Murakami, Haruki Murakami.
I love how this name sounds. You have to admit it has a certain musicality to it.
I got this book when mi media naranja sent me a quote from it. It sounded so interesting that I had to read the book it came from. Et voila! Have to say it grabs you from the title, especially if you are a wanna be writer like myself.
The book did not disappoint, it is nicely written, it gives an unusual insight into the world and mind of an outstanding writer, and as expected it does have some guidelines on how to be a good writer and follow your vocation.
One of the things that hurt me in my craft for a long time, was this irrational belief that everything I write must be perfect and ready to publish from the first go. Of course, it never was and I was forever unhappy with my outcome. From here, there was just one step to over generalization, I am a horrible writer! and catastrophization I will never be able to write anything of quality! and then, just to top it up, despair.
Lovely cycle to say the least!
Not!
From Murakami we learn that he writes the thing, leaves it, edits it, leaves it, edits it again, and then once more, after some time, edits it. Then and only then is it presented to an editor. Can you imagine? I never thought that or about that. Good writers are not just talented, they are also hard workers.
As simplistic as it might sound, and of course an error in judgment on my part, I never thought about that. I always assumed it comes easy to them. Never assume!
So, now, when the inner critic rises her uncombed, messy head and starts spewing criticism at me I tell her: Relax, this is just the first draft! There are more edits to come, no worries, the work is just starting! she seems to accept it, going to take a nap, and leaves me alone to get on with it, with my work.
Another thing I liked and made all the sense in the world was Murakami’s care for his health and body. You never really think about it, but being a writer means being static for a long period of time, and this takes a heavy toll on your health, so yeah as a writer you need to exercise and mind your diet to keep your body and brain in tip-top shape.
Makes all the sense in the world!
I whole heartedly recommend this book, and his others, he truly is a good story teller and writer.
Let me know how you found it!