Tuesday, July 8, 2008

If the label fits...

You've heard the stereotype before, haven't you? That many writers are unapproachable, eccentric, brooding drunks with inner demons that drive their creative energy? In some cases, I'm sure this is true, but not so with me. I'm not a big brooder, I rarely drink, and as far as I know I have no demons camped out in my subconscious. I do, however, have my oddities. For example, I have a tendency to talk a lot, especially when it comes to the topic of writing, the publishing industry, or any kind of anecdote or story. Yet I do my best writing when I pull away from everyone, stop talking, and become as reclusive and closed off as possible without completely neglecting my family. Not exactly traits that compliment each other, are they?

Yesterday I met a woman who said that after reading my novels she could tell I was one of "them sensitive types" and I smiled and thought, I'll take that label! After all, it only seems fair that writers are judged by the end result and not by our behavior during the creative process, don't you think?

10 comments:

Nadine said...

Sounds fair to me.
I myself would be tickled if someone told me they considered me one of them 'sensitive types'.
That's a big compliment!

Victoria said...

I've heard how odd and
hermit-like writers are, but I admire all you guys so much even with your weird habits.

(no offence intended)

Anonymous said...

I know you, Hol, and you
are one of them sensitive types. That woman nailed it!!!

Karen D.

laughingwolf said...

glad you're feeling better, holly :)

yeah, great compliment, that!

when i'm writing, i'm like you... best left alone til i stick my nose out or take a bathroom break

no, i'm NOT the sensitive type, about my stuff... about my rl kids, on the other hand....

Travis Erwin said...

There are certainly;y worse labels. By the way I do no fit the reclusive loner stereotype either. I have to be around people, otherwise I tend to get on my own nerves.

Trish Ryan said...

I'm pretty grateful for that! I know some authors don't like book promotion, but for me it's a treat to wear something other than my pajamas (my typical writing uniform).

Here's to the sensitive types :)

Joanne said...

Hi Holly,
Just making my way in the querying stage, but my writing style is similar to yours, reclusive while writing. A long walk with friends often works out a few plot wrinkles or character glitches. Also, I have found the writing community to be so supportive and encouraging!

ORION said...

There was an interesting article in 'poets and writers' some years back. It discussed the danger of 'talking out' your novel. Keeping that creative energy inside is crucial- supposedly Truman Capote 'talked himself' into not finishing any novels after 'In Cold Blood'
It's worth thinking about...

Mia King said...

Hi Holly!

The one thing I don't like about being a writer is how everyone tries to identify all the characters in your book with people in your life. "Is this you? Is she like you? Did that happen to you/your friend/your spouse/your marriage?" I think there is definitely some truth to that (more fact in fiction than nonfiction!), but it's still a weird thing.

I know I do this to writers I like, too, though. You think you know someone through their writing. Probably the more titles we have under our belt, the less this becomes an issue.

Huh. I guess I'm a tad sensitive, too (certainly about this issue. What a dead give away). And I'm definitely a 10, okay maybe an 8.5 on the tucked away, recluse type ...

Mia King said...

I forgot to mention that I just finished The Silver Compass and I loved it! I'm looking forward to book #4!