This time last year I was dreaming about writing in Paris. I had visions of pied-à-terres, Pierre Hermé and muses that live in Le Marais dancing in my francophile head. The impetus for my writing fantasy was Eric Maisel’s fantastic book “A Writer’s Paris” and a preexisting condition of being a life-long francophile that has always linked my literary longings to the City of Light. For me, writing and Paris go together like pain et beurre, vin et fromage, and Carla Bruni and Nicholas Sarkozy.
I did not, as many of you know, make it to Paris last year. Instead of Paris I went on a Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride of such epic proportion that if the writer’s of Greek mythology heard me pitch my story they would say it was a little over the top and unbelievable. But, even though I did not get to Paris, I learned a lot from Maisel and his pocket sized Paris book that has helped me as a writer. One of the pieces of advice that Maisel offered is that if you are not writing in San Jose you will not write when on St. Germain de Pres. That piece of wisdom really made me commit to writing each and every day as I planned my writing trip to Paris. Each piece I wrote was like a training lap to prove that I had the endurance and stick-to-itness necessary to write once I arrived in Paris. If there is any part of you that shares my writing in Paris fantasy Maisel’s book is one that you need to read.
This year I am not dreaming of writing in Paris. I think the trauma, tragedy and Texas that has been the unexpected chapters of my life has killed my libido for grande dreams that involve anything further away than tomorrow or Toluca Lake. Sure, I still dream of going to Paris to write—but it is a different kind of dream, it is the kind of “yeah, sure, that would be nice” kind of dream and that kind of dream rarely gets one onto an Air France airplane or into a pied-à-terre.
When I first seriously decided I wanted to be a writer, instead of writing, I bought lots and lots of books on writing. I read “On Writing”, “On Writing Well”, “On Story” and all the books “on” writing I could find. What I should have been reading is “Writers who don’t write but buy a new book on writing every single week.” But, not since reading Maisel last year have I picked up a book on writing. Really, since I started to write daily, I quit buying books about writing and instead I write.
That recently changed when La Framéricaine shared with me that L.A. literary super-star Carolyn See had written a book called, “Making a Literary Life: Advice for Writers and Other Dreamers.” I was initially somewhat uninterested. I imagined a book, I don’t know, sort of abstract and literary and that would leave me with lofty ideas like subscribe to the Paris Review and read Carolyn See’s novels and other great lit-a-ra-tuuuuure( be sure to read the word literature in a really affected and Charles Winchester* like manner).
Upon reading the first chapter I discovered just how wrong I was. “Making a Literary Life: Advice for Writers and Other Dreamers has really specific, concrete and tangible ideas. I have read a whole lot of writing books ( back in my non-writing days), attended classes, workshops, and seminars on how to write and publish and Carolyn See has ideas and strategies that I have never heard anywhere else before. I absolutely admire her wise and weaselly ways. And, I quote:
“Many years ago, I had it in my mind that it would be a great thing to be published by The Atlantic Monthly….I kept sending them things—-sending and sending them—to a kind of strict man named C. Michael Curtis, who finally got fed up and wrote something like: “Dear Miss See, I think by now you’ve sent us everything but your family photograph album. I should think it would be evident that we’re not interested in the kind of things you write.” I cried and kicked the walls, but when I calmed down I sent him a handful of photographs—of me and my then grubby kids living a raffish life in the wilds of Topanga Canyon with our own tram line, switch batck path, goat, chickens, etc. Not dead yet, thank you very much!
He sent them back with a weak “Very funny, Caroline,” and that was that until a few months later, when I found myself in Boston, made an appointment with him, and he gave me an assignment—because he knew me—which later got a literary award.”
When someone rejects a piece of mine I do not send a charming thank you letter for the rejection and then send another piece. I most certainly do not keep sending pieces until editors write me letters telling me to get lost and if they did I would cry and fall apart believing I was a failure and a lousy writer. Never would I dare to send picture of my family, goats and chickens to an editor who told me to get lost. Carolyn See did that and she won a literary award. Yes, the talent was what got her the award. It was her perseverance that got her the job
Let me tell you how good “Making a Literary Life” is, it is so good that I purchased it even after finishing the copy I got from the library. And, let me advise you that if you have ever hoped to write, publish or have a literary life to go straight from this blog and order this extraordinary book.
