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Jessica Inclan | Make The Coffee If You Can
December 17, 2009
People who haven't had coffee shouldn't make coffee. I relearned this important lesson a couple of mornings ago upon finding my pot
of coffee spilled like a slick across the counter, dripping over the edge,
pooling in a coffee pool on the floor. What had I been thinking? Oh, yeah. I hadn't. And yet, all of us do things we can't do in order to figure out how to do them. This living thing is a process, and yet, most folks want to avoid the process
altogether because it is so damn time consuming. We want to figure things out
without having to figure anything out at all. We want the easy bake way of
living and haven’t yet realized that the easy bake cake wasn’t very tasty. I see this need of ours often while teaching writing. Because we are a mostly
literate society, the majority of us of able to read and write, many people
think they can write a novel. Because I am a novelist, many people tell me
about their novels, the ones they have been carting around inside of them. And
damn, if they aren't going to write it. Some day. To hear them talk, it’s
going to be a best seller. A really, really big book. Then there are those who have been practicing law or medicine or tantric yoga
for 30 years and now are going to retire and write the novel they've been
carting around for even longer than they practiced whatever it is that they
practiced. Tomorrow, the novel will commence. And then, instant fame, not to
mention Oprah, the New York Times bestseller list, movie deals, and that mansion
on the shores of Maui. My crazy, insane writing teacher who provided more trenchant comments than any
other writing teacher (though I had to wear protective emotional gear while in
her presence) once said, "Consider your first ten years of writing as an
apprenticeship." She also said, "Would you walk up to a doctor and say, 'Hey, I think I'm going
to start practicing medicine tomorrow. Do you think you can let me treat some
of your patients? I’ve always been very interesting in bones. Muscles, too.
Feet.’" At the time of my insane teacher’s pronouncement, only one year into my writing
apprenticeship and ready to be published immediately and then found by Oprah, I
didn't like what she said so much. I didn't want to spend the ten years (much
like learning how to be a doctor) that I would need to practicing my craft. But now, I get it. There is so much to learn how to do, and then, even when
that novel seems done, it likely is not. And then, when it is published,
there’s a whole other world’s worth of learning in trying to stay published.
The writing life is like law, medicine, tantric yoga, plumbing, carpentry, and
accounting. We have to do our homework. We have to practice. We have to make
a lot of failed pots of coffee. And then, maybe, we can finish that novel.
Maybe then, we can start to think about calling Oprah. Leave a comment today for a chance
to win the complete set of Jessica's Being trilogy. Being
With Him
Intimate
Beings
The Beautiful Being
Comments
42 comments posted.
Re: Jessica Inclan | Make The Coffee If You Can
I have an acquaintance who finished
her first book last spring. She was
collecting rejection letters and getting
rather upset. I don't think she
realized how hard it is to get
published. She is still upset she hasn't
gotten any offers.
(Patricia Barraclough 1:36am December 17, 2009)
I alway new that writing Was hard and I did not have the talent people think because i read all the time and love book that I should wright but there is a talent in it that i know that i do not have I whis i did.But I love the work that Authors but to there books and look up to them.Happy Holidays
(Stacey Smith 4:01am December 17, 2009)
I get what you are saying.
I think that it is only a small few that get the instant fame. Most everyone else has to pay their dues one way or the other.
But then I think your accomplishments mean more when you have to put a little bit more elbow grease and work into your work.
(Gigi Hicks 5:35am December 17, 2009)
Being is good!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:33am December 17, 2009)
This is the first I have heard of your books. I can't wait to read more about them.
(Sherry Russell 8:15am December 17, 2009)
Hi, All--
I've had my coffee so I can write back to you. Gigi, I do think you are right. There are about five geniuses walking the planet who don't have to struggle, and maybe five more who wrote the right book at the right time. Most of the rest of us have to struggle a bit!
But the struggle is often the journey itself, and I really have learned a lot while on it.
Best,
J
(Jessica Inclan 8:39am December 17, 2009)
I think that I will continue to be a reader and leave the writing up to the experts.
