The Learning Curve
I’m in the middle of writing my third novel. I’m not counting the two half-finished ones from a couple of years ago. Anyway, I’ve noticed something. My writing has improved. Not trying to toot my own horn or anything. It’s just the truth. Quite a big improvement from the first novel. And a decent amount of improvement over the second. And when I say writing, I do mean sentence structure. But more than that, I mean character development, plot complexity, pacing, foreshadowing, subplot development, etc.
It made me think of other stories I’ve heard where authors typically start succeeding around book 3 or 4. By succeeding, I mean requests, positive feedback, representation, contest wins or even sales. Yes, there are terrific writers who get it right the first time around and succeed with their very first book. But more often, it’s the third, fourth, eighth or tenth. And even if there is no “success” then I think a lot of writers agree that their first book wasn’t the greatest, but by book three, they’d found their stride.
I think there’s a learning curve in writing, just like any other skill or profession. When someone sits down to learn the piano, that first year of lessons is not going to be the best year for that person. By trial, error and lots of practice, by year three, he’s going to know a whole lot more about playing the piano. If he practiced a lot, he’s going to be pretty good at it. He will definitely feel more comfortable and confident in his piano playing and may go on to play at recitals or have people ask him to play somewhere public.
It’s the same with books. I think the best thing any aspiring writer can do for herself is to sit down and write that first book. It might not be good, but she’ll have learned a whole lot in that process. And the second book? Guaranteed to be better.
There’s a lot going on in books. I didn’t get it right the first time around, but I don’t know why I expected to. Reading lots of other books is a great way to learn, but like just listening to a piano, you’re really never going to learn certain important aspects until you do it yourself.
So, where was I? Learning curve. Yes, I think there’s a learning curve in writing. I think book one starts out very low. Book two higher, and then by book three, writers really hit their stride (which may or may not equal “success”). Of course, I’m just generalizing here, and I know it’s different for everyone.
Thoughts?
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Comments
Sure, it’s like anything else: the more you do it, the better you get.
I look back at some of the stuff I wrote years ago and I cringe…actually cringe, there’s full-on cringing.
Absolutely! I thought my first book was good, but after I finished my second, I realized how much I learned by writing the first, and how much I had improved.
I hope the trend continues. I think some writers only have a few books in them, and then they run out of ideas, or stop trying so hard because they are selling, or the pressure of deadlines gets to them.
So writers get better with age. Some hit their stride early and peter out. I hope we’re the first!
I bet it’s somewhat a bit like having kids–you know better on round 2,3, and 4 what to expect, what not to stress over, what to look out for (at least, this is what all the moms I know tell me…).
I’m on book 3 too, so here’s to that third being a knockout!
Yes yes but it still stinks lol. I’m shopping book 1, and I want to believe it has potential, but I’m starting to feel I shouldn’t hold my breath and start working on my second one I’ve been outlining.
Having finished my second, I’ve noticed I’m definitely more economical with my words. I’m better about getting to the point and skipping the fluffy stuff.
I still love my first one, though (my second is okay, but I adore my first one). I still may go back and rework it (it does need the help, but I like the idea and the characters a lot). For now–on to #3!
This is a great post. SO true. I don’t mind being on a learning curve, BUT I’d really like to know where it tops out.
We get better as we go along (we hope). As long as you’re learning along the way, you’re ahead of most people. =o)
I’m glad things are going so well for you, Jen. =oD
Oh yes, for sure - big change in my writing. A friend of mine is an editor and she’s cast an eye at some of my stuff way back when I first got to know her and she was sweet, pointing out how to tighten the writing etc. Then recently I sent her something else and she was hugely happy with how much my writing style has changed and matured. It was like getting a pat on the head.
yay, jen! i’m one of those lucky few
who sold her first novel written. BUT i
def still have so much to learn. i’m not sure if my writing has improved, since i’m
suffering such angst with sequel. we’ll see when i’m done and begin revising. =)
great post!
Christa - It does have potential! Some first books are amazing. So keep querying. You never know what could happen.
cindy - Your sequel is going to be great. From what you’ve said about it, I’m already intrigued.
I don’t think I could do anything BUT improve on my writing from early on. Not hard really given when I started I was a teen, and the writing was full of cliches and plagiarism.
Lucky I didn’t have parents in publishing or I would regret now having it ever see the light of day…
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