(I’m going to write a list. I’m very list-y; it’s my attempt
to feign organizational skills).
- You have to learn how to take care of
a patient.
There was college, and medical school, and residency… and
after years of practice, I’m still learning. Writing is the same in that you can’t, de novo, write a perfect anything
the first time you type onto a Word document. That doesn’t mean that the first
thing you’ve written has no value. But writing is a craft. Constantly striving
to improve your craft is a must.
- Not everyone can be a doctor, but a
doctor can come from anywhere.
Okay, so I stole this line from the movie Ratatouille. But
it’s true. Same with writers. And genius rat chefs.
- Good doctors take care of a person,
not a diagnosis.
Good writers take care of the story as a whole. They don’t
just fix one little plot or character problem, without seeing how it affects
the entire feel and flow of the story. Our written work isn’t a piece of meat. It’s a living, breathing thing
that’s complex and sometimes difficult to handle; but if you attack it by
looking through a microscope without seeing the big picture, you’re in trouble.
- Never underestimate the benefit of a
consultation.
Patients are complicated; novels are complicated. Sometimes
we get so close that we can’t see the obvious anymore. A fresh pair of eyes can
be truly illuminating. So if you don’t have one, get a crit partner, stat.
- Doctors need vacations, perspective,
and yes, to be silly sometimes.
Forget the pipe-smoking curmudgeon in the little shack in
the woods. Writing all day and all night isn’t healthy. Don’t forget to live,
to love your family, and to have fun.
Thank you Jess, for having me over. You massively increased
my cool factor, which is always helpful!
![[LydiaKangAuthorPhoto1.jpg]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxt10yxBAXc/T01_iak9hfI/AAAAAAAABc8/NuPuY7tyVGU/s1600/LydiaKangAuthorPhoto1.jpg)
Enlightening as always Lydia. Just wondering whether you are a creative prescription writer?
ReplyDeleteBut ... I WANT to live alone in a shack in the woods and write ... okay, fine. The kids probably wouldn't appreciate that choice. Great post, Lydia!
ReplyDeleteAh, when two of the best come together, it's like whiskey and beer ... or something. Anyway, you guys are great! Love this feature. And I would love a cabin in the woods myself!
ReplyDeleteGreat seeing you here, Lydia. And you're so cool...getting wisdom from Ratatoille. And guys...I'll have a casita in the jungle soon if anyone's interested.
ReplyDeleteWriting isn't a piece of meat - funny!
ReplyDeleteAnd quoting Ratatouille isn't cheating.
Such great analogy Lydia. I loved the comparisons. Thanks for another great post.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Lydia. I'm glad you mentioned the part about learning. I know an author who thinks because he is published through a small press, he doesn't need to learn anymore. Nice try! Most careers require us to keep learning.
ReplyDeleteGreat comparison! Love the quote, Lydia.
ReplyDeleteVery apt comparisons. I am going to share withis with some folks I know who are writers~
ReplyDeleteGood collection of points - thank you!
ReplyDeleteLoved this Lydia! How 'bout the wine and coffee drinking curmudgeon in a shack in the woods? Kind of sounds like my ideal writing lab. :0)
ReplyDeleteI love #3, and especially #5. Great comparisons, Lydia, and a fun way to think of the practice of writing.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful. Lydia is such a role model!
ReplyDeleteAll very true - esp. the crit partner. My writing has vastly improved since I got mine :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Lydia. Completely agree with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comparison. It was really helpful, especially #1.
ReplyDeleteAnd crit partners are amazing!
What great insights. My Dad's a doctor and can probably relate to all of these.
ReplyDeleteI need a crit partner stat! I think I will approach her tonight with cookies in hand.
ReplyDeleteThere's more in common between doctoring and writing than I thought!
ReplyDeleteI like your list! I'd never thought of there being much connection between writers and doctors.
ReplyDeleteHooray for Dr. Lydia! Two of my favorite people in one place. It's like a Reese's peanut butter cup! :D
ReplyDeleteThis is all such great advice. Good points about the perspective and the fresh eyes and the taking a break. Best to both of you. Can't wait to read CONTROL! :o) <3
Thank you guys for stopping by! :D
ReplyDeleteExcellent comparisons!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Lydia, especially the one about taking time off.
ReplyDeleteLove the comparison, so true! Thanks, Lydia, for sharing. Jessica, thanks for hosting! :)
ReplyDeleteReally good stuff, Lydia. I especially love the part about living. Although our characters and stories can take over sometimes, it's our real lives that matter the most.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! Love that list :D Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJen
Great post, Lydia! I love your stuff, as always. I usually think of writing as therapy, which is... a TYPE of medicine, sort of kind of, right?
ReplyDeleteAnd any girl that quotes Pixar is gonna earn brownie points from me ;)
Great post, Lydia! Super analogy. :)
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought medicine is like writing. Great guest post.
ReplyDeleteI loved this list. Number 5 is something I need to remember, something I strive to remember. I feel often so out of balance.
ReplyDeleteI like your take on that chef line, Lydia. It took me a while before I could see a novel as a whole. It's a long journey. I'm six years and counting. I may not have a published novel until I've done the time equivalent of a brain surgeon.
ReplyDeleteOh I love this interview and the analogy. I agree about writing day and night. It doesn't allow for creativity, exposure to new ideas and life that provides the stimuli for your writing.
ReplyDeleteEXCELLENT post. SO true! :)
ReplyDeleteLydia~ you're genius wherever you go!
ReplyDelete