‘How I Write’ by Janet Evanovich

I recently posted a profile of Janet Evanovich in the success stories section of this site, and in it mentioned that I had ordered a copy of her non-fiction work detailing her approach to writing. Typically no nonsense, this was an excellent read, and even though I have read several books on the craft of writing over the years, I found lots that was new here. The first thing was a reference to ‘in medias res’ – where a story starts in the middle of the excitement – as I have done with the current draft of ‘Rich in Small Things’ (previously titled ‘The Nature of Forget’). You can read the first chapter here.

Other things I learned was that Evanovich wrote three books that were never published despite being hawked to every agent and publisher in New York. She just kept going. It took her ten years to become a published author. She’s pretty scathing about self-publishing but the co-writer of this book, Ina Yalof, shares some trivia on books that were originally self-published before being picked up by commercial publishers – authors include John Grisham, Walt Whitman and Beatrix Potter.

Evanovich was inspired to write this book in part by the slew of questions she received from aspiring writers through her website. Here are a few I liked:

“Q: I’m sure somewhere along the line you had doubts about your work. How did you overcome them?

JANET: I’m not sure how I overcame all the self-doubt. Certainly there was (and still is) a lot of it. I suppose if something is important enough to you, you simply grit your teeth and take a chance and do it. I kept reminding myself I wanted to be a writer and that a writer writes.”

And some advice to an author receiving multiple rejections for a book they personally believe in:

“… my advice is to shelve the book and start on your next one. Make sure when you write your second book that you know where it will be placed in a bookstore and that it is directed toward a specific audience. Publishing is a risk-adverse business, and first time authors usually have better success when their books aren’t too different from what’s already out there. Sometimes the wonderful different book needs to be the second book sold.”

And one for my mother (who sometimes suggests I could make a living out of short stories):

“Q: I have written about ten short stories. Do you think I’m ready to write a novel?

JANET. Do it! Write the novel. Short stories are fun, but they can sometimes be difficult to sell and the payoff isn’t usually as good as a full-size novel.”

And rejection is just a very big part of this game:

“Q: I know that rejection letters are part of getting started as a writer. But I have so many of them piled up on my desk, I’m ready to rent a .44 and shoot myself.

JANET: Forget the .44. I prefer death by birthday cake. Much slower, and while you’re waiting to die from a heart attack you might get published. I collected rejection letters for ten years. Until you beat my record, you should keep trying.”

And now, encouraged, inspired, I must go and write.