Thursday, March 24, 2011

Brande-ing Yourself as a Writer

by Anna Campbell

Today's review is something of an experiment! Watch out - if you don't wear protective clothing, you'll turn bright orange!

Well, maybe not...

When the lovely Dishes and I talked about doing a monthly review, we thought it might be fun to shake up the romance mix with the occasional research/nonfiction book.

So I thought today I might talk about my favorite how-to book. I know this is primarily a readers' site but we get a lot of aspiring writers here too - and I've found readers are often interested in how writers put the books together.

Are you ready, Igor, my strangely handsome lab assistant?

They'd sold out of ugly evil minions when I went to the Frankenstein's Helper shop and so I was left choosing between Igor Boreanaz, Igor Armitage and a discounted Igor Day-Lewis (this model dates from his Last of the Mohicans days - he was a remainder, you know the LAST, which is why he was so cheap). Because I always keep the Dish budget in mind, I took the IDL but he keeps losing things and shouting "I WILL FIND YOU" which is a tad distracting when I'm working on major scientific research in the lab, especially as he turns the shower on full-tilt every time he yells. And he keeps shooting the lab rats - sheesh!).

Oh, enough idle persiflage! Dorothea would NOT approve!

Wonderful Aussie historical romance writer Anne Gracie put me onto BECOMING A WRITER by Dorothea Brande. And I'm so glad she did. The book was originally published in 1934 and I think the fact that it's still available speaks for itself.

Dorothea Brande was an editor and writing tutor when she wrote BAW in response to what she saw as a need for a book that addressed the deeper issues writers face, beyond writing techniques. As she said, a lot of problems for writers are psychological and nothing to do with whether they can put a plot together or handle deft changes of point of view. Over and over, you need to know how to focus your mind and get over a writing slump and keep your writing fresh.

The book is short (my edition is 186 pages including an eight-page introduction by John Gardner and an index and the print is HUGE! I read it in a couple of hours) and concise and contains practical exercises for getting your mind on track for writing. Dorothea addresses herself to the beginner writer but I've been writing for many years and I still found her advice invaluable. Some of the exercises have since become familiar - like morning pages and making an appointment with your muse so you sit down to write at a specific time every day. Training muses can be almost as hard as training Igors! She also has wonderful advice about getting away from words now and again. As Dorothea says, we're continually surrounded by words in speech, in the media, in books. We need to do something non-verbal to refresh alternate parts of our brains so when we sit to write we're fresh and we can hear our own words in contrast to someone else's.

I've read hundreds of writing how-tos (well, I would, wouldn't I?). This one stands out as a book that really has helped me to write. I suspect if you're engaged in any sort of creative endeavor, this book offers pertinent advice.

So do you have a special technique for focusing your mind on a task you must do and you WANT to do but somehow you can't find the discipline to sit down and complete? More importantly, any hints for managing an out-of-control Igor?

48 comments:

  1. Out of control Igors are a bit like toddlers. Give up on control and focus on containment.
    As for completing a task, wish I knew. I used to do pretty well, but have been floundering lately. It used to be, if I wanted or needed something, I would focus on it right away and it would get done right away. I must have slowed down a bunch. Need to find this book.

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  2. Ooh, containing an Igor Armitage? I think I'm the woman for that, Pat! Actually I must say my mind has become more scattered as I've got older - which given it wasn't exactly a steel trap in the first place is a bit of a worry! One of the things I love about this book is you can read it in a really short time. It's kinda like getting an instant zap!

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  3. *sigh* Well I had a clever and fun reply all written, but Blogger (or, I suspect, Igor) ate it. So I'll try again :-)

    I love How To books and will have to check this one out, Fo :-) I think there are always little treasures in any book that can inspire or help us along.

    When it comes to getting things done, I've found that it comes down to 3 things for me;

    * A deadline. Even before I sold my first book, I worked under self-imposed deadlines. Contests or vacations or conference. Something with a set date that I had to meet. It was good practice for my current deadlines :-) I use deadlines for home improvement projects, too. It's amazing what "20 people for Thanksgiving dinner and I have no kitchen cabinets" will do to get hubby motivated and keep me from slacking LOL

    * A timer. Whenever I'm in the "I just can't do it" mindset, I force myself to set the timer for 20 minutes and get to work. It could be writing, or exercise, or even housework. Usually when the timer goes off, I'm well into the project and keep going. Except with the housework *g*

    * Habit. I've written at night for so many years now, the habit is deeply ingrained. I feel weird to NOT write at night.

