On “why I can’t do a course right now”-- first of all, let me say I was not the person who asked that question, though I could have been: I write in English. This is not an official language in the country where I live (and they’ve got four!).
This fact sort of complicates finding a community. Or not, because Rebecca’s tips are really good and I am fluent in two of the national languages, so could at least hook up with people who can give me story feedback if not detailed language-use feedback.
It *really* complicates doing a workshop or course. I have travel (for in-person courses) or timezone (for online ones) issues with all the good stuff in North America.
(I tried an online workshop once and felt very much on the margins, even if it did result in a published essay.)
Maybe something in the UK? at least online? would work, but I haven’t found anything yet that leapt out at me.
Jan 10, 2023·edited Jan 10, 2023Liked by Rebecca Makkai
All helpful, encouraging, and genuine! I can relate to everything about question 3. Thank you for your openness. I recently had an editor pass on a manuscript, with "We love the story, but with the sales track of this author it might be difficult to market." A clear statement. It's a business, I get that. But it's hard to feel upbeat when it's not so much, Is this any good, but Can we make money on this?
Thank you so much Rebecca for answering my "chapters" question. That is very helpful. You've encouraged my inclination to do it intuitively by seeing what I think the story needs as each rewrite / draft evolves. I definitely didn't want a formula -- I think I wanted freedom to trust that I will sort it out when the story is ready for chapters. Thank you. Looking forward to seeing you at Third Place Books here in the Seattle area during the AWP.
Best graph ever, Rebecca.
One addition, from a writer on Medicare. The last line of a Mary Oliver poem: “Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.”
Thanks for inspiring me to look into more meet ups in my area! I found a couple that look like they might be a fit.
On “why I can’t do a course right now”-- first of all, let me say I was not the person who asked that question, though I could have been: I write in English. This is not an official language in the country where I live (and they’ve got four!).
This fact sort of complicates finding a community. Or not, because Rebecca’s tips are really good and I am fluent in two of the national languages, so could at least hook up with people who can give me story feedback if not detailed language-use feedback.
It *really* complicates doing a workshop or course. I have travel (for in-person courses) or timezone (for online ones) issues with all the good stuff in North America.
(I tried an online workshop once and felt very much on the margins, even if it did result in a published essay.)
Maybe something in the UK? at least online? would work, but I haven’t found anything yet that leapt out at me.
All helpful, encouraging, and genuine! I can relate to everything about question 3. Thank you for your openness. I recently had an editor pass on a manuscript, with "We love the story, but with the sales track of this author it might be difficult to market." A clear statement. It's a business, I get that. But it's hard to feel upbeat when it's not so much, Is this any good, but Can we make money on this?
Sigh.
Thank you so much Rebecca for answering my "chapters" question. That is very helpful. You've encouraged my inclination to do it intuitively by seeing what I think the story needs as each rewrite / draft evolves. I definitely didn't want a formula -- I think I wanted freedom to trust that I will sort it out when the story is ready for chapters. Thank you. Looking forward to seeing you at Third Place Books here in the Seattle area during the AWP.
This is terrific -- thank you, Rebecca!
Sharing this with some alums who desperately want a writing community. Thank you!
PS Music for Wartime is your book I’ve purchased the most copies of as gifts. Apparently not enough! Yet.
Wonderful advice, Rebecca!