I was so inspired by the steps outlined in “Making a Literary Life” and truly believe that if I follow her advice I will substantially up my chances of actually getting an agent, a book deal and taking a literary trip to New York City that I have decided to follow Ms. See’s advice and will document each and every literary step I take in my new once a week “Writing in Valencia” series. I hope that if I am successful in making a literary life that there will soon be a series of posts entitled,”Writing in NYC” ,”Writing in Paris” and, even, “Writing now that my work has been accepted for publication”—but, for now, for today I am writing in Valencia.
It is good to see you are so positive about it. I shall look forward to seeing those posts in the future. You go for it!
The first thing that comes to mind when I see Valencia, is a beautiful juicy orange! I loved this post. I really believe that one day you will be writing in Paris, when the time is right.
Thanks for the mention of Making a Literary Life. I am going to buy it for my daughter for Christmas. Even though her expertise is Chemical Engineering, she really wants to be a food writer! I think your writing is great just as it is. So, keep on doing just what you are doing.
Oh right, like I want to read another book on writing by something AFTER they’ve become a successful writer. How ’bout one of you jokers write a book, get famous, then let us know if your super-dee-dooper plan worked. Yeesh.
*writes down title of this book*
Now, the ultimate question is this: ARE you writing? Daily? Right now? In Valencia? On Valencia? In your house? The car? Starbucks?
I am cheering for you! I will also have to buy “Making a Literary Life” it sounds like a must read. Keep us updated and keep writing!!!
sounds like a plan! so when and where do you write daily? for how long? when I was working on my dissertation, sometimes I would coax myself into “just fifteen minutes” and then try to turn those into thirty . . . Do you have to trick yourself? Or do you find it easy to get down to writing? All questions for your first Writing in Valencia post . . .
Nice MASH reference! I was just watching a few episodes last night. Winchester had a french horn, Hawkeye and B.J. refused to shower for days on end. Much hilarity.
I know you will be getting your book published. Heck, you are already a wonderful writer! I can’t wait for your weekly Valencia posts.
Thank you for the recommendation. I’ve wanted to write (not “be” a writer – difference, you know) all my life. About a decade ago I admitted to myself that perhaps I am just a great “reader.” And if Writing comes of it, then so be it. Although I have fantasized about sending a macabre little “piece” to the New Yorker (a la Shirley Jackson) that would set the world afire.
I think that there have been enough careers launched from blogs to make this a very realistic target. The more I write the better I have honed the meagre skills I had. The immedicay of the medium means I can ‘put it out there’ before changing my mind and forgetting what it was I wanted to say.
Although my aim is not to write(although like most people I do have a story or two to tell)
I have enjoyed being able to refine what it is that makes a good photograph, my aim is to start having some printed up so they will have to leave the security of cyber space and show there faces to the world.
I am certain you can make a success of this venture. We are all here cheering you on
CA: It was so inspiring that I could feel nothing but positive. That said, I was a little shocked by how hopeful it left me. And, that is all Carolyn See’s doing.
From now on when I need to get real with myself I’m going to say “Better start writing in Valencia, cause Paris ain’t happening right now.”
Julianne: I am so glad you like it. This book really fed my desire to visit NYC. I think I will be getting to NYC before Paris. But, there will always be Paris. And, I am sure that in the not to distant future I will be writing in Paris.
I think your daughter will love it. I think your daughter’s mother might like it too.;-)
Thanks so much for the encouragement about my writing.Without your encouragement I feel sure that my blogging break would have lasted much longer. You were so certain that people would be interested in other topics than France and you were right!:-)
Randal: I think you will like Carolyn. She is a bit of a wise cracker and a toughy. And, yet, she does have a bit of a Goethe, jump and the net will appear, like attitude that I was surprised to discover. So, what the hell, I am going to jump and the worst that can happen is I can land on my face. Hey, I have a good dermatologist if things go bad.
I don’t know about you, but I prefer to take the advice of someone who has done what I wanted to do rather than someone who hasn’t. I suppose you could turn to a total failure and just do the opposite of everything they have done. The option is yours.
Hey, there! I said I am writing everyday and I am writing everyday. And, I do count my blog. But, yes. I write in my house. I write with a mouse. I write in my chair. I write in my underwear. I write on the street and when I go to Peet’s. Um, how did this turn into “Sam I am writing” or ‘Green eggs and I am not a hack.”