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  4. Wow, Tawny, that's some seriously inspirational advice. I think you're right about a deadline - it focuses the mind immediately,doesn't it?

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  5. It does focus the mind, and it has that nice sense of urgency that pushes through a lot of the excuses.

    I'm still fighting the fact that the urgency isn't nearly as compelling at the 2 month mark as it is at the 2 week mark, though :-D

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  6. Hi, Anna! Your faithful Igor here. There are a dozen or so how-to books on my bookshelves, but I hadn't heard of this book before. Thanks for spotlighting it.

    My technique involves total isolation. Sometimes that means locking the cats out of the room. (They may think they're keeping me warm and inspired, but they can be super pests!)

    The internet is a huge temptation, so I now reward myself with 15-minute blocks of playtime *after* getting some pages done.

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  7. Yeah, I have that problem - even when I know how crazy it will get at the two week mark!

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  8. Vanessa, lovely to see you! Perhaps you should call your cats Igor! Actually it's surprising what can put you off when you're on a roll - the slightest interruption can put me off my oats!

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  9. Oh, Anna, 'Igor' would definitely be a better alternative name for Pinklepurr! He's not very helpful around the house.

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  10. I saw 1934 & I had to read it again to be sure. Somethings don't change or do they? Not being a writer myself.

    marypres@gmail.com

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  11. That means we can add Igor Naughty to the list of Igors!

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  12. Mary, in this case, it's not old, it's classic! And it's really easy to read too. Amazing to think a book that's nearly 80 years old is still so incredibly apt. Although, as you say, the principles of something like writing don't change, do they? Thanks for swinging by!

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  13. Anna, I'm chortling over your Igor choices. Strange, those last names! It's a wonder you found time to blog at all with all those Igors to choose from and harrass!

    Thanks for the post. I haven't read DB but I've heard so much about her. It sounds just the sort of book for me. Will do my best to get my hands on a copy.

    See you in Bondi soon!

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  14. Hi Dishy Ladies!

    Ack! I had this looong post and I lost it! Anna, I know you're going to tell me I lost it long ago:)Snorked at the Igor riff, Anna.

    I love writing books but never came across the Brande one until you mentioned it, Anna. I think it's so true our problems are mainly psychological. My muse seems only to work under dire pressure, which isn't good for anyone, not least my long-suffering critique partners!

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  15. And Annie, even worse, I had to keep stopping my research to wash the drool off them. They're ALL strangely handsome! And believe me, spit stains buckskins as my IDL will attest!

    I'm surprised I haven't lent you DB. It's done the rounds of most of my writer friends! Perhaps I think you're so marvellous, you don't need any advice!

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  16. Hey, but your long-suffering critique partners still get to see your marvellous stories before all the other Tom, Dick and Igors! We're not suffering that much. Surprised I haven't lent you DB either! Clearly I need to spread the word more and stop gawking at all these half-naked Igors (hey, this is my fantasy! I can take their lab coats off if I want!).

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  17. Morning Delightful Dishy Dames and Morning Amazing Anna *g* The things we have to do for the craft - herding Igors sounds rather like herding cats! But oh, the rewards ;)

    I've not heard of this book, but it sound like one to try, as I KNOW a lot of my writing problems are psychological! I suspect I'm slightly ADD and am easily distracted.

    The best piece of advice someone gave me (a certain lovely hubby) was to treat writing like a job and turn up for work at the same time every day, regardless of how I feel etc. That forms the basis of a routine and means I, and those around me, will take it more seriously.

    I'm another deadline person - and a last minute person at that!

    Short bursts, with rewards work for me. I'm just starting timer writing to put more structure into my 'bursts'.

    Minimising distractions, like turning off the internet and email and having my own office are key to that too.

