blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
A simple two-word phrase–great expectations–has maintained a steadfast and recognizable connection to one literary work first published 160 years ago. What else could come to mind when we hear those two words together but Charles’ Dickens’s highly popular and still lauded novel by that name? Great Expectations (serialized in 1860-61; published in book form by Chapman and Hall 1861)–is a study of humanity’s highest and lowest moments. Extreme poverty versus extreme wealth, love and rejection, and–as is expected–the triumph of good over evil.
I wonder if Dickens expected we would be talking about his story on Palindrome Day 02-02-2020. Did he anticipated his words would stay in print this long? That the story would still resonate?
Great Expectations was his thirteenth novel, so it’s highly likely he expected some would love it and some would loathe it. It may have surprised him that most loved it, and that one of his contemporaries–Thomas Carlyle–considered it dribble. “That Pip nonsense,” he was known to use to describe the story.
The Encyclopaedia Brittanica, on the other hand, hailed it for its genius as a bildungsroman. (Extra credit if you didn’t have to look up that word.)
“During the course of the novel, Pip comes to realize that his “great expectations”—social standing and wealth—are less important than loyalty and compassion. Great Expectations was also noted for its blend of humour, mystery, and tragedy.”
And, the book has garnered more than 14,900 reviews on Goodreads, so there’s that.
Are writers prepared to have our expectations changed, as Pip’s were during his coming-of-age?
Common great expectations for writers:
- If we work hard and long enough, we will be published.
- Somewhere out there is an editor whose been waiting for my manuscript.
- If my book is strong enough, it can overcome the Goliaths of platform.
- If my concept is strong enough, an editor will fix all the writing issues.
- I can expect royalties to cover at least the mortgage each month, if not the cost of a dream home.
- Publishing one book guarantees a second contract, and NYTimes Bestseller status means my future is secure.
Common truths about those “great” expectations:
- Not all who wander are lost. But some are. And not every book–even a great book–can count on hard work and perseverance as enough to lead to a book contract. A contract is not an inalienable right. Agents, editors, and established writers understand that great books sometimes die on the vine. We mourn. But it’s true.
- Editors are waiting for a manuscript that causes them to get excited about its possibilities. But a more reasonable expectation is that not all books find their e-Harmony (editor-Harmony) mate and vice versa.
- So few books are strong enough to overcome a weak or non-existent platform. We can expect that hurdle, so we anticipate and whittle the hurdle down to size with our efforts to connect with those interesting in reading what we have to say, the stories we have to tell.
- A great concept is sometimes destroyed by writing issues. Editors or agents may a.) suggest a collaborative writer or b.) reject the work because of overwhelming writing issues. It’s least expected that the editor will overlook the writing errors. That’s why writers keep learning and growing, so the writing matches the compelling concept.
- Stephen King, John Grisham, and J.K. Rowling aside, few other authors can count on royalties to make a house payment. A writer who expects to solve their family financial woes with income from books is leaning on false expectations, not great ones.
- Publishing one book that sells extremely well doesn’t necessarily guarantee a second contract. The excellent writer never stops improving, studying the market, and writing with current reader needs in mind. And bestsellers? Talk to any bestselling author. The honor soon fades in the heat of pressure to write another book with bestselling potential.
Uncommon encouragement for writers:
Rather than discourage writers, this post is meant to help us adjust our expectations, even as Pip did. Actually, so did Charles Dickens. The Encyclopaedia Brittanica notes, “In the original ending of the work, Pip and Estella were not reunited, but Dickens was persuaded to write a happier conclusion.”
Even Dickens’s great expectations were edited.
What writer expectation surprises you with its true side? How have you adjusted to new expectations?
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
In a time of sore perdition
I’m really not expecting that
God, the great Magician
will pull a rabbit from my hat.
He gives, instead the quiet grace
of a friendly smile
that delights His holy Face,
and make it all worthwhile
to fight the foe that’s winning now
but only in the mortal coil
for my soul is seeing how
that the seeming fruitless toil
of each and every unsold story
reflects my faith, and His Glory.
Morgan Tarpley Smith
Love this, Andrew.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Morgan, thank you so much!
Jeanne Takenaka
This is beautiful, Andrew!
Morgan Tarpley Smith
Great post, Cynthia! And a great reminder.
I’ve definitely had to readjust sooo many of my expectations. For one, I thought I could have a perfectly written and polished manuscript after just three drafts of my very first novel eight years ago and it would go on to get an agent and be published right away. Hmm…somehow I don’t think those expectations were anywhere close to the mark. lol
Secondly, I thought I could write a split time novel as my very first novel and it be well-written and perfectly intertwined between the timelines and that if I worked hard enough I could do it.
Well, I worked really hard and rewrote and rewrote until I was so overwhelmed I had to walk away from it for a few months which turned into over a year. It was hard to swallow that I couldn’t make the story work for many reasons which included split time being a challenge to write anyway especially since I hadn’t written other novels before. So I stopped and wrote two other novels (non split time) and then got back to that original novel years after that first draft fail and after experience both in writing (more practice & learning more craft) and in life (marriage and motherhood) and I finished it and polished it and will query it this fall.
It’s hard to look back after eight years and have only three novels to my name when I feel like I should have 10 you know, but between all the experience and practice I’ve had in those eight years as well as life experience I feel way more prepared now to go forward to pursue this journey of writing novels and seeking representation and publication. I’m writing my next split time novel now and I’ve been steadily building my niche platform for split time for the past eight years. And I feel this is my year to focus even more as God is opening up several opportunities that I do not take for granted and I am so thankful for including attending the 2020 ACFW Conference.
Cynthia Ruchti
Morgan, I wish every unpublished writer could read these words of yours: “So I stopped and wrote two other novels (non split time) and then got back to that original novel years after that first draft fail and after experience both in writing (more practice & learning more craft) and in life (marriage and motherhood) and I finished it and polished it and will query it this fall.”
After experience both in writing and in life.
We shouldn’t underestimate the value of both. 🙂
Morgan Tarpley Smith
Thanks, Cynthia! And yes it was hard to have years pass without the results i wanted but i had to trust that God had and still has a plan for this ministry He has called me to. And that the expectations will be His and not mine. Thanks again for these words! And I hope to see you in St Louis!
Virginia Sue Graham
Beautifully written, Cynthia! Thank you for grounding us, Ginny
Cynthia Ruchti
My goal is to both ground and help provide wings! 🙂
GAIL HELGESON
There goes my dream home ambitions-wink wink!
Jeanne Takenaka
Cynthia, it’s been decades since I’ve read Great Expectations. You made me want to read it through an adult’s filter, rather than a teen’s filter. That said, I think expectations must be kept in check. I appreciate the realities you share here. And, though, I’m familiar with most of them, it’s good to be reminded that often, reality looks quite different from our expectations. But, it can be even more rewarding to live out.
I didn’t know Dickens’ original ending was a “sad” one. I learned something new today.