Cynthia Ruchti
In his book Letters from the Mountain (Rabbit Room Press), author Ben Palpant writes to his writer-daughter about this ascent up the mountain called writing. Page after page of this intimate encouragement of a well-traveled author-dad for his newer-to-the-journey daughter unfolds to warm, warn, and fortify the reader…who is also likely a writer.
I’ve underlined something on almost every page as I work through this book as if it were both energy bar and map, both hydration and sunscreen. This line early in the book caught my attention and is marked with an asterisk, a signal for me to return to it, remind myself and my clients.
This mountain is not conducive to ease. Day hikers never last long here. Ben Palpant, Letters from the Mountain
Writing is a challenging and difficult ascent.
The journey is hard? Yes it is. Day hikers never last long here.
The path is strewn with all manner of tripping hazards–failure, success, waiting, frustration, rejection, remorse, deep crevasses, crumbling cliff edges, ankle-twisting potholes of discouragement, flat rocks hiding forked-tongued slitherers of envy, pride, depression… Yes. Day hikers never last long here.
The sweat poured out is not equal to the pay that dribbles in? True. Day hikers never last long here.
The route is longer, much longer than imagined. Yes. You will see some scenery from the lower outlooks, but the grandest is at the end of what seems an interminably long journey. But you are no day hiker, are you?
It’s not uncommon for an agent to be asked, “How long will this take?” or “Should it be taking this long?” or “What can I expect?”
The most truthful answer? It’s different for each hiker. The publishing weather is different for each journey. If predictability is what you crave for survival, this may not be right for you. If the peak is the only element that will give you joy and not the hike itself, then you’re likely to turn back before the vistas are glorious.
A mountain climber unprepared for the trip has little chance of survival. A climber unprepared for the uncertainties has even less chance.
What then?
Ask the hard questions.
Am I prepared for the long-haul or am I a writing day hiker?
Is my soul protected from harsh elements I might encounter?
Is my stamina equal to the slope?
Have I stuffed my backpack with heavy expectations I need to jettison before they topple me?
Am I determined to be honest with myself about my level of commitment?
Am I resistant to or do I welcome the counsel of those who’ve walked the path before me?
Read the right books.
Books that will tell it straight and offer encouragement in the same breath. Consider these:
Letters from the Mountain by Ben Palpant (Rabbit Room Press)
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott (Anchor)
The Inside Scoop: Two Agents Dish on Getting Published by Janet Grant and Wendy Lawton (Story Architect)
On Writing by Stephen King (Scribner)
Climb.
What books do you tuck into your backpack as essential tools?
What is one line (like “Day hikers never last long here.”) that both sobers you to the realities and yet encourages you on your journey?
Why Do Some Poorly Written Books Sell Well?
There’s just one book that comforts me,
my fave, my old reliable,
on life and writing’s hard journey,
and of course it is the Bible.
Some days I feel more like David
hiding from ticked-off King Saul,
and some days my compadre favourite
is the tireless St. Paul.
As for lines and what they mean
to me, it’s no contest,
for it is in John 3:16
where’s found the very best
reason that I still write on,
to be a witness for the Son.
Beautifully said, Andrew.
Oh, Cynthia, your question about what books to tuck into your pack reminds me of a backpacking trip we took with our 3 teen sons and some of their friends (and our lazy Newfoundland dog, ha!). Our least enthusiastic hiker determined that if he had to embark upon a 20 mile trip to see breathless mountain vistas, at least he could salvage the experience by bringing along a good book. He packed a 1,000 page fantasy tome. We pried it from his hands and told him to pick a different one or he would never make it. He grudgingly complied … and made it, with a mere 672 page fantasy novel, ha! But seriously, your post definitely has me thinking. As a woman who still goes on both day hikes and backpacking trips, although her sons’ hiking speed leaves her way way way back in the dust, I get what you mean about the journey being different for every hiker. Not only do our sons outpace me, my husband, and our dog, they can hike a rocky six miles of trail barefoot. Why? I have no idea, perhaps it is a delight to them to see the shocked expressions upon the faces of other hikers (like myself, ha!) who are struggling along even thought we have good boots on. It can be disheartening to watch another writer pass you on the trail, especially when they are jogging and barefoot as you slog along. But though my hiking is not impressive and I require good footwear, I still get to see the same amazing sights. I get to gaze upon Lake Valhalla, Colchuck (seriously, look up Lake Colchuck, WA), and the many glorious views in Mt. Rainier National Park. It takes me longer, but when you crest the rise and an alpine wind dries the sweat in your hair and that view knocks you back (sometimes the wind does, too), it is worth the painful journey. Thank you for the reminder, Cynthia.
Great images, Kristen! And…barefoot? 🙂
Dear Cynthia,
You set a superb example by being a lifelong learner. It’s no wonder your list of published books is so long.
I’ve read 3 of the 4 books you mentioned. Now I want to read the one you wrote about today.
I’m rereading Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne & Dave King.
The writing quote I came across a few years ago that helps me show up, sit down, and write is: “You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.” – Jodi Picoult
This quote came to mind this morning when I sat down to write a blog post for March and a final podcast for a mini series.
Hooray for B.I.C. (Bottom in chair.)
Thank you & blessings – Wendy Mac
PS. I highly recommend The Inside Scoop.
Thanks for your comments, Wendy!
As someone who has been writing for the Christian publishing industry for 36 years, I will also add that when you think you’ve conquered The Mountain–that peak you figured would satisfy you for the rest of your life–you realize . . . oh, there is yet another mountain to climb. And it’s no easier; in fact, it may be harder than any of the others you’ve climbed.
Based on my so far unsuccessful journey as a writer this is extremely insightful. You also give me reading assignments so I don’t have to decide which books to read. Much appreciated.
I would also like to add, as someone who has been writing for the Christian publishing sector for the past 36 years, that whenever you believe that you have reached the summit of The Mountain, you still have a long way to go.