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  18. LOL Librarypat - love your thinking!

    Envious of all of you Aussies who'll be meeting up in Bondi - can't wait to see you all in Melbourne this summer!

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  19. LOL @ dearest Anna! Love the Igor bit, especially Igor Lewis shooting the rats. Hahahaha

    How interesting that this book was written so many years ago and is still so effective in our time!

    I am all about a book that helps you meet your goals. A boss of mine years ago gave me a book (Don't Sweat The Small Stuff) and it was something I needed in my life at the time ... and sometimes still do. Focus on the goal, the big picture.

    As for completing tasks, I am SUCH a list person. Remember, I'm the chick with the spreadsheet grocery list! :-) I'm actually off from work today and have my list ready to go. It feels great to mark through the things I have accomplished.

    Anna, thanks again for another great blog!! And have fun at the conference this weekend!!

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  20. Well geez, Anna! Surrounded by all those Igors, it's no wonder you can't focus! I wouldn't be able to either! *g*

    This sounds like a book every writer needs to have on their shelf. As Pat mentioned, I also used to have no trouble focusing on the task at hand but age seems to have scattered that focus to the four winds. Like Tawny, a deadline helps. Actually, I think I do some of my best writing when I'm up against the clock. My favorite technique for focusing though is to get out of the house and go for a long walk with the dogs. I get my heart pumping, my mind clears and by the time I get home I'm ready to sit down at the keyboard and get to business.

    Thanks for another terrific blog, Anna. Hope you and the Igors have a lovely day!

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  21. Oops! Forgot to change hats. That last comment from "The Romance Dish" was mine!

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  22. Sounds like a great book - and being short makes it that more appealing. Nothing like a huge "how to write" book to distract you from writing!

    I agree that deadlines help focus me a lot - but there has to be some kind of accountability to the deadline for me. My critique partner and I started having skype video calls once a week to talk writing and set goals (deadlines) for the week, and it's REALLY helped me stay focused. Nothing like looking someone in the eye and committing to a deadline (and having to report back on it)!

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  23. I just ordered Becoming a Writer. I've been intending to do so since I read Anne Gracie's article about morning writing a while ago. Your post was the reminder I needed. Thanks, Anna.

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  24. Anna, turning up at the same time every day is part of the training the muse bit of this book. Definitely give it a go - I thought it was nice and practical and didn't get too airy-fairy while still recognizing that writing a book is a strange and difficult thing to do! I think also recognizing that you work in short bursts of hyper activity is great too - we need to acknowledge our process, I think, and not try to fit square pegs in round holes as my last Igor tried to do! And now the Tardis doesn't work anymore!

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  25. Hey, thanks, Buffie. My shuttle is coming at a ridiculous hour this morning and then it's off to Sydney, wahoooooo!

    For anyone who has missed out, it's the Australian Romance Readers Convention this weekend at Bondi Beach. Can't wait!

    Buffie, I've started to do lists too in recent years. They really help - and it's kinda encouraging to cross something out as DONE! I don't think we ever grow out of wanting gold stars on our homework, you know?

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  26. Isn't voice a funny thing? I was readin the Romance Dish post and thought, "That sounds like PJ!" Mind you, the dogs kinda give it away every time. Actually Dorothea would approve of the walk - she talks about hypnotising yourself into a state where you're ready to work by doing something physical and repetitive. She mentions walking and gardening and knitting!

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  27. By the way, I'm having trouble sticking the Igors in the suitcase. They won't lie straight no matter how I fold them! And I can't go to ARRC without an Igor, can I?

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  28. Robin, the shortness is a real benefit of this book for me. This is the second time I've read it and because you're not committing to a week of reading, I'll read it again just to get my mojo in gear again. I think getting an accountable deadline is a great idea! Good on you!

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  29. Hey, Janga, my pleasure. Let me know what you think of it! I've noticed that how to books are a bit like Igors - not every one strikes a chord with every writer.

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  30. Oh, I like the sound of Igor Day-Lewis, Anna. "I will find you!" *snort*

    I'm a fan of how-to books, as well, so I may just have to add this one to my list.