Mater: I write everyday and I write at home on my couch. I do occasionally go out to write. I like the window table at Peet’s. But,writing my graduate thesis really taught me to sit and write everyday and stop making excuses.Even when I am crying and depressed, I am writing. No excuses. As I am not working and I have no kids and I have a bit of a workaholic He-weasel with very low expectations of my domesticity—all I HAVE to do is write! I will share some of my tricks to get myself to write in upcoming installments of this series.;-)
Kristen: I thought you like that!
I liked cast #1 the best. I am old-school Mash. Don’t like B.J. Loved Wayne Whatshisname.
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Kristen. I know a certain Sophie who has a gift for poetry and a desire to write a book. I wonder if she might enjoy some writing. Huh?;-)
Tessa:I feel like I am a bit pushy when I find a book I love. But, really, I wish I found this book years ago.
If you have fantasized about sending a piece to the New Yorker you must get this book.
Indigo:I have read recently that publishers think that the blogger to book trend is over. I don’t think Carolyn See would let that stop her. So, I am not going to either.
I am amazed at the difference of my writing in just a year of blogging. Actaully, there are early posts that I cringe at when I read. I haven’t deleted them yet—but a time may come.;-)
Even though you don’t identify as a writer—I really enjoy your writing and your stories. And, I LOVE your photographs. I really hope you start posting more of them and maybe even sell some of them.
Huh? This makes me think—I do think Carolyn has a lot of advie that would apply to artists too. You might want to take a look.
Thanks so much for your continual encouragement! It does help to have so many lovely people who have no investment in the outcome or no need to be nice just because they love me to be so very kind about my writing.
Anony: Maisel’s advice really stuck with me. If now now, when? If not in Valencia it will not happen in Paris. Start where I am and maybe that will get me to where I want to go. I hope.;-)
What a great post. I have about a dozen books on writing. Do I write anything other than my blog? No. I am getting this book! I will get yours too as soon as it comes out in print!
Shar: Thank you!!! So glad you liked. And, I am thrilled that I can count on you to buy my book. Hear that publishers?;-)
What is your favorite writing book? Whenever I hear anyone wants to write and they aren’t I always recommend “The Artist’s Way” and “Bird by Bird” and now I will recommend Carolyn’s book.
Perseverance is everything, or that’s what I keep telling myself. It’s hard sometimes, though.
How strange you should mention these two books. Like you, I have had my fill of reading about writing, but on a the recommendation of a valued friend, I ordered Caroline See’s book just last week. And as for ‘A Writer’s Paris, another writer friend is mailing me her copy to look at.
WendyB: Giving up is so much easier and yet not at all satisfying.;-)
Michelle: Wow!! I love synchronicity!! I cannot wait to hear what you think of both of them! And, I would love it if you joined me in taking Carolyn See’s steps. That would be so much fun. I feel sure that by taking Carolyn’s advice I will end up in Paris sooner.
You are obviously very talented and what stories I know you have to tell. Can’t wait to see how you go from Valencia to Venezia!!
K.line: Merci, mon amie!!! Hmm, Venice. I have never been there. I would also love to go to Vienna or back to Valencia, Spain or European town that starts with the letter “v”.;-)
This looks amazing. I’m definitely going to look at this book.
I’m looking forward to the Writing posts!
Storialist:I think you’ll like it and I think if you follow her advice you will be in the New Yorker in no time!! I LOVE your poetry!!!:-)
I know that you will get a book published one day, you are THAT good.
But yes, you need to be pushy. I think you have that in you, but you need to laugh at the rejection, instead of taking it personal. And how do I know this? Because I take everything personal, lol, and I detest that about myself. I could never receive a rejection for my writing and continue on. But that is ME.
You, however, have had so much personal rejection in one form or another that you’ve written about, that you can use it to make you pushy enough to GET THAT BOOK OF YOURS PUBLISHED
I am cheering for you, as usual!
all I can say is “don’t give up on anything”…life throws many things our way and we can take them and embrace them or live in the shoudda, couldda, wouldda….life is too short for that. It just was not the right time in your life, right now for France. It will come, anything is possible if you dream and set goals.
maybe what’s happening in your life right now isn’t what you thought or hoped it would be, but don’t fret…that’s life. This book “writing in valencia” could be the ticket, you just never know. Go for it. Set goals (we do every year and I’m telling you…)
Keep your chin up mon ami. Big hugs from France, in a place where we planned to be for 10 years..it finally came true, but not without many bumps in the road.
