It's time to start the next revision of my novel. You know, the one where I've decided I need to insert more of my natural writing "voice" into things. The snarky, sarcastic (sometimes asshole) voice. (I had over-edited to the point of stilted formality.)
It's funny, because when I'm posting comments on Amazon or ripping apart a self-published novel, these things just come so easily to me. There's an element of anonymity there, I suppose. Or at least, there was. I certainly don't talk that way in my real life. (There are very few situations where it would be acceptable. I don't think it would work with my bosses, and it would probably lead to some trouble with the US Patent and Trademark Office, as much as I want to respond that way to some of the arguments I see from patent examiners.)
I know that I will have a better book if I write with that tone. I know I would enjoy reading it more! So why is it taking me so long to get with the program? Am I afraid of something? (I didn't even write yesterday. Granted, I was pretty sick and hadn't gotten much sleep. I don't have that excuse today. I'm much better -- not 100%, but definitely improved -- and I slept reasonably well.)
I've just got to make myself do it. And I will, right after I give Mr. Kitty his prednisolone.
I don't know!
ReplyDeleteBut I do know that I can give a presentation to 100 private school parents without batting an eye, and yet when it comes time to read 10 minutes' worth of short story to half a dozen of my fellow amateur-hour writers, my voice is shaking like a Bond martini.
So my theory so far is that the closer we get to our 'real' selves, the scarier it is to put said selves out there. I'd understand if it were easier and more comfortable to leave your book as written by polished-and-professional Dr. Burrito, rather than risking criticism of your own homely voice.
Alternatively, it could be that rewriting a book is a big goddamn job, and it's much less work to just keep finding reasons not to start it. I do that all the time. Shit, I'm doing that right now!
You could have something there. I can talk in front of all sorts of people, no problem. Well, I guess I was a little nervous during my PhD defense. But then again, that had a set date. And it was the choice between "do this, or leave grad school with $100K in student debt and no degree to show for it.)
DeleteThe funny thing is, I actually get praise (online, and anonymously, at least) for writing in this voice.
Anyway, I totally get where you're coming from. And I definitely think there's some truth to it for me, as well.