Webcomic Diversity and Power to Change

@joe_galindez Joe Galindez
Fri, 09 Feb 2018 17:00:06 +0000

@joe_galindez wrote:

joe_galindez:

@spicy_sweets It's a tradition among writers that the first thing you ever write should never see the light of day. You're supposed to lock it up in a drawer, or maybe a trunk, and move on to the next project.

When I said You're supposed to lock it up in a drawer, or maybe a trunk, and move on to the next project, I meant that in the context of the previous line, which is, It's a tradition among writers that the first thing you ever write should never see the light of day.

That is, you should lock up your first novel, but only if you subscribe to that particular tradition. I was merely describing the concept of a trunk novel, I wasn't actually making a recommendation.

I don't have any objection to people posting their first novels as they're writing the things. I recognize that this is how it's done now, and indeed I see the advantages to doing so. I'm sorry if I wasn't very clear, but I feel like you latched onto the worst possible interpretation.

joe_galindez:

Generally speaking, people shouldn't ask too much of their first works. (And I mean that as an encouragement.) Focus on getting it done and don't worry if it doesn't win awards.

In other words, it's okay to make mistakes with your first real novel. That's what first novels are for. Don't feel pressured to make a bestseller out of it. Just enjoy the learning experience and git 'er done. Because the sooner you get it out of your system, the sooner you can start writing something better.

I know it's a bit blunt, but I also feel like it's plenty encouraging. It's the sort of thing my dad would say, when he was alive.

joe_galindez:

If writing a novel is like climbing a mountain, then tinkering with your first chapter is like stopping short of the summit to go back and try and make a better approach.

I do want to discourage endless tinkering though. It's a trap. Sooner or later a writer has to stop working on a manuscript and move on to the next project.

ChristodeBoyet:

i'm allowed to do what I want with my free novel.

I mean, you're totally free to do the complete opposite of whatever I say. I won't stop you. After this post, I won't even speak to you. Unless you say something in my direction. Then I'll take it to mean that you want to talk.