A Certain Point of View, Too

Writing Wisdom from a Jedi: Mastering Your Novel with a Clear Mind and Steady Hand

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by

Alex Diaz-Granados
in , ,

 
Read voraciously, you must. Write daily, you will. Embrace editing and revising, come to you must. For Hemingway’s sake, set a reasonable writing schedule and stick to it, you should. (Photo Credit: Hasbro, Inc.)

Early Afternoon, Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Miami, Florida

Image Credit: Hannah Grace via Pixabay

Random Thoughts About Writing

Although he was a brilliant guy (at least before 1960), Hemingway is not a good role model for writers. You don’t need to be a two-fisted drinker to be a good writer – especially if you’re a guy.
  • Writing a novel is akin to training as a Jedi Knight. As Yoda wisely advises Luke Skywalker, “A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind.” Both pursuits require patience, dedication, focus, a tranquil environment, and unwavering discipline. Though, I must admit, having Jedi powers to influence reluctant readers into purchasing my books would be quite handy.
  • Confidence and belief in your ability to spin a good yarn are essential. However, diving into a novel without first dabbling in shorter works—like flash fiction or short stories—is like trying to run before you can walk. You might surprise yourself and the literary world if your first attempt at fiction is a full-fledged novel. But unless you’re channeling Jane Austen or F. Scott Fitzgerald, it’s wise to start with baby steps.
  • Read voraciously. Write daily. Come to embrace editing and revising. For Hemingway’s sake, set a reasonable writing schedule and stick to it.
  • Speaking of Hemingway…booze and drugs won’t make you a better writer. Don’t buy into the myth that substance abuse is part of the writer’s toolkit. Writing demands all those little gray cells Hercule Poirot mentions in Agatha Christie’s mysteries. If you want to produce a novel you’ll be proud of, stay clear-headed.
  • I don’t write for riches or fame. Sure, earning enough royalties to live comfortably, travel a bit, and enjoy some decent dates would be lovely. But I don’t daydream about being the next Tom Clancy or owning a mansion in the Hamptons and a summer home in Paris. Wealth and fame don’t thrill me; telling stories and helping readers lose themselves in them does.