Thanks, Sarah. It certainly wasn`t my choice to go rogue with genres! But it`s been a fun ride so far. And it has made it easier to teach this stuff, having been published in five genres.
Ha! Go rogue. Well, it paid off. 🙂
Having been lucky enough to take Melodie’s Crafting a Novel class, I have to reaffirm that the class has honed much of what I thought I knew, and helped organize that knowledge. I’m definitely a much more aware writer for having taken it. 🙂
Thanks Anne! I’m really enjoying this blog, and its contents are immensely helpful- a lifeboat if not just encouragement- to keep us doggy-paddling along in our individual sea(s) of words.
Plus, Melodie, your posts are always such a treat! (It’s not much different from how she talks folks, so this is like a crash course of her bubbly personality)