Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional. For June, the question is: “Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Diane Burton, Kim Lajevardi, Sylvia Ney, Sarah Foster, Jennifer Hawes, and Madeline Mora-Summonte. Feel free to swing by their sites and see what they’re up to.
My answer to the question (Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?)
I used to love reading books. I still do, but unfortunately that activity is at the bottom of my list of priorities. I have no time for it. My life is hectic in a unique sort of way. I make an exception for books I promised to beta read. As a result, I’ve read two books this year – one memoir and one cozy mystery. Yep. That’s it.
I prefer reading stories about real people and events, as opposed to fictional ones. That being said, to really relax when reading, fiction is preferred. To be honest, since I’ve become a writer, I never read for pleasure anymore. My mind can’t help itself to pick out typos and grammar mistakes (and I make notes!) or somehow learn from the craft.
My favorite genre to write in is narrative non-fiction, as I haven’t done anything else except compose poems based on real life.
About drafts
“How many drafts have you written?” This is difficult question to answer. What counts? Unlike fiction books, which seem to get rewritten many times, especially by “pantsers” (instead of “plotters”), as the story forms and the characters develop, the first draft of my memoir contained the entire context. All the stories and anecdotes I wanted to cover–and then some. I reread and cleaned up every chapter as I progressed. This was my “skeleton”. One with loads of fat! At 160K words, it obviously had to be trimmed down. Way down. Almost 50% down. So I guess since that first draft, I’ve been editing.
I had three versions of the book in Scrivener, before I converted the manuscript into Word. Another read through – and more trimming – completed the fourth draft. That’s when the book, at 120K words, went to my eight beta readers. Draft five was created to incorporate the feedback, alterations, and suggestions of this fantastic group of people. That’s when I wrote a book proposal and contacted agents.
That fifth draft was still 12,000 words too long to reach my 95,000-word goal, which is not out of the ordinary, but on the longer side for memoirs. I estimated needing one month to trim this version and reach my word count goal. That last step happened in April, during our final five-week house sit.
My book progress
Early May, I went through my agent overview list and sent updates/follow-ups to the ones who hadn’t replied (= reject) me. Some responded immediately, with a friendly “thanks, but no thanks”, others remain silent. I’m at the point of accepting that no answer after five months means no interest. Surprisingly to me, half of the 33 initial agents I contacted didn’t write anything back. Not even a short “Sorry, but I’m not interested.” How long does it take to create that one-sentence email?
On May 10th, Mark and I hit the road again in our camper van Zesty. By now, you all know what that means. Zero time for memoir work. I did manage to squeeze one day in to rework my book proposal, as some changes have happened since January 1st. The manuscript has been finished and I’ve followed up on a few promotional ideas (like publishing another sailing article, being interviewed about frugal RV living by a prominent YouTuber, and having lined up other interviews.)
What’s next?
The last few weeks have been extremely busy, as Mark and I volunteered full-time at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, a region we have come to love. More about that soon. On our way east for the summer, I do hope to commit a few days to research another set of agents/publishers to send my updated book proposal to.
Do you have a favorite genre to read or write?
June 5, 2019 at 17:56
Hi Liesbet! I’m not surprised you haven’t found time to work on your book. I’m not as busy as you and I keep being distracted from working on mine! But I LOVE all your posts on FB about your trip and all the dogs at Best Friends. Those animals are so fortunate to have you there to visit. We are up in the mountains for the month of June and they have a similar Animal Sanctuary called “Living Free.” You have inspired me to go by and visit their residents! Thanks. ~Kathy
June 6, 2019 at 14:39
Hello Kathy!
I think that there are just too many other fun, interesting, enriching, educational, exciting, and satisfying activities away from writing, so our books (and even blogs) end up on the back burner. I’m a person who enjoys living life in the real world and sitting behind a computer takes away from that, big time. Plus, I need to be at my screen enough for my little “real” jobs.
I’m glad you liked all my adoptable pet photos and that you will check out the animal sanctuary in the mountains. I assume you’re having a fabulous time there with comfortable temperatures! Great idea! Enjoy the month and the pups!