Corfu Cousin:Thank you for keeping the faith for me. Some days I believe it will happen. Other days I know I need to make it happen. And, then there are days when I want to throwaway my laptop and all my pens.
Laughing at rejection is really not something I can do. Would crying be okay?;-)The only time I was happy about a rejection was when I got a handwritten rejection letter from the New Yorker when they told me how much they liked my piece but that they were going to pass. That was the best. No, publsihisng in the New Yorker would have been better than that.
I am going to be pushy as Carolyn recommends—-in a charming way. But, I still might cry,kick and scream over rejections.
Thanks so much for your cheers, belief and encouragement.
xo
OJL:I am giving up on baby. But, writing and book dreams–no, I am not giving up. And, I have absolutely not given up on Paris as that is the destination my soul craves.
Both you and NJNRR inspire me and give me hope that dreams do come true. And, it is good to hear that your dreams took time to manifest and that there were bumps–but the bumps didn’t stop you.
Thanks, Alisa, for your strong encouragement and French hugs are felt and appreciated. L.A. hugs back to you.:-)
p.s. I think you asked me about the fires. We are fine. But, we could see them from our patio. It was kind of scary.
YOU ARE SUCH A STAR. You gotta start somewhere, and Valencia is as good a place as any to start incubating your dreams and plotting next writerly steps. Reading about your inspiration inspired me. I’m still riding a little surge of joy! Go you!
…and now I want that book!
Sal:You are such a sweetheart! Thanks for sharing the joy and the dream.
I am a star in Chez Weasel(900 square feet)—but in galaxies beyond I am one of miliions who wants to publish a book. But, I do think with Caroly See’s weaselly and wiley ways I might have better odds.
I am guessing you have a book in you that is just waiting to get out. Am I wrong?:-)
Maegan: Let me know what you think of it.
i didn’t have write in such a long time, writing for my blog is a good start.
Oh how cool. What a great piece of information and I will do so after I’ve finished my MA as I can’t be distracted right now but I can live it vocariously via you!
Please write lots and please get an agent and be demanding and insist your stylist is flown (business class of course hint hint!) from the UK pronto! You can’t do a book signing without me dressing you!
Dear Pamela,
I feel like a moron, but actually I just have that damned macular degeneration, so that I can’t deliver my post to “La Belette,” by way of google.
Please tell her I’m SO APPRECIATIVE, and told her so, but she’ll never get a chance to read it, I guess. I just can’t read and transcribe those letters in the weird type at the end of the Google application, although I must have given it 6 or 7 tries…
I also just loved your message — it cheers me up to know there are people out there who are having — what? — FUN. And when I get my strength back from battling this computer, I’ll try to tell you more — just how much I appreciate your style!
xxxx
Carolyn See
I almost forgot:
You can write her a charming note at:
csee at ucla dot edu
Amitiés,
Savvy:You write on your blog every day and in such a savvy way!:-)
Make do: I am delighted to offer something to you in return for all the delightful and vicarious pleasure I receive in reading about your M.A. program. Today’s post was fantastic. I feel sure you will have a book to write when you are down with your program. Do you have to write a graduate thesis? If you do, I would love to read it!
And, no, I wouldn’t dream of doing a book reading without your help.;-)
This is such a great post, your writting is so amazing, ma belle.
When your first book will be published, ma belle (and see that I’m not telling if)I will find a way to get it sooner.
Meanwhile I’ll be here to read your posts…
Love
xoxo
LFA: You, my dear, are a sweet and kind weasel. So lovely of you to let Carolyn know about my little blog. I cannot thank you enough. I had planned on sending her my first charming note. Thank you so much!
Merci beaucoup et gros bisoux!xoxo
Dear Seeker, I cannot thank you enough for all your incredibly lovely compliments. I promise, when I publish my book that you will get an advanced copy!! Did you notice I didn’t say “if”?;-)
xoxo
what a great story of hers! i’m curious about this book – have you read Lamott’s Bird by Bird? another good writing book.
Fashion Herald: It really is. There are so many great stories in her book and they all left me inspired.
