Rewrites

There’s a rampant fascination in the writer’s world with how others come to the craft.

Where do they write? How much? When? Do they plot or fly by the seat of their pants? How many books did they write before they sold their first?

It’s a process of validation, I believe. A way to connect with success by examining the habits of others who’ve gone before and gotten THE CALL. (I kid you not, ‘THE CALL’ is always capitalized and every writer in the world knows what it is and waits for it). I’m waiting for mine right now. So are a lot of you.

So back to my subject of rewrites, author Sidney Sheldon has died. He was reported to have written 50 pages a day by dictating to his secretary or tape recorder. No computers or typewriters for him.

Once done his book, he rewrote it. 12-15 times. That’s a lot of times!

Purportedly, author Dean Koontz goes over his manuscripts somewhere in the ballpark of 30 times before submitting. Wow! That’s tenacity.

I’m looking for a little of that this morning as I dig into my own edits. Knowing that Sidney and Dean have done it, I know I can too.

And a little quote from Mr. Sheldon:

“I like to write about women who are talented and capable, but most important, retain their femininity. Women have tremendous power — their femininity, because men can’t do without it,” he has said in the past.

Smart guy!

What about you? What are you looking for in your day?