This morning, early, I embarked on an editing project for a memoir writer (first time author) who has written about her journey as a cancer survivor.
I’m finding it slow going, because she repeatedly (every few pages) makes the mistake that so many first time authors do: constantly reminding the reader that she’s reading a book (written by HER!), which repeatedly throws the reader entirely out of the story she’s telling.
Writers have to remember, even though they may be writing about their journeys, it isn’t a good idea to keep reminding the reader that they’re reading a book.
The best books never draw attention to themselves or to their authors. They rivet the reader in place by putting them in the same situation so they feel immediately affected and included in the journey, as if it’s happening in real time. To have the journey repeatedly interrupted by “this book” and “why I wrote this book” makes the author sound egotistical as hell.
I want to remind new writers, “Your book isn’t about you. Not really! It’s about the reader you’re helping to inhabit your personal experience (whatever it is). What do you want them to feel, experience, and learn along the way?”
The last thing I want to take away from a memoir (or any other piece of writing) is the feeling that the author couldn’t keep his “writing accomplishment” or “reason for writing this” to him or herself. Saying it once–in a foreword or on the back cover–is okay, but hammering me over the head with it just makes me cranky!
Authorship disappears when good writers go to work. They know that their authorship shouldn’t become a focus in the book.
“Looky here, I’m writing a book!”
And again, “A Book!”
…and “This book!”
I get thrown out of books like that. They don’t come across as books but as bucket list items that are getting done and, by golly, “I want you to know it! I want a pat on the back!! I want praise!!!”
In most cases, I change the word book to guide (if “guide” is fitting) because it’s more intimate and reader-friendly than “book” (which is author-oriented and sounds painfully academic to me).
Good books invite you inside them to explore something new. The fact that you’re reading a book should rarely, if ever, enter into the reader’s mindset (except when your Kindle runs low on power and you get shut out before you’re ready to quit. I hate that!). Readers should enter someone else’s world without being reminded, “Aha! This is MY world you’re in! I’m creating this for you, you lucky reader, you!”
I understand the immense pride in writing a book. I get it, believe me!!! Why? Because most people dream about writing a book and never do it because it’s a freaking monumental undertaking!
But authors shouldn’t end up dislocating our shoulders patting ourselves in the back in public (especially not inside our books, fer heaven’s sake!!!) and that’s what it looks like when authors insert their authorship repeatedly into their stories.
It happens all the time. I’m not dissing this specific writer, who has a truly riveting story to tell and lots of wisdom to share. I’m merely using this morning’s editing project as an example of an all-too-frequent blind spot of first-time authors.
I have to go through the manuscript and kick out all the places where she breaks the spell she’s creating by inserting her authorship into the manuscript… and then I have to find ways to transition from what she wrote earlier to what should come after I’ve kicked out the offending passages. I know she doesn’t realize she’s coming across this way, but that’s what it boils down to in reader’s minds: “Why do you keep showing up to remind me you’re an author and that this is a book? I’m looking for a friend and a confidant–someone who can guide me through this–not an author!”
If first time writers would understand this one thing, the likelihood of connecting with their readers in a very real way will skyrocket!!!