According to a study, the amount of words we speak each day is about 16,000, depending on age, social structure, etc. I wonder how they determine these statistics. Do people actually monitor the number of words they say like they tally up the steps they take? Is there an app for that?
I would imagine that the words I speak are far less. If I count the things I say to myself, maybe it would make sense. The art of communication has put us all in a different category today. We no longer rely on face to face encounters – we text or email. A person could probably whittle their vocal verbiage down to five if necessary – those five being, “Where is the rest room?”
Thinking as a writer, I have set a goal to put so many words on paper each day. A novel should consist of at least 60,000 words. If I can speak 16,000 words a day, I should be able to write at least 10,000. The problem arises when you have to think before you write. Your words need to have purpose. They need to draw your reader in. They must inspire, hold attention and excite the imagination. A tall order for so many words.
When we say those words, do we really stop to analyze them before we speak? We’d probably cut the word count in half if we did. Add to that the fact that you don’t go out much, you’re realm of conversation includes little toddlers, you’re an aging female with no social life or you’re a hermit can cut that number in half again.
So now as I proceed to write 20,000 more words to complete my story, I’m thinking of flowery phrases, lots of adjectives, many, many useless words and how the heck I’m ever going to get this thing done.
The idea of writing a book is overwhelming and I’m only in the beginning stages. Once complete, I will have to go back and edit, check for contradictions or mixed up relationships. I will have to go through it four or five times – make changes – refine – jazz it up and do it again four or five times more.
Once that’s done, I’ll need to find someone willing to publish my work. This is where my fear of rejection steps in. Self-publishing is not an option for someone without capital. As you see in the cartoon above, Peppermint Patty has it right. Most people write so they can make money – not to spend more.
As with all the arts, when you figure every minute invested in the process, even if your book is a best seller, you probably will net out at 10 cents an hour. Why am I doing this? Because I love it and I’m stacking up numbers for my word app.
atimetoshare.me 
Another problem with self-publishing is that you burn the traditional bridge with the big name publishers. They think, “She took a short cut last time. We don’t need to take the risk this time.” At least that’s what my son, the creative writing college degreed son, says. And has he been paid for any of his published poems, short stories, etc.? No. He gets paid to write articles for websites and such, but you are right. The paid authors work for pennies on the dollar, but there are others that never get paid.
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Oh no, I don’t want to hear that. I self published my first book because I wanted my children to have it. Now what do I do?
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My son could be wrong and it may not apply to all publishers, but you may need an agent. A lot of publishers refuse to talk to the author.
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Ok know any good agents?
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Sorry, no.
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😔
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A fun blog to read. I enjoyed it although I will never aspire to write a novel. 😀
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It’s much harder than I thought it would be 😜
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I once considered having my doctoral manuscript published – even had a contract but it would cost me $4000. They didn’t suggest any editing; I didn’t do it. I knew it needed work if I could ever get my money back. I’m not sorry., but I do sometimes think of changing it some and trying again. I know it has too much documentation and such like for a regular book. You are right – lots of work.
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Oh no! What a bummer. I self published my memoir about eight years ago. It cost me a couple hundred, but I didn’t promote it. I did it more for my family. My novel is about three women living in the 30s. Each comes from different backgrounds. They grow up starting in their teen years throughout their lives. They share their problems and secrets as if they were sisters. Their trials are serious and one of them, who suffers the greatest loss, leads her friends to God. Lots of twists and turns.
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You should try to find a legitimate publisher. Your writing is amazing ❤️
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writing is hard and lonely that’s for sure. God’s purposes will prevail.
Love, Heather
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Thanks for that encouragement, Heather. It’s not really too lonely for me. I’ve gotten pretty close to my characters through this process and feel they are often telling me what to write. Is that weird or what?
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Glad they are a source of strength
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I’m writing non-fiction so no such luck for me
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