(Annetta Stolpmann 9:26am December 17, 2009)
Thanks for the opportunity to win your books! Happy Holidays@
(Katherine Reese 9:39am December 17, 2009)
Interesting post. Thanks for visiting today.
(G S Moch 10:24am December 17, 2009)
I thank all the writers out there for their hard work... without it we would not have all of the wonderful books that are available to read and enjoy!
Happy Holidays!
(Colleen Conklin 11:07am December 17, 2009)
I agree, I'm going to leave writing to others and concentrate on the reading. We all need readers, after all!
(Anne Harris 1:37pm December 17, 2009)
When would you have time to write if you are taking fencing classes, learning how to do stichery, etc. so that you are more of an expert in these things before you write about them? How many lessons are enough???
(Karin Tillotson 2:43pm December 17, 2009)
Yes, I would agree with practice, practice. I leave the writing up to those who have practiced well. Thank you.
(Barbara Ryan 2:44pm December 17, 2009)
My hat's off to you and all the other published authors. Writing is a tough field. I'm glad you kept at it.
(Patsy Hagen 3:14pm December 17, 2009)
Thank you for the interesting insight. I admire the tenacity of writers & I am so very thankful. I wouldn't have so many wonderful books to read otherwise.
(Mary Preston 3:33pm December 17, 2009)
Inspiration to take writing stuffed in dresser drawers by a friend woke me up to my storing up words for someday. Something can be learned from the stories we tell once or repeatedly by noticing the reaction to the different versions and seeing if there's still an audience ready to listen.
(Alyson Widen 3:45pm December 17, 2009)
No one expects to be a lawyer, doctor, or even knit without practice, I don't understand why they should believe they can be a writer. I also wonder why so many people feel they could write a book "if they just had the time". I certainly couldn't, no matter how many years you gave me.
(Anne Jones 4:04pm December 17, 2009)
When I was younger, I thought, thru my love of reading, I could write a book. I had the idea but not the drive or ambition. It takes a special person to sit down and craft a novel, a story people will enjoy. Now I just sit back and enjoy all the great stories out there.
(Theresa Buckholtz 4:05pm December 17, 2009)
Reading your post made me remember how as a child I had to practice,study,and learn. Somewhere around the adult stage it seems that those same practices are looked down upon. Maybe learning is a lost art. Thanks for such an insightful post.
(Leni Kaye 4:13pm December 17, 2009)
Those of us who don't have the talent to write, sure do enjoy the offerings of those who can. I can't imagine a world without books to read.
[email protected]
(Penny Tuttle 4:13pm December 17, 2009)
I agree with some of the ladies to say I do not have the gift of writing but love to read and read and read. I would like to add have a wonderful Holiday and thank you for the chance to win great books.
Cynthia Plaza-Harney
cpharney(at)yahoo(dot)com
(Cynthia Plaza-Harney 4:50pm December 17, 2009)
I do think that there are those amazing, special few who can just devcide to write a book. But the rest of us have to rpactice and work, and then practice some more. I would hate to go to a doctor who had just decided to "be" a doctor. Or even a hair stylist! Or a dry cleaner. Everything is the same--and everything needs to be learned, mostly!
Best,
J
(Jessica Inclan 5:17pm December 17, 2009)
I don't think many people realize all the time and dedication it takes to write a book. Personally, it takes little effort for me to read one!
Thanks!
(Tracey Dent 5:18pm December 17, 2009)
Jessica, I would love to write, but it's just not my thing. I could never (even after a double-time apprenticeship) write anything for publication. I am, however, a very avid reader. I love to read new authors, a new series, and re-read all my favorites.
(J H 6:04pm December 17, 2009)
Most mornings, I need to have my coffee before I do any mental problem solving at the office. I don't even meet with my boss unless I have a sip or two of coffee.
When I know I have a major project(s) that really need my full attention, I need another 16oz of coffee.
(Kai Wong 7:03pm December 17, 2009)
I have come to realize with time just how hard it is for authors to get published. You really need to persevere. It is why I have so much respect for these dedicated people who refuse to give up. It takes a lot of courage to keep going.