June 5, 2019 at 18:01
Sorry you aren’t getting responses. It seems rude not to even say no thank you. Just keep trying.
June 6, 2019 at 14:40
Thanks for the encouragement, Alex! I’m not one to give up easily, so I WILL keep trying. Whenever I have a (long) moment. 🙂
June 5, 2019 at 18:08
I can’t imagine trying to write/edit while traveling and touring so many destinations. I struggle enough with the day job, family and deadlines. Keep pressing forward, even if it’s a little each day.You’ll get there…I just know it!
June 6, 2019 at 14:43
Thanks, Jill. You are such a great inspiration and cheerleader. 🙂
The only way for me to make progress with the publishing journey while on the road is to commit a certain amount of time to it very day. And, that’s not happening, as – during my downtime or when settled for the night – there are always emails, blogs, and jobs to deal with. And, it doesn’t help that my diary entries take about 45’ to write these days… Priorities… I know. 🙂
June 6, 2019 at 16:06
I know it’s tough. There never seems to be enough hours in the day, does there? I think you’ll carve in the time…even if it’s 20 minutes a day, it will add up. 🙂
June 8, 2019 at 09:48
I hope you’re right, Jill. I’m more likely to reserve an entire morning or day once in a while to get to my book than daily, since our days are pretty cramped just living, driving, running errands, catching up on work, etc. I feel like I have to “settle” to be memoir productive, even if it’s for one week or so at a time. Or, one day! 🙂 It’s just interesting that I have no issue stopping everything we are doing to work on a translation assignment, but I’m not prioritizing my book that way. Probably because I know I need many consecutive days and weeks for that project.
June 5, 2019 at 18:09
You’re so busy I’m not surprised you don’t have tons of time for reading! Life is to be lived so enjoy!
June 6, 2019 at 14:45
Thanks, Jemi! I am certainly enjoying my life and the choices we’ve made. I just wish there were more hours in a day. But, don’t we all? 🙂
June 5, 2019 at 20:23
Even an acknowledgement after so long might be preferable – a mystery that my detective can’t solve. I admire your tenacity in life.
June 6, 2019 at 14:48
Roland, I think you need to fire your detective! 🙂
I find that dealing with people who don’t show (me) respect or responsibility annoys me. But, maybe I have to look at it a different way and become less respectful and responsible myself…
June 6, 2019 at 03:39
I’ve no experience of contacting agents and I’m sorry to see you haven’t heard a reply from so many Liesbet. I had written a small collection of poems that I submitted to two publishers about 12 years ago. The editors of both houses send me a very kind letter explaining it didn’t fit into their current plans but that the collection might work as a pamphlet and gave me a few new avenues to explore. That was very helpful and I will always remember that. It planted the first seeds for exploring the independent press and independent author routes and brought me into contact with a lot of interesting people. I read and write mainly poetry and prose and enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing. I also enjoy reading biographies of poets whose work I love. I’m loving all the doggie photographs in this post and look forward to hearing more about your time at Best Friends 🙂🐾💖🐾 xxx
June 6, 2019 at 14:53
Hi Xenia! I think that – years ago – personal responses and constructive criticism, or some feedback, might have been more common than in these digital and hectic times. I’d most certainly prefer a response from an agent that has suggestions for improvement, but these days, I’m happy with any response, as long as I know where I stand. I am very tolerant when it comes to criticism and opinions. I’ve learned that the hard way with our business.
There’s still a good chance I’ll go the indie way at some point. Yep, you’ve been telling me that all along. 🙂
Well, I’ve realized that our experiences and insights about Best Friends might take several blog posts and many, many photo galleries… One day, you will have to visit their sanctuary in Utah. It’s incredible!
June 6, 2019 at 09:14
I can’t believe people can’t just write back a simple thanks, but no thanks email. It takes no time at all.
I loved seeing all the pictures from Best Friends. What a perfect volunteer opportunity for you guys.
