I may not be Neil Gaiman or Charlie Kaufman or JJ Abrams, but I have had some success as a writer, including 2 published books, many pieces (fiction, creative...
I may not be Neil Gaiman or Charlie Kaufman or JJ Abrams, but I have had some success as a writer, including 2 published books, many pieces (fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry) published in magazines, and several screenwriting gigs (developing my own work, as well as being hired on to a project) that have paid well and advanced my career in some way. I've also taught creative writing at Vancouver Film School, and genuinely believe I've supported up-and-coming writers on their journeys.
And here's my best advice:
Say yes.
Someone wants to collaborate with you on a project, and you're not sure where it's going or if it'll turn out well?
Say yes. Lots of aspects of a writing career are trying things that don't work. But everything's a learning experience, everything can potentially add to your portfolio and expand your creative network, and hey -- you might come out the other side with something fabulous.
There's a deadline coming up for a contest in which a 'win' would provide you support to make a comic, or a short film, or get your work published... but you're also kind of busy right now...
Say yes. It's hard to find the extra time to put into your creative work. It's true for 99% of us. But the thing is, the people that are going to advance their careers are the ones that are going to find that time. You can't win if you don't play.
Considering a project that's far-fetched and ambitious, and you're not sure you're up to the task?
Say yes. Push, yearn, experiment, reach, strive... try something new. No one ever grew as an artist by following the same formula again and again. Do you want your epitaph to read "She did that one thing quite well." ?
Writing is, on some level, a numbers game. You have to try a lot of different things to discover your talents... and you want to have many projects on the go at the same time, because you never know what project is going to 'stick' and become something much bigger.
"No" is for the weak and faint-hearted. Say yes, yes, YES!
Comments
17:55 Sun Sep 7th, 2008
What are your books called? I crave new reading, and as a someone with a book in the works, I'd love to check out what you've done. Message me!
18:10 Sun Sep 7th, 2008
Yes - I agree. And furthermore, what success I've had as a writer comes not only from saying yes, but from not taking no for an answer.
If you want to be a writer, you have to prepare yourself for a lot of no from other people, and your job is to not listen to them.
19:38 Sun Sep 7th, 2008
Yen, even Yoda thinks what you have to say is full of Zen! It's great advice, and kind of amusing when you think about it, because the best advice I've ever received while in the midst of telling a story is to say "no"! I'll expand on this point in a blog of my own (thanks for sharing!)
05:54 Mon Sep 8th, 2008
Great advice. I plan to take the "you can't win if you don't play" to heart when CCN2 gets going.
09:16 Mon Sep 8th, 2008
@ TK -- haha! Look forward to seeing that post. It's true, sometimes 'no' is the right answer... I just think some folks say no before they're outta the gate...
@panicman123 -- I will also PM you, but my books are poetry. The first is a collection called The Octopus & Other Poems (Signature Editions) and my new one, What It Feels Like for a Girl (Anvil Press), comes out... well, any day now! Both are available on Amazon, Chapters online, etc.
@scootergirl -- glad to hear it! I almost didn't get off my butt and write the script for Abigail's War when CCN 1 was on. What a fool I'd have been!
09:19 Mon Sep 8th, 2008
I also thought I would add to this post when a new example came to mind. So here's another:
Someone experienced in the industry offering to mentor you, give you feedback, or share their wisdom?
Say yes! Lots of experienced folk are surprisingly generous with their time -- why not benefit from it?
11:22 Mon Sep 8th, 2008
@Yen: great add to a great post!
Also, just to be clear. I was not suggesting saying "no" to any opportunities nor to putting in the time and effort to work on your stories. I'm talking about a writing device while creating your story itself.
Always say yes to opportunities to learn and improve, definitely!
04:09 Tue Sep 9th, 2008
I'll always say yes. I also have zero free time. I wonder if there's a connection? Seriously, though, great advice.
15:20 Tue Sep 9th, 2008
You know what they say... if you want something done, ask a busy person! :)
15:48 Tue Sep 9th, 2008
I don't think I've ever heard that expression, Yen, but it's so true. Within the last few minutes I said yes to a magazine article assignment and told Steven I'd try to join him in the MUP...despite the fact that I'm in the middle of writing another magazine article, I have a book due at the end of the month, and I'm way behind on my Mind Crimes promotional "to-do" list.
01:37 Wed Sep 10th, 2008
It is true. The best years of my life have been when I am busiest! Like take this last one, for example!
16:17 Thu Sep 11th, 2008
Great advice! And it's totally true. While I haven't had any paid gigs yet - and while I'm still finding my footing in this industry, every step forward I've made has been because I've said 'yes' to the opportunities that've come my way.
Hopefully when CCN2 gets started (when is that?!) I'll be able to submit Shaderin to it and go from there. I've already got the script done - not sure if I should post it now or wait for the contest...
What do you think? :P
16:50 Thu Sep 11th, 2008
We'd all love to know when CCN2 is going to get started, but I'd wager it won't be until at least the middle of October.
I'd suggest you post your script now, BCLaraby. That way you can get feedback and possibly give it an extra polish or two before CCN2 starts. Then when the contest starts, you can say, "Look! My pitch is ready to go--I'm ready to win right now!"
19:50 Thu Sep 11th, 2008
I say post it now also. If CCN2 is done like CCN1 where winners are done over several weeks having a polished pitch is great because it puts you put at the top during the first week. Which is great because even if you don't win, everyone checks out the top ranking pitches figuring they're probably good if they're at the top.
Also, you guys really never heard of giving something to someone busy if you want it to get done?
00:18 Fri Sep 12th, 2008
You asked your question, BCLaraby. And the crowd says yes, post the script!
(And just FYI, if I remember correctly, Blake Undying was pretty much unstoppable when CCN 1 started because it'd gained so many fans over such a long time.)
01:53 Fri Sep 12th, 2008
No, Asclepius, I don't think I ever heard the one about giving something to someone who's busy if you want it done. The expression I hear over and over again is, "If you want something done right, do it yourself!"
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Juiceboy
14:36 Sun Sep 7th, 2008
Great advice Yen, thanks.