The Joy of Writing


While Philip Deaver disappeared upstairs for several hours, the authors all focused and wrote. I was pleased to see that five out of six were using pen and paper as the chosen method of writing. The only computer that was being used was in the far corner of this table and can not be seen in this sketch. Some authors consulted with Philip for one on one advice but for the most part everyone was strictly focused on the task at hand. One person commented that drawing authors writing must be like watching paint dry. I found the opposite to be true. I found it to be an absolute thrill to be in the room with so many creative people pushing toward a common goal. There was no mindless chatter just the sounds of pens on paper. Once in a while someone would get away from the table and stretch like a prize fighter and then go back for another round.
When Philip returned he asked people how they were feeling about their progress. The goal for the next meeting was to be half way, or have thirty pages written. He stressed that in the beginning when you are trying to figure everything out progress is slow but once the project is up to speed things move fast. His analogy was the space shuttle. Lift off seems agonizingly slow but once the rocket is in orbit it moves at an astonishing 17,000 miles an hour.
Since the workshop Jana has expressed an interest in collaborating on future stories so that could spur me to push myself in new and unexpected directions. She had a list of interviews lined up that astounds and inspires. It was only 4 days ago that I wrote in a post that I need to get out and meet people and listen to their stories. Life has a way of amazing me. One quote from Phil really sticks with me “The end is not the goal, the journey is the goal.”

4 thoughts on “The Joy of Writing

  1. Howdy! Absolutely love your work! I prostrate myself at the foot of your blog, sir! Great work, great. Keep ’em coming ; )

  2. Hi Tom,
    I am simply amazed at your ability to draw quickly and capture all of us pretty much as we were. Someone told me that you made many sketches, but I didn’t get to see them because others had you engaged in conversation as we were breaking up and I had to leave. It’s exciting to see your sketches and to read your words. Your artistic efforts supplement Phil Deaver’s words such that I feel energized and confident that I will finish this memoir (in my case; the others are writing novels)that I must finish before I go the way of all flesh. Thanks again, Tom. I hope you join us again before we disperse. Ned Kessler

  3. Yes, you, sir, have it going. Thanks for visiting the novel workshop. You will hear from many of those people one of these days. They really work. The things they say, the questions they ask, come from the trench. They’ve been there, and they’re there now. It’s a thing of beauty to see you memorialize their great work with your amazing work. It’s all art, right? Thanks again. Philip

  4. Dave, thanks, no need to be prostrate man, your sketches and blog design are awesome.
    Ned, you and everyone in that room are an inspiration to me. Keep writing.
    Philip, I can not thank you enough for letting me sit in. I feel I learned as much as anyone in that room from what you said. I often felt as if you were addressing issues I face every day. Thank you.

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