Yes, it’s true. Writers pretty much have their own language. For instance, recently in my WIP, I worked on adding GMC to my POV’s noble quest so at the end, the epiphany after the black moment has more oomph.
It’s also quite possible in our conversation with non-writers, we’re perhaps, um, not quite entirely forthright…which probably makes writer/non-writer communication difficult. But like Aunt Eller in Oklahoma announcing “the farmer and the cowman should be friends,” I’m pretty sure if we can just learn to speak the same language, writers and non can connect.
So in my quest to boost writer/non-writer relations, please enjoy this writer’s-speak code key…of sorts.
What we say: I’m excited for you to critique my scene. I really need some honest feedback.
What we mean: Please say you love it and it’s the best scene you’ve ever read. I’m emotionally fragile when it comes to my “baby.”
What we say: Writing was tough today. What’s that saying about “opening a vein and bleeding on the page?” [insert nonchalant chuckle]
What we mean: Seriously, stop staring at the bruise on my forehead. Like I’m going to admit I banged my head repeatedly on my desk. You don’t need to know that. But if you think writing’s easy, I’m going to have to give you a bruise…or five.
What we say: I’m in a season of waiting. I’m sure the agent/editor/publisher will get back to me soon. All in God’s timing.
What we mean: But what if God’s watch breaks? I’m so impatient, I’ve chewed my fingernails to nubs. I’m losing it. Wait, did you hear that? Those are my marbles clinking to the floor.
What we say: My story has taken a surprising turn! My characters are doing and saying things I never expected.
What we mean: I have no clue what I’m doing.
What we say: I know it looks like I’m staring off into space, doing nothing. But the truth is, I’m mentally working on my next scene.
What we mean: And thinking about how much I love Coldplay…and rock candy…and naps.
What we say: I’m so excited and confident about this WIP, I can’t wait to pitch it to an editor.
What we mean: I’m so insecure, there’s not a PBS children’s show or motivational speaker in existence who could help me.
What we say: Writing takes hard work and perseverance.
What we mean: Writing takes ice cream and endless amounts of coffee and courage…to face writer’s butt.
What we say: Despite everything, I’m glad I’m a writer. This is what I was meant to do!
What we mean: Despite everything, I’m glad I’m a writer. This is what I was meant to do!
Okay, so my key is by no means exhaustive. Writers, what say you? Anything to add? Or is this just me? And non-writers…do you find us writers hard to understand? Any double-speak of your own?
Comments 9
ROFL!!! HILARIOUS!!!! And true! Especially:
“What we say: I know it looks like I’m staring off into space, doing nothing. But the truth is, I’m mentally working on my next scene.
What we mean: And thinking about how much I love Coldplay…and rock candy…and naps.”
What we say: Well, I wrote 2000K in an hour! I’m taking a break for coffee and chocolate.
What we mean: I pooped all over the page, time to medicate my mess by drowning in chocolate and coffee to wash the medicine down.
This was so funny! Love it!
Oh my goodness, I love your addition!! So very true…I have that exact same reaction. Although, sometimes it takes both coffee AND pop (soda for the non-midwesterners) and chocolate AND cookies. Pizza. Pretzels. Pretty much anything Jillian Michaels or any workout guru would frown on works…
Melissa,
I see an e-book: Writers: What We Say/What We Mean
I especially identify with:
What we say: My story has taken a surprising turn! My characters are doing and saying things I never expected.
What we mean: I have no clue what I’m doing.
What would I add?
What we say: I work best under deadlines.
What we mean: I’ve procrastinated myself into a black hole. I have 12 minutes to turn in an article explaining Einstein’s theory of relativity. Google, don’t fail me now!
HA! Thanks – I just handed this to Hubby for the next time he comes in while I’m banging my head against our kitchen table and says “just make them do what you WANT them to do…you’re the one writing that thing.”
LOL, Beth. So true. A couple times (or about a hundred) back when I worked at the newspaper, I had that experience.
Hilarious, Susan. Oh dear, yes, when people say “just make your characters do what you want,” they have no idea! Hehehe…
What we say: I’m taking a break so I can look at it with fresh eyes later.
What we mean: I’m hoping my novel will magically edit and rewrite itself while I ignore it.
Love all of yours Melissa! 🙂
-Mel
Oh my goodness, Mel, gotta go British for a sec and say sooooo spot-on. Waiting for it to edit itself…exactly. LOL. Can’t wait to see ya soon!!
Remember when you were helping dad rake and I asked if you were working on your next chapter or your proposal or something like that? You laughed and said something like, “Well, actually, my synopsis.” Not sure exactly which I said or which you said for sure but this blog did remind me of that incident. (oops!! probably shouldn’t have used quotes since I can’t remember exactly what you said-but hey-I’m a nurse-i sure hope there’s a non-nurse out there that can understand my befuddled attempt at humor!!)
Haha, yes, I do remember that, Mom. If only people really knew how often when I’m doing one thing, I’m really thinking out a plotline or something. (Though, generally, I do at least try to pay attention when people are actually talking to me.) And I did understand your humor…even being a non-nurse. 🙂