I recently shared a meal with a loved one, who asked about the status of the book I’m supposed to be writing. When I said I am writing a new version, my loved one displayed profound exasperation. And later wrote to ask me in essence what in the wide world of sports is taking me so long. (S/he didn’t realize, first of all, that writers don’t just write everything at once at send the first draft to a publisher.)

I thought I might share here the thoughts in my reply:

Dear —–,

A serious, professional writer works on a novel full time, all the time. I’ve heard many claim to work 8-16 hours a day. Just like a serious pianist or cellist will practice, or painter goes through dozens of attempts and drawings before the final work — they throw themselves into their art. I work on my writing a few hours on a good day.

A really serious writer also gets rid of their TV, unplugs the phones while working, goes into their office and closes the door. “Do not disturb.” Even writers who have day jobs have to close themselves off.Any book or class on writing stresses focus, isolation, concentration. But I’ve never done any of that. I haven’t made the complete commitment necessary to writing a book in a reasonable period of time.That’s why it has taken me so long.

My novel is almost 100,000 words, about 10,000 lines of text. Every word carefully, thoughtfully chosen. In the past few years, I’ve also written over 40 short stories and a number of poems. So it’s not like I have nothing to show for myself; it’s just half baked. I also have a good familiarity with all the best that’s made for television. And I know a lot more about Lindsay Lohan, Anna Nicole’s baby, etc., than I could possibly justify. I think we all do.

That being said,. writing is what I really love to do. Even if it’s just in my spare time. I’ve loved it since I started writing poems in 1980. Someday, I’d love to make it a full time, paying job. We’ll see what God has in store, I guess.

Love,

Kyle