Now that I realized how little time you had to read, I am even more appreciative of you taking the time to beta read for me. Your feedback was so helpful!
June 6, 2019 at 14:58
I couldn’t agree more with agents sending some kind of acknowledgement or rejection when it comes to spending so much time writing cover letters, queries, and book proposals. It annoys me, because I find it a sign of disrespect.
I enjoyed reading Poisoned by the Pier, Ellen. One can look at it from a different perspective – it finally made me read a book, an activity I love, but choose to bypass in lieu of “more important” tasks, usually.
Volunteering in Dogtown at Best Friends was our happy place. Other than the extremely crappy weather (snow, sleet, rain at the end of May!).
June 6, 2019 at 10:00
People can be very discourteous! Even a standard reply is better than none. I hope you have better luck with the next round.
June 6, 2019 at 15:00
Thanks, Anabel. I hope that next round can get started this month!
I think that people who are responsible themselves – like you and me – have a hard time with the “other half”, who can’t even bother for less than a minute and send a reaction. No matter what it’s about. I answer each email, message, or comment I receive (except spam), period. Let alone something the sender put a lot of time, effort, and energy in. Oh well…
June 6, 2019 at 21:08
Hi Liesbet
You’re so busy. I think you need a vacation!
Hang in there.
Laura
June 8, 2019 at 09:53
Funny you say so, Laura, but I’d love a vacation. I know it sounds weird based on our “leisurely” lifestyle, but we live a quite challenging existence (by choice). Did you know that my last vacation happened over sixteen years ago, when I had a normal job and actually had dedicated weeks off and actually managed to jump on a plane for fun and relaxation? One of my three goals for 2019 was to go on a vacation, even if it would be our postponed honeymoon from 12 years ago. But, we have another “complication” now that will make this impossible for many years to come. More about that later. 🙂
June 7, 2019 at 01:59
Oh no! ‘I don’t read for pleasure anymore’. That’s sad. I understand the thing about there never being enough hours in the day though, but keep going with your book. Believe in yourself.
June 8, 2019 at 09:55
Thanks, guys! It will happen one day. I’m just annoyed at everything else coming first. Which is a choice, of course, yet, it is the lifestyle we have chosen. The not reading for pleasure is an interesting thing. We have a word for such change in behavior in Dutch: “beroepsmisvorming”. It basically means that when you take up a certain profession (or craft), you see everything in relation to it as work or a means to learn more (or be annoyed at or compare yourself with). 🙂
June 7, 2019 at 14:51
Now that I’m nearing the end of my 5-year book pregnancy, I wish I had followed my own advice to not obsess over my progress. Or worry about the “WHEN?” It will come to fruition, when the time is right, I’m learning.
Meanwhile, I can tell you are enjoying your frisky friends and the AZ venue.
Favorite genres? Literary fiction, novels, memoir, of course.
June 8, 2019 at 09:59
You are a writing and reading lover and expert, Marian. That’s awesome! Sometimes, I wish my interests would be a bit more confined and I could focus on that reading and writing part, which is what most writers manage to do. It’s how I know that I’m not a “true” writer. And, before you react to that… Yes, I love writing and I’m usually pretty good at it, but it’s not my main purpose or enjoyment or passion in life, which is where the problem lies. Successful authors focus on their craft pretty much full-time.
We LOVED our time at Best Friends. I’m going to need a few days off from the traveling, errands, and work commitments to write blogs about that enriching period of our lives.
June 8, 2019 at 20:36
Back again, Liesbet.
Yes, we go through phases, stages in life. Though I was interested in writing my story for many years, I didn’t have the time, focus, or dedication until I retired from teaching. Obviously, you are happy at this particular stage and combine writing with so many other fun things. I hope you get some time to kick back and reflect on your eventful life this past month. Brava! 🙂
June 10, 2019 at 11:58
I just love how you seem to understand me, Marian. Thank you for that. While I might seem happy to combine the traveling and the writing, something in the back of my head is always nagging and I actually find more satisfaction being settled these days to get that memoir project finished. It’s been three and a half years for me! But, there are two in a relationship and the priority right now is driving back east to Massachusetts within three weeks and seeing a few things along the way. Not sure what the solution is. If I would be a passionate writer, I’d make that my priority, I guess.
