John Matthew Fox: In Conversation

Last week I mentioned I had the pleasure of snagging an ARC of John Fox's new book The Linchpin Writer: Crafting Your Novel's Key Moments, and it really is unlike the other books on writing out there. You can read my full review here, but it's a welcome addition to any writer's bookshelf, in my humble opinion (and I've read A LOT of craft books, y'all).

So I'm thrilled that John was willing to answer a few questions I had post-reading. 

Enjoy!

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You explain what a linchpin is at the start of your book, and I've heard the term applied to people in the business world or in a community--someone who is vital to an operation--but I've never really thought about being a linchpin from a writer's or a writing standpoint. What made you choose this angle for your book?

I'd been doing developmental editing on novels for years and I realized that I kept on giving advice about the same sections of their books. And I realized the pattern held across a large number of novels, that writers struggled to write the most pivotal scenes in their book. And if they messed up on those scenes, there was an excellent chance that the reader wouldn't connect with the book as strongly. So I wanted to write a book helping as many writers as possible with those crucial parts of their story.

That's awesome. I teach undergrads on the daily, so I totally understand those patterns that show up again and again in feedback. What would you say you enjoy most about the writing process?

I remember that Jonathan Safran Foer once said that if he wasn't a writer, he would have become a builder. And I understood that comment. Writing is simply building with words. Slap some mortar of verbs, put on a brick of a noun, build an object that's tall or thick or beautiful.

Oh, I LOVE that metaphor!

Yeah, so I love the building aspect of writing, the feeling of constructing a narrative. And so really, my favorite part of writing is the imagination. Of designing characters so they feel unlike everyone else, of designing a world that feels different from ours and yet similar, of designing a plot that isn't hackneyed and ready-made, but feels original and wild.

I might not be the best prose stylist in the world, but I sure do write stories that nobody else has put on the page.

I haven't read your fiction (yet!), so I can't speak to your prose styling, but I really loved your command of structure and tone in The Linchpin Writer. It's a smart book, but I didn't feel like I was being talked down to. It was accessible, but I didn't get the feeling that you were diluting anything to appeal to a base audience (that may have come out wrong, so if I offended anyone by saying that, I'm sorry). I just loved that the whole book is so practical and encouraging while still maintaining that literary or sophisticated bent. So what advice did you leave out of the book that you might offer a fledgling writer?

Don't work on creating the perfect book. 

Perfect books are quite boring to read. Perfection is too surface-level. First, work on creating a book that has flaws, but which gives the reader pleasure. That forges into new territory, that feels different than other books out there, that is the type of book you haven't read yet but wish it existed. So many amazing books have minor flaws, but I enjoy them because of what they tried to accomplish, and their imperfections seem beautiful to me.

Small example: the cranial mediations on the whale in Moby Dick. Was it a mistake? Should an editor have taken it out? Well, yes. But the book is still marvelous in spite of it.

Next, work on creating yourself into the type of person that can write a fantastic book. That means putting in the time at the desk. That means reading every day. And set a goal for the number of books you want to read for the year -- 50? 75? Over 100? And keep a notebook of everything you learn from those books, so you're not just consuming but you're analyzing the books to see what they teach you. That also means finding a writing community and getting words on the page.

If you force yourself to write a book, that's good, but you just have a book. Instead, grow yourself into a better writer. So you can write book after book after book.

That's a lot of fantastic advice. I've been playing this game long enough to see trends come and go (and come back again) and the whole state of the industry change. I've done the traditional pub thing, the self-pub thing, and it really comes down to not only loving what you do, but taking it seriously: showing up and doing the hard work and being willing to adapt at every turn. 

So I don't want to spoil this story because it's in the book, but it nearly broke my heart. You mentioned mentoring a young girl from India who was struggling to become a writer (against her entire society's wishes). If you could have any author (living or dead) mentor you, whom would you choose and why?

This summer, I flew out to Key West for the Hemingway look-alike contest. 150 guys who look like Hemingway, all competing to be crowned that year's champion. I went with my book club, and we drank Hemingway's rum, toured his house, saw his trophy fish, ran with the bulls in the bull parade, competed in the fishing contest, posed with all the Hemingway models, and drank a lot (as Papa would have liked it).

It felt like a good life. If Big Papa could rise from the dead and give me a few tips on my novel, I wouldn't say no.

God, you have the most AMAZING writing group/book club. I honestly loved these stories in The Linchpin Writer as much as I loved the advice, and I won't pretend I'm not super jealous of your travels because I am. 

Thank you so much, John, for dropping by the blog. It was a pleasure. Truly. :)

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The Linchpin Writer is on sale now. Check it out, if you haven't already. Again, here's my review, but you don't have to take my word for it. The five-star ratings are strong with this one. 

You can also follow John on Twitter: @bookfox

And his website is PACKED with awesome content (check out his blog, first).

Be Brilliant!

~Katie~

“If it has ever happened to a human being, it is worthy of inclusion in a book. 

It doesn’t matter if it offends someone or breaks a taboo—

the role of books is to say what seems unsayable.” 

-John Fox

The Linchpin Writer - Review

There are moments in our stories that can make or break them.

These are “linchpin” moments, and in a world deluged with tomes on craft, John Matthew Fox has brought a new angle and fresh insights to the writing conversation.  

The Linchpin Writer is divided into three main sections: firsts (paragraphs, description, dialogue), emotions (sorrow, wonder, desire), and endings (chapter, story, character). Each chapter concludes with actionable advice and prompts, and to expand on the ideas, Fox offers a clear pathway to the resources on his blog, where we can take an even deeper dive into the subject matter.

There are insights aplenty for both the neophyte and the seasoned professional, and along with the analysis and breakdown of what works and what doesn’t, Fox proffers stories of his travels and some of the high and low points of his career to deepen the insights and encourage writers to stay the course. 

