I love the Scrivas. They’re safe, trustworthy and supportive. But they’re not necessarily comfortable. They challenge me, making me stretch.
Comfort, though, is not the main reason we meet every month. “Best” is. We’re going for the gold. I am so grateful to Viva Scriva, we all are, for not letting each other get away with anything but the best.
I’m intrigued right now by Geoff Colvin’s book, Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World Class Performers from Everybody Else. Sometimes I check out books from the library because they catch my eye; then, there not being time for everything, some go back unread. This one almost did. But I gave it another “flip-through,” and it’s so good, I’m reading it in earnest.
The book’s thesis is that in any field, what makes someone rise to the top is lots of hard work. Or, as Colvin says, “deliberate practice.” The components of deliberate practice are:
-It’s designed specifically to improve performance.
-It can be repeated a lot.
-Feedback is continuously available.
-It’s highly demanding mentally.
-It isn’t much fun.
A year ago, I wrote the first draft of a historical middle grade novel. I wanted to revise it before giving it to the Scrivas, and tried a totally new approach. In June, I submitted these re-written first chapters to Viva Scriva.
Well, I was successful in some of my goals. The Scrivas agreed that the writing was beautiful and clean. (Check). The information and setting were fascinating. (Check.) But it didn’t read like a book for children, though that’s what I was trying to do. The Scrivas suggested maybe recasting it for adults. Nope. Not this one.
Back to the drawing board. I dropped the elegiac voice and returned to the original kid voice, ramped up some kilowatts. I introduced way more plot, characterization, and even conflict! All the good things we know, yet usually need more of.
Comments in July were positive. I’m on my way!
But am I there? Not by far! I received a zillion suggestions for improving the story. Guess what? I need even MORE conflict, clarity, goals for the character, etc.
Alright. I’m busy writing. Our next meeting is hurrying to meet me.
This is my chance to apply Colvin’s findings about deliberate practice. Yes, I can write a lot. It’s demanding. It’s not always fun, or easy. The Scrivas provide feedback, which guides me in improving my “performance.”
We Scrivas constantly challenge each other, I said. But eventually the day comes when we agree: “This manuscript is ready!” The writer did her part, constantly practicing, stretching, improving. The Scrivas did theirs, being a not always comfortable, but always purifying, refiner’s fire.
The manuscript has become pure gold. Finally, it’s “best.” Ready for a medal—or publication.
- Sabina I. Rascol -
