The latter quote above not only rings very true for me, but also accentuates Parker’s quote, too. For me, the greatest joy I get from writing (besides people loving my stories), is the entire planning and plotting of my future stories. What bliss! Pure creation – making something lasting and entertaining essentially out of thin air, from that infinite well of knowledge, the mind. If only we tapped into it more frequently, oh the riches we might unearth!
So how does the latter quote tie in to Parker’s? Simple. There is only one option for authors that makes logical sense after having spent hours upon hours of planning their next story, writing the darned thing. If only it could write itself, no? The reason I love planning but hate having planned, is the inevitable and more often than not daunting task of writing a novel from front to back. If only writing meant simply planning… Someone must develop a piece of software that writes your books for you once all the necessary parameters and details of the blueprint have been inputted. They’d make a killing!
Here’s the rub: In order to create something lasting and entertaining, unfortunately, one must go through a thorough and detailed planning process. A solid and sound foundation must be laid before anything can be built, no less true for a novel. Many authors loath the planning process, but excel at the writing. Luckily for me, I am the opposite. My motivation for planning a new story lies squarely on my fortitude and perseverance when writing the actual book. Sadly, lethargy can and has crept in from time to time which greatly hinders the writing process, but the end of the dull writing journey holds yet another blank page on my word processing screen begging for new and exciting ideas to spill out onto.
My point? DON’T FEAR WRITING! But more importantly, do not skimp on the planning. I can’t stress that last point enough. Lay the foundation. Cover up the holes, and watch the magic build from there. Otherwise, all the sweat and toil of writing will be for naught.
Peace.