My Scrap File: Then and Now by Donnell Ann Bell
When I was a new fiction writer, I joined a critique group in which a multi-published author said to us, “You’ll write one million words before you’re any good.”
At the time I thought that was a rather narrow statement. I’d met authors who were natural born wordsmiths. They’d sold their novels shortly after completing them. Surely, they hadn’t written one million words. Surely, I wouldn’t have to wait that long.
Later, I realized I’d heard that author’s words through a young writer’s lens. She wasn’t criticizing our work at the time. She wasn’t even talking about selling, which we all desperately wanted to do. She was sharing her philosophy about craft. What she meant was that with every sentence we write, and every manuscript we finish, the more we grow and fine tune our skills as a writer.
Just for fun I pulled out my earlier scrap files. My first abandoned files have less words than my files of today. Was I a better writer then? I hope not. My scrap files of yesterday were from a novice writer learning. My scrap files of today are of a more advanced writer, more critical of the work she puts out, 
and who still has a lot to learn.
For the record, I’ve written a great many words since I began my fiction career, and I’ve easily surpassed one million words. Know what I plan to do? Keep on writing. I hear if you write two million, you get even better.
How about you? Do you share my critique partner’s writing philosophy? Or how about that of Edgar Rice Burroughs? Do you look at future projects as a job, a contract, or a chance to get better?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Donnell Ann Bell gave up her nonwriting fiction career in newspapers and magazines because she believed she could write a mystery or thriller. An award-winning author, including finalist in the 2020 Colorado Book Award for her latest release Black Pearl: A Cold Case Suspense, Donnell’s other books have been Amazon bestsellers. Currently, she’s writing book two of her cold case series. www.donnellannbell.com
Very interesting and on point blog… only I’m not sure where I fit. Thanks for visiting today.
Debra, I’m sure you do. It may just come intrinsically to you. Thank you for having me!
Scrap files – lol. I thought you meant the tons of scrap paper I put notes on and save. Yup, I save because, to me, they tell a history of the book.
So true, Vicki. I’ve never sat and read through that morass of words 🙂 But it interesting to see where my mind was heading, what direction I planned to take vs. the one I came up with. Also, how some of it was just plain old overwriting! Thanks for sharing your system with me!
Vicki,
Thanks for stopping by today. Glad to read about your scraps of paper … I’m a scribbler on paper in case something might work. When i get to the book itself, it’s different, but the ideas can end up on anything.
I have a big box of scrap files under my desk. I can’t bring myself to throw them out, although many of them are for books that have been published (rolling my eyes at myself). I’m sure I must be well past the million words by now…
They’re your babies, Barbara! Maybe you have plans for them later? I’m sure you are well past 1M words. Different genres and prolific as well! Thanks for sharing!
Barbara,
I can empathize. For every book and story, I kept each draft; each printed version people commented on; each rewrite I reviewed. It was all in plastic containers that one might keep sweaters in (multiple containers). When we sold our house a few weeks ago, I opened each box and with sorrow transferred almost all versions to bags for the shredding company who was also picking up prior years of tax info I no longer needed to keep. It hurt!!!!!!! But, it also was very freeing. Appreciate you stopping by.. hope to see you again.
Oh my gosh, Debra , to shred your work! That had to be painful! Thank you for allowing me to be your guest today!
I heard that bit of advice years ago, probably close to writing my first mystery, and have wondered ever since, Have I hit the million words yet? In my counting I include all the versions I reject, so maybe I have reached it. In any event I hope I’m getting better with each ms. Good luck with your series.
Susan, that certain works. Just because words aren’t used in a manuscript, doesn’t mean they didn’t help build the finished project. Well done!
Definitely building blocks….and with the words you’ve crafted Susan, I bet you have a million good ones, too.
Hi Donnell…..in regards to your scrap pile. Do you still have the nice story you wrote about Gretchen playing Basketball with Dave ? I would love a copy if it is still in your files.
Oh, Meg, I think that’s on many computers long-removed. I wish I did. Your daughter is a treasure and taught my son so much. xoxo
Meg, thanks for stopping by It’s Not Always a Mystery today
Bottom line: Keep writing. Thanks, Donnell. I need that reminder daily.
We all need that reminder. It’s the hardest thing to do. With compliments to Donnell’s new book….I’m glad she kept on is keeping on writing. Debra
Thank you, C.F. Francis. That is so true. How do you get better if you don’t keep writing (and reading) !