I have read “Bird by Bird” and it, along with Ms. See’s, is on my list of my three favorite writing books of all time( the third is Julia Cameron’s The Artist Way).
i envisioned/ heard in my brain WFB– mr buckley, in his affectedly sonorous, nose up-tilted pronouncement of ‘literature’. looking forward in partaking more of your valencia series.
SUR: YES!! I loved William Buckley. Wow, there was a man with a way with language. I wish he was alive today. I would love to hear his analysis of the debate from last night.
Thanks,SUR. I am excited about this series and so glad to hear that others are too.
didja hear about his son! http://tinyurl.com/3l6z3z
SUR: I did and I love him for it!:-)
YES!!! That’s the spirit and atitude!!! No if’s.
xoxoxoxo
((((Seeker))))xoxo
You still might cry,kick and scream over rejections…. Have u heard the story of the founder of MONOPOLY game??? All about rejectionssss… Look who’s playing the game now… still hot game after theses years non? You write well dear…the story is what I’m looking fwd too…
hmmm exciting!
Hooray! You sound inspired and happy!
Lenore: Merci!!!!!I think I also heard that Colonel Sanders was rejected 100′s of times and then there was J.K. Rowling whose Harry Potter was rejected by everyone. I hope I don’t have to go through that much rejection.
ENC: Yep, inch by inch things are getting better.:-)
hi
hello
how was your day?
i liked your blog
you are fantastic!!!
really nice blog
fabulous fantastic
bye
take care
see you
i have added you in my blogroll.
i hope you also like to my blog in your blogroll
Patience is virtue my dear, coupled with perseverance and oh, good stories such as yours, I’m sure your work will be discussed by Charlie Rose in his show soon!
Fashion: Thanks so much for coming by and for adding me to your blog roll!!:-)
Lynn: You know how to get to a weasel’s heart. Going on the Charlie Rose to show to talk about my book. That sounds like the highest level of happiness!:-)
Isn’t LaF amazing?
Mignonne: She is a force of nature!:-)
My oh my.. I’ve been reading since coming by to thank you for the award and I’m very impressed at how beautifully your blog has developed since we last visited mutually. I don’t consider my self to be a writer but may very well buy the book.. just in case. I wish you well and do look forward to your getting published so I can buy a copy at Powell’s – and maybe be at the head of the line there for your signing visit.
Susan: How I love to see you and your crow on my blog. I really appreciate your very kind assessment that my blog has developed. I know it is a different focus than it was before I took my break in July.
You may not consider yourself a writer—I consider you one. I think you might love Carolyn’s book. It is such an inspiring book.
So much so that after you read it I might be standing in line for your book signing—and I so would!!.
I LOVE Powell’s. Cannot wait to see you there.;-)
Now that I’m older than I was (or thought I’d get to be) the full time job takes more of a toll on my creative time but the stories are fun to write and most of them have almost drawn themselves. I do wish you well and Powell’s could manage the space for a double book signing
Hi again,
Great post and I look forward to catching up on the series.
I’ve been unsuccessful in finding a ‘contact’ or e-mail for you on your home page … want to thank you for your lovely comment yesterday on my own writing post. It made my day. Thank you!
It’s fantastic you’re writing in Valencia. I’m so very sorry for the losses and pain you’ve experienced. From my own experiences of loss, I know only that everyone’s grief is different and I have absolutely no idea what you’ve been through. I’ll just offer a long-distance hug so consider that sent your way.
Cheers and keep writing – I will too!
A片,A片,A片,A片,A片,A片情趣用品,情趣,A片,AIO,AV,AV女優,A漫,免費A片,AIO交友愛情館,愛情公寓,情色,情色貼圖,色情小說,情色小說,情色文學,色情,寄情築園小遊戲,色情遊戲,嘟嘟情人色網,一葉情貼圖片區,情色論壇,色情影片,微風成人,嘟嘟成人網,成人,18成人,成人影城,成人圖片區,成人圖片,成人貼圖,UT聊天室,聊天室,豆豆聊天室,哈啦聊天室,尋夢園聊天室,聊天室尋夢園,視訊聊天室,視訊聊天
麻將,台灣彩卷,六合彩開獎號碼,運動彩卷,六合彩,線上遊戲,矽谷麻將,明星3缺一,橘子町,麻將大悶鍋,台客麻將,公博,game,淘,中華職棒,麗的線上小遊戲,國士無