June 10, 2019 at 16:45
You are welcome, Liesbet.
Your latest comment reminded me of Andrew Marvell’s lines: ” But at my back I always hear
Time’s wingèd chariot hurrying near;”
I believe that specific feeling is just part of the human condition. Probably everyone feels it at times, and at any age, so I think now. Seize the day, take it just as it comes.
My feelings about your writing resonate with Jill’s comment. Safe travels as you wend your way back east!
June 10, 2019 at 16:49
Uh, oh! Delete the little “i” please and substitute “wend” for “went.”) Sorry, I visited the eye doctor today and had a dilation. That’s my excuse – ha!)
June 10, 2019 at 19:38
No worries. But, done! I had no idea I could actually edit people’s comments. Dangerous… I hope your eyes are OK. I’ve been there… Great excuse! 🙂
June 10, 2019 at 19:37
Thanks, Marian. And, yes to those lines of Marvell, whomever he is. 🙂
June 8, 2019 at 11:01
Dear Liesbet, I wish we had the courage to jump into a van and just go! But being OTA (older than average) slows us down. I’m not even sure I could navigate driving a van like yours, but I admire your adventuresome spirit and your photos — and to be in ‘doggie land’ sounds like heaven. We are taking a southern driving trip through Utah Sept/Oct and love all the national parks on our way south, maybe as far as Tucson. Re the writing, I too have never understood why publishers and agents couldn’t just send a note. Maybe their slush piles are just too big! Once I completed a 10-page (yes, single-spaced) proposal for a possible publishing house. Their response? If you hear from us in six months, we’re interested. Experiences like that pushed me to become an indie writer. That might be a good avenue for you. But for now, enjoy the dogs, those beautiful surroundings, and every day! Best, Beth
June 10, 2019 at 11:44
One could jump in a van and do it slowly, Beth! I can’t say we are of the fast kind either. 🙂 It took us eight years to sail from the Caribbean to the Pacific, a year to drive from the US to Panama and back, and we’ve been three years in the western USA. You will so enjoy Southern Utah and Arizona, especially in the fall. Too bad we won’t be around anymore, or we could have met up. BTW, our van is only 19ft long and actually shorter than the truck camper set-up we explored Central America with.
Re: the writing, yes, that seems to be a standard notice on many agent’s guidelines: if you haven’t heard back from us in four months, assume we’re not interested. Makes you wonder whether they even read the query or the proposal. Oh well… I guess we should always assume the worst unless otherwise proven…
Thanks for your comment and insights, as always.
June 8, 2019 at 18:36
Hooray for you, getting your book to the point where you’re ready to query agents! I hope you get a positive response soon! 🙂
I couldn’t choose a favourite genre to read. Mostly I read sci-fi, mysteries, thrillers, fantasy, and paranormal suspense; but I also occasionally read biographies and horror and romance and just about everything else. (I draw the line at Jane Austen and her ilk – I just can’t stand to wade through all those words with no action!) Everything I write seems to turn into a thriller, so I guess that’s my favorite genre to write! 😉
June 10, 2019 at 11:55
Thanks for the encouragement, Diane. Of course, I have to send off those queries and book proposal first, before anything else can happen. 🙂 One of these weeks. Being on the road keeps me busy and I have so many blogs to catch up on…
You sure are an omnipotent reader! And, I think it’s a good thing to have a niche or single genre (or not too many anyway), being a writer. It helps to perfect the craft. 🙂
June 9, 2019 at 03:07
Love that you volunteered at the animal shelter.
The non-response has become the norm for far too many agents. I hate it. I agree with you–how long does it take to send a form email saying not interested? You’re left in limbo, wondering was your email lost? Did they forget to read it? Did they think they replied, or are they legitimately not interested? It’s incredibly rude and frustrating.
