I’m simply again from a “Author’s Retreat” organized by the Madison Author’s Studio. It was an excellent three days, filled with inspiration, help, and teachings concerning 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. Provided that I’m beginning work on my second novel (see under for information concerning 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 e-book, On Writing, Stephen King stated “Adverbs usually are not your buddy.” King quotes his trainer John Gould as saying “While you write a narrative, you’re telling your self the story. While you rewrite, your fundamental job is taking out all of the issues which are not the story.” Virtually all writers need to do it–take out phrases that add pointless weight whereas revising draft one, draft 4, draft twenty two of a manuscript. I actually did it (and am little doubt not carried out) with my first novel.
Right here’s an instance of much less is extra from our workshop on Voice, taught superbly by Christopher Chambers. It’s possible you’ll, (or could not), be stunned that it’s an excerpt from James Patterson’s Sundays at Tiffany’s. “Michael was operating as quick as he might, racing down thickly congested streets . . . “. Sounds fascinating. However. What should 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 acquired that they’re busy streets already, proper?
Much less is extra. And never simply in writing. I’ve talked earlier than concerning the significance of conserving issues clear when working with purchasers, and early this 12 months I wrote about the identical matter–How Canine Coaching and Enhancing are the Similar. 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 exhausting it’s for us people to be clear. And the way tiring it should be for canines, particularly canines working at a excessive stage underneath time stress.
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 will we people chatter a lot? Why is it so exhausting 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 massive information for lovers of thriller novels very quickly. I want I might spill the beans, however all I can say is issues are occurring (lastly, the MS was carried out in January) and I hope to have an announcement quickly. That does NOT imply that the e-book is about to come back out subsequent month! Soonest is, assist me take a breath, a 12 months 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 distinct velocity than many people. So . . . perhaps late winter/early spring 2026? Cross your paws.
MEANWHILE, again on the farm: Not a lot as we speak, as a result of if I don’t spend the remainder of my vitality typing up my prolific notes from the writing retreat it would by no means occur. Moreover, Maggie and Skip want to work sheep after their involuntary break from herding whereas I used to be gone.
However right here’s my instant household, taking a break on the Paddy Fanning clinic. This picture makes my coronary heart sing. I’m the luckiest lady on the earth,
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 may be plenty 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 understand . . . , much less is extra.