(Cherie Japp 8:05pm December 17, 2009)
I am a reader not a writer and will never pretend to be other; same as I love to sing Xmas songs but am still not a singer, just someone enjoying the season.
(Diane Sadler 8:19pm December 17, 2009)
I couldn't write my way out of a paper sack!! I do so admire you and all the other wirters that can write. I have so many wonderful books to read.. Merry Christmas and keep on writing!!
(Martha Lawson 8:47pm December 17, 2009)
I have found the perfect profession. I am an avid reader and book collector. I know that I will not write the next great novel, but you know what I am happy with that.
(Rosemary Krejsa 8:48pm December 17, 2009)
There has to be a certain amount of practicality involved in all our endeavors. Some of us enjoy cooking fabulous meals for our families, but are we restaurant quality chefs? Probably not. Could we make a one-hit wonder dish/recipe and retire rich? Laughable! So, fellow readers, let us applaud our favorite writers, and keep our fantasies out of the public venue. EEEK (they may not be about writing the perfect novel and I SURELY wouldn't want to know!!) Coffee, I need coffee, lest I babble pointlessly.
(Susan Driskill 9:06pm December 17, 2009)
I can see where your coming from here and that goes alone with everything we do. The more we do it the better we get at it. Practice makes perfect with us all.
(Gail Hurt 9:12pm December 17, 2009)
I've read Being With Him and very much enjoyed it. Looking forward to next books in the trilogy.
(Armenia Fox 9:13pm December 17, 2009)
Hi, All--
I really didn't write this blog with the desire for admiration. Writing a book is like any job, though inspiration is lovely. But it's a sit down and do it thing, and then do it over and again and again. But that could be said for so many things.
I suppose what I truly admire is anything done well. From a muffin to a world peace treaty. And coffee--a moderate amount--helps with many activities.
Thank you Armenia for reading Being With Him!
Best,
J
(Jessica Inclan 9:42pm December 17, 2009)
coffee is a savior in the mornings :)
i like to write and i've been told i write well but i don't think i can write an entire novel. pulling all-nighters and somehow putting together a decent paper is one thing, but to do it for a living is another. so awesome you and other authors can do it ms. inclan! me, i'm happy being a reader :)
(Michelle Santiago 10:04pm December 17, 2009)
I hate coffee but love reading! Can't write a story to save my soul!
(Brenda Rupp 10:18pm December 17, 2009)
I don't take rejection well so I could never
stick it out long enough. Kudos to all
writers that do and have their dreams
realized.
(Sue Ahn 10:49pm December 17, 2009)
My hat goes off to all of you authors that finish your novels!!! Keep up the great works and Merry Christmas to you all!!!
(Mitzi Hinkey 11:21pm December 17, 2009)
Your blog made me laugh! Bless you! I needed that today of all days!
(Lisa Glidewell 12:24pm December 18, 2009)
Good inspiration. Thank you. Slow and steady wins the race.
Must keep this in mind.
Julie
(Julie Robinson 12:47pm December 18, 2009)
What a true deal this is. I love to read but never even considered being the author. I am glad there are you who loves to spin words and make such a good story but it's not for me. I am glad there are those who can be nurses too as we all need them sometime in our lives but that's also not for me. I think we all should be happy for whatever we find talent fits to and do not try to be something or some one we just don't have the knowledge to do. I want to wish you and yours Merry Christmas now and may we meet many times along the trail of words and books in 2010. susan L.
(Susan Leech 1:58pm December 18, 2009)
Thank you all for the great comments and thoughts on doing what needs to be done. Here is one of my favorite poems of all time by Marge Piercy, entitled "To Be of Use." It sums up what I feel about work and accomplishment pretty darn well.
The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half submerged balls.
I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.
I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who stand in the line and haul in their places,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.
The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.
(Jessica Inclan 6:51pm December 18, 2009)
Beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing.
(Julie Robinson 11:48pm December 18, 2009)
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