Other writers are the best teachers. Writers can scour the library and bookstores for the works of writers both living and dead to watch their moves and see how they fit into your own repertoire.
When working on a writers glow up, it’s helpful to reconnect with those writer icons who inspire you, whether it’s through reading their work or even attending an event where they are speaking or signing books.
I no longer allow myself to meet my literary icons in person, because every time it happens, I become a rambling, mumbling, often crying, mess. It’s embarrassing.
My first attempt, Joyce Carol Oates. I learned she was appearing at a local theatre to host a reading and a signing right after. I had spent the whole day searching for a copy of Foxfire from every bookstore in town. It was my favorite of her books, but I had only ever read from copies at the library– I had checked it out, like 100 times. But that day, no copy could be found. So I walked in with my copy of Missing Mom. When I approached to sign it, I rambled on with the story of how I looked all over town for Foxfire, but couldn’t find it, but it wasn’t my favorite book of hers, although I did love Missing Mom, but I wanted to find Foxfire because it was my absolute favorite book, and how I wrote my MFA program entrance essay about her … and Foxfire… and eventually someone gently led me away from her table.
Next time, I was at the AWP Conference in Tampa and sat front and center at a panel featuring Janet Finch. I was prepared, I had a copy of Paint it Black in my bag. But there was no signing, just the panel. I figured it was for the best, even though I had psyched myself up to NOT be a rambling mess. However, after the panel, when I emerged from the ladies room, there she was in the hallway speaking with a small group of women. This was my chance. I told myself that I was not going to embarrass myself in front of Janet Finch. I calmly and gently asked if she would sign my book for me. She asked me why Paint it Black was my favorite. And the next thing I know I’m talking about it’s depiction of grief and the trauma of loss and then I started to cry. “I can’t believe I am crying, I’m so sorry. Thank you for signing my book.” I might have run away.
So that kind of cinched it for me. If I have elevated a writer to literary icon in my brain, I am not going to keep my cool around them. It’s a fact. I’m good at talking to people and I’m good at engaging with writers, but if I am using their book as a guidepost for what I wish to accomplish, then I’m going to need to keep my distance.
At Bouchercon last August in Nashville, I sat in the same room as Megan Abbott, and that was enough. I did not approach. I did not raise my hand to ask a question. I kept a 50 ft. distance.
But literary icons, and connecting with literary icons, is essential because they help the writer keep an inner-writer fire alive.. But there is no reason to weep in front of a harried writer who’s ready to leave the venue and order something from Door Dash.
Because asking an icon all my burning questions isn’t possible for me, I have to engage at a healthy distance that ensures no one files a restraining order.
I read their interviews. Almost every interview of a writer will ask about their process, so I will study those and pull out the habits that I think would work for my own process. I love reading old issues of The Paris Review, finding personal essays and interviews at the library, or just discovering Q&A’s online.
Read their letters. Especially if you are wowed by a historic literary icon: A Flannery O’Conner, if you will. Often literary historians will compile their correspondence between the writer and their friends. And writers love to describe their writing life – their goals, their productivity, and their process.
Read their memoirs. I prefer to read a memoir than a biography because the writer is in control of their story. At times I have read the biographies of great writers and wondered if the biographer even liked who they were writing about – or perhaps may have even hated them? With a memoir, they share what they wish to share about what they feel is essential about their routine.
Read their writing. Writers learn how to become better writers by reading more, so why not read the people you most admire. The caveat to this is not to let your admiration to deter you from writing. Often when I am reading the work of writers whom I love, I think, “Damn, that’s good. I want to do that.” But I can see how on a low-vibe day how reading something can lead to lamenting, “I’ll never be that good.” You just have to be aware of your moods and energy.
Follow them on social media. I admire Megan Abbott’s writing, but also her Instagram. It’s incredibly simple. She’s not an over-sharer. All the photos are very pretty. She posts things that inspires her. She posts old movies she’s watching. She posts quotes from great writers. As a result, I feel like a get a sense of her process, her inspirations, and her icons.
I often tell people, “My rock stars are not your rock stars.” because it’s not the glamour I’m attracted to. I want to know what’s happening in their brain, how they spend their time, and how I can reach that level of achievement.
And while I make no plans to have any books signed anytime soon, I need my icons to keep me inspired and to keep me writing.
XOXO,
B.
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