    As for getting things done, there's nothing like a deadline to light a fire under me. Procrastination is my middle name. *sigh*

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  31. Gannon, I think procrastination is a problem most of us have. I've learnt if I do something as soon as it turns up, that's the best idea. Can't always manage it - those pesky deadlines - but definitely the most efficient method. Glad my IDL gave you a giggle!

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  32. I'm off to ARRC now! Yahooo! I'll check back on Monday when I'm back on the internet for any comments! Thanks, guys, for a really interesting discussion of work practices!

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  33. Lovely review, Anna! I'm really Igor to read this book. :-)

    Gosh, I had some really pithy words to impart about the usefulness of aphorisms and exercise, but I don't think there's anything I can say that'll be as brilliant as that "Igor" pun. Snork!

    Have a wonderful time at ARRC!!!!

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  34. Hi, Anna! Brande's book sounds great. I'm off to purchase it.

    Sometimes I think getting started in half the work in accomplishing a task. I was complaining and delaying my morning appointment with the treadmill, but forced myself to put on my gym shoes and start. As soon as I laced up the shoes, the negative feeling subsided and I was raring to go.

    I know this in my pea brain, but I always forget: JUST DO IT!

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  35. I have a really hot guy stand over me with a whip and he says if you do not write 10 pages today, you don't get to have sex with me.

    It's a great motivator.

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  36. Have fun, Anna! Let us know how it went!!

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  37. When HOT GUY is done over at Hellion's place, he comes to my house and does the same. J/K! My husband's all for advancing my writerly life but I'd have to say he draws the line there.

    Focus and time are two elements I battle constantly. I wish I had hard deadlines. Do or die ones but, alas, I don't.

    I am going to order that book. Friends sent me 'Time to Write' which I am finding very helpful.

    Great post. So lovely to see you ladies!

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  38. I have trouble managing my time and getting focused (especially with college and two roommates), so this book sounds like a dream come true!

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  39. Anna, I love this blog! I am both laughing (at all the Igors) and amazed. Why am I amazed? I've heard of this book but had NO idea it dated back to 1934!! Wow! You are so right that that speaks for itself. This sounds like a wonderful tool that every aspiring writer should add to their belt. Thank you for another terrific Second Helping!!

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  40. P.S. I LOVE your upcoming cover!!!

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  41. Guys, sorry I'm a bit late getting back. Had really rotten travel yesterday and I've been wading through the emails and urgent stuff today. Thanks to everyone who swung by in my absence - looking forward to reading your comments.

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  42. Kate, Kate, Kate! I try so hard and then you sneak in and steal the pun queen title from me at the last minute. No fair! ;-) I love the Igor joke - you're right, how could you follow that?

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  43. Jo, isn't that just right. I put off tasks and put them off but once I get going, usually I'm fine. I find it helps to have a specific amount and a specific time frame to work with - definitely spurs me to activity.

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  44. Wow, Helly! Does he have any colleagues and can you post them to Australia???!!!

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  45. If you guys are on Facebook, I just put up a stack of photos of ARRC. Had a brilliant time and, pardon my boasting, but collected two awards. Best Historical for My Reckless Surrender and most popular Aussie author (which is such a lovely one to win). Anyway, check out the snaps: http://www.facebook.com/annacampbell.writer#!/album.php?aid=2090383&id=1574454103&fbid=1761891298461

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  46. Santa, I checked out Time to Write and put it on my wish list (spent far too much money at the Book Depository lately which means I'll probably restrain myself for, you know, 12 hours!). Helly DOES send her helper around. Isn't she generous? Snort!

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  47. Andrea, isn't that cover gorgeous? I just got my bookmarks and they're droolicious! Hey, thanks for saying you enjoyed the post. As you know, we both decided this was going to be a suck it and see kinda post. If people seemed to like it, we'll do another occasional foray into the realms of nonfiction - nice to see the reaction! Thanks, guys! And yeah, it's amazing, 1934 and still going strong!

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  48. Antonia, sometimes we need to make the changes if we want to achieve the goal, don't we? Do you have a library or somewhere quiet where you can go without being disturbed? Anyway, give this book a go - I highly recommend it!

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