You won’t find detailed instructions on world-building or character development. That’s already been done by hundreds of other writers in thousands of other books, and that’s not the purpose of The Linchpin Writer, anyway, which is precisely what makes it a welcome addition to any bookshelf. 

With its excellent guidance on nailing key moments in your novel, clear and concise explanations for each topic, and encouraging tone, The Linchpin Writer is exactly what we writers need: nothing more, nothing less.

The linchpin moment of Fox’s book just might be the final sentence, which is a swift sock to the gut to anyone who calls themselves a writer. But I won’t spoil it here. I’d simply encourage you to pick up a copy of The Linchpin Writer, read it, and answer for yourself. 

The Linchpin Writer goes on sale this week. Inside, you'll find the keys to creating memorable moments in your fiction and tips for creating stories that will stay with your readers long after they've finished. 

*I was gifted an ARC of this book to review, but this in no way swayed my opinion: an easy 5/5 stars for any writer at whatever point of the journey they might be on.

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Stay tuned, because I have an interview with John posting in the next few days. :)

~Katie~ 

The Biggest Fan: Why Every Writer Needs Someone to Believe in Them

Writing is hard, it's often thankless, and it's full of rejection. 

Every. Single. Day. 

Rejection.

If you're a writer, you probably already know how important it is to have someone on your team--someone who believes in you.

Why?

Photo by fauxels

1. Motivation

Having someone believe in your writing gives you the confidence to get started and keep going, even when it's tough. Sometimes all you need is a little push, and this person is here for it.

2. Confidence

Knowing that someone out there thinks your work is worth reading can make a huge difference. They know you have what it takes, and they never hesitate to tell you. 

3. Feedback

An ardent supporter is someone to bounce around ideas with, making it easier to get feedback and constructive criticism. This becomes invaluable when developing your stories and craft.

4. Encouragement 

They push you to be better and help you reach your potential, cheering for you the entire way. This can mean the difference between getting published and giving up too soon.

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Every writer has a story to tell, but not every writer has someone who believes in them. 

I won't go so far as to say that a support system is essential to a writer's success, but having someone in your corner through the discouragement and the vulnerability--when the rejections pour in--can be a huge motivator to keep at it.

So if you're a writer and there's someone in your life who fits this description, cherish them. 

If you're not a writer (and you stumbled across this post by accident) but there's a writer in your life, be that person for them. 

If you're a writer without a tribe, consider joining a writing group (in-person or online) and start building relationships with other writers who can be that system for you.

And if you're in need of a quick pick-me-up, feel free to drop me a line or tag me in a tweet.

I'm more than happy to be that person for you.

Be Brilliant!

~Katie~

Setting Goals that Work for You

When it comes to achieving our writing goals, motivation is key. But sometimes it's hard to stay motivated, especially when we're facing challenges. 

(I wrote an entire book on how to work past those challenges, btw.) 

With #NaNoWriMo coming up and thousands of writers making plans to sit down at the keyboard and pound out those words, I thought I'd post a few reminders about staying motivated and working toward your goals.

Photo by Engin Akyurt

1. Be realistic. 

It's important to set goals that are actually achievable. 

Yes, it's possible to write a book in 30 days. It's less likely this can be accomplished in a single weekend. Don't set yourself up for failure by demanding something of yourself that isn't attainable. Goals should be challenging but not impossible. 

2. Get an action plan together.

Once your goals are set, break them down into smaller steps. 

It's possible to write 50,000 words in a single month, but it means sitting down and writing 1,666 words every day for those 30 days. That might mean writing 833 words in the morning and 833 more words at night. Or it might mean writing 416 words every hour for four hours. 

Either way, having a plan of action will help you stay on track and focused on what you need to accomplish.

3. Take things one step at a time. 

Trying to do too much at once can be overwhelming and lead to discouragement. 

I've only been able to participate in NaNoWriMo one time many, many years ago. As much as I adore this idea and as hard as I cheer everyone else on, my work schedule just doesn't allow me much free time in November. I'd be more likely to sign up if it were in June or July. 

The point? Don't set a goal or make a plan that's going to tip your (already full) plate of responsibilities. If you can't write a novel in thirty days, why not extend your finish line through the month of December? Give yourself 60 days, instead. 

Only you know what you're capable of realistically accomplishing. 

Push yourself, but don't push yourself. That is, don't push yourself past your reasonable limit. :)

And above all:

Be Brilliant!

~Katie~ 

Writing as Therapy: How Pen & Paper Help Us Heal

"This was so therapeutic." 

These are the words I see most often on the submissions for the "humiliation" piece in one of my classes. 

This is a creative non-fiction assignment that asks my students to examine an embarrassing moment or a dark secret--something they've never told anyone, are still working through, or have finally overcome.

Affairs, divorces, abortions, abuse.... 

I've read it all.

Outside of the requisite writing feedback, I am a no-judgment reviewer. They can tell me anything.

So yes, writing is therapeutic.

Photo by Cristian Escobar

It's a way to process and release emotions surrounding a specific event. It helps us understand our emotions or even view the situation from a different perspective. 

It can help us cope with anxiety and reduce stress. It can help us sort through our emotions and gain insight into our thoughts and feelings. 

Writing can help us understand ourselves better. It can help us move on from difficult experiences. 

The page doesn't judge, so expressing ourselves in this way is safe. The paper isn't going to misunderstand us. It isn't going to get angry or lash back. It's simply going to soak up the words until we're done with them and feel ready to move on. 

So if you're feeling low right now, if you're struggling with something, why not pull out a sheet of paper or open that clean word processing document and give it a try?

Then shoot me a message and let me know how it goes.

No judgment here. :)

Be Brilliant!

~Katie~