June 10, 2019 at 12:03
Re: those agent habits. Right??? As I wrote somewhere before, apparently, we all have to assume the worst, unless we hear differently. Yep, not a fan of the limbo-thing myself. And, it’s so not how I react to emails. Oh well.
We truly enjoyed our two weeks of volunteering with the dogs, but it was hard work!!
June 10, 2019 at 12:01
It must be very frustrating to hear nothing from the agents you submitted to. I know you did so much research and made sure your submissions fit their specifications – you’d think they would be inspired to respond with a polite yes or no just because of that.
Perhaps this is why people like dogs – the immediate acknowledgement and appreciation of the tiniest of gestures. I hope you got lots of that at Best Friends!
I have never been a big reader – I used to read a bit when we were sailing but I hardly read at all anymore. Perhaps I will check out a book from the library this summer.
June 10, 2019 at 12:17
I hope you’ll find some time to read this summer, Duwan. I always think – when we get “settled” for a bit – that I’ll have heaps of time to read and write. Right… 🙂 And then, we make some other kind of decision or commitment that would absorb any moment of spare time…
We had the bestest of times at Best Friends, despite the crappy weather. I hope you and Greg will be able to volunteer there one day as well. Mind-opening.
June 10, 2019 at 21:00
Hi Liesbet, I do find I spend most/all of my reading time researching information for my new posts or reading blogs. I will likely read some books when we are without wifi camping this Fall. I cannot imagine how frustrating it is to not have a response from an agent, at least as a courtesy. I am rooting for you, Liesbet. I know you will arrive at your goals. I read your response about “living in the real world.” A move in the right direction. Always an engaging read:) Erica
June 11, 2019 at 21:59
Hi Erica!
Thanks for your encouragement! I do feel like my time is split between living in the real world (traveling) and the virtual world (blogging and social media) and I wish I didn’t feel so inclined to sit behind a screen hours a day. Also, I know that when I live on the road, it’s extremely hard to write about my adventures. I’d rather live them. So, I need to be settled to write, but I’d rather travel. It’s complicated! 🙂
Like you all my reading these years is on blogs. I’ll hope you get to some books this fall. I keep telling myself that I’ll do the same, but I can’t really go without internet for long, as my jobs depend on it. Happy summer!
June 11, 2019 at 05:43
Hi Liesbet,
I, like you, find that I am too busy to read. I’m just very active and any reading that I do is usually around blogging as that is my new interest.
When I do carve out some time to read it’s usually historical fiction, but I did read Michael Pollan’s latest book called “How to Change Your Mind”…I was interested how we are evolved from the psychedelic 60s. Great read, glad I did it.
Going to follow the link to your latest sailing article as you know that is another of our interests.
And I can’t wait to hear more about your latest “complication”. 🙂
June 11, 2019 at 22:02
Hi Nancy!
I hear you about the reading of blogs. That’s my pastime as well, every evening, because by then, after a day of travel errands, or work, I’m too exhausted for anything else. Although, reading an historical fiction book for pleasure might be nice as well. No “need” to leave comments. Although, I usually leave them anyway, in the form of notes. 🙂
My upcoming blogs will lead up to the complication…
June 11, 2019 at 17:37
Busy times girl! I can’t count how many drafts I go through LOL. But like you, it seems we enjoy reading same genres for same reasons and a little fiction is a great reading escape. 🙂
June 12, 2019 at 08:38
You get me, Debby! If only there was time for reading. Or writing. But, tell me, what would you pick if you had to choose between traveling, reading, or writing? Not an easy choice. 🙂
June 12, 2019 at 15:55
No, definitely not easy, but I’m a multi-tasker, lol. I don’t do a lot of writing while traveling, but keep ideas that pop in mind in a journal. My reading is always done at bedtime. I have no time during the day. I read for an hour in bed and crash out. I can’t sleep without reading. 🙂
June 12, 2019 at 16:56
That’s when I read blog posts. I’m thinking more and more that it’s one or the other, read blogs or read a book in the evenings. This is why I’m happy when we boondock and there’s no internet. Until I stress about missing out on translation jobs. 🙂