I don’t have a word count in mind. I just write until the story feels done, then evaluate whether it’s too long or needs more meat on its bones. Again, for me the thing that works is just writing a story for myself all the way through as fast as I can, then worrying about the refinements on the second or third draft.

And yes, an editor will then take the whole work, beat it about the head, and make it so much better than you thought it could be. But the first step is for you to write the best book you can on your own before sending it to an agent or editor.

Does that help?

Believe me, I know how easy it is to latch on to someone else’s method and think that’s the key to everything. But I can’t emphasize this enough: you, the writer, get to choose for yourself how to do your own work. Don’t let anyone tell you it “must” be done this way or that–poppycock.

On the other hand, I also know how reassuring it is to hear some other writer say he or she does things the way you already want to do them. Sweet! Confirmation that you’re not crazy/lazy/a guaranteed failure because you don’t want to do things the way some other “expert” told you to.

It’s taken me a long time to feel comfortable trusting my own rhythms and work style–I still question myself sometimes (am I doing enough? If it feels fun does that mean I’m doing something wrong?), but I’m trying to stop that.

And so I’d love to save you some of the steps I had to go through: trust yourself. Trust that you know how to write your stories. Then write them for yourself first, for everyone else second.

BJ, definite “heck, yeah” on “On Writing.” So excellent and full of common sense. Of course, I may just think that because I agree with everything he says.

Sarah, you’re welcome, and you deserve it for writing such a fantastic book.

What a great thing ETC is! Next book order . . .

Oh, and Kelley, you should consider reading “On Writing” by none other than Stephen King. He doesn’t know where his books are going either, and he’s doing okay. Robin, you’re in good company.

Robin, in your interview I was interested and pleased to read your strategy for writing, especially that you “much prefer the heat of creation, writing a book straight through to the end so I can know how it turns out (I never ever outline–it would completely ruin a book for me if I knew the ending ahead of time).” I chat every month with a few fellow writers, and they advocate knowing where you’re going with a book. Their argument makes sense, but I’ve never been able to see the end from the beginning. I, too, am insane about revising as I go, so that I have never truly finished any of my fiction. The fact that your method (which seems to be my preference) might just work is refreshing and encouraging!

(You know why)

Vivian, isn’t that website fabulous? So thorough, so many cookies here, there and everywhere–I totally agree with you. And thanks for the sweetness about me!