For today's exam, get out your notebook and answer each question honestly in a complete sentence. Use one of the choices given, or write your own.
1. The power in your house goes out, and you are stuck with candles and nothing to do but think. How long could you entertain yourself just sitting?
~Ten seconds. I'd get out my cell phone and call a friend.
~Ten minutes. Then I'd fall asleep.
~ Hours. I'd reconstruct my last conversation; think through a presentation I might give someday; imagine my life in ten years; remember my high school gym class. Also: Memorize my babies' faces, fingers, giggles, phrases. Think up a divine dinner party and imagine every last detail. Dream up my Oscar (best supporting actress) or Grammy (song of the year) or Tony (best ensemble in a musical) speech (ha ha ha!)
2. You're writing and the phone rings. You:
~Answer it.
~Finish your sentence, then answer it.
~ Let the answering machine get it.
3. The person calling is one of your dearest friends, who wants to get together for brunch and a good long chat about her ex. Unfortunately, this juicy brunch will take place during your scheduled writing time. You:
~ Decide to go. You haven't heard the latest dirt on her evil ex in ages.
~Say you can't go, but sit on the phone dishing for another hour.
~Reschedule for a non-writing day.
4. You're at the restaurant with your friend when you have a fantastic idea for a novel. You:
~Hope you'll remember it—you have nothing to write with and nothing to write on.
~ Will manage. You use the waiter's pen and the back of your receipt.
~ Carry a special notebook, an organizer, or even a laptop with you everywhere—you're completely prepared.
5. You imagine yourself as a successful writer. What is the image that is clearest in your mind?
~The rounds of publishers' parties, autographings, and talk shows where you are lionized for your work of immortal literary genius?
~Your name on the spines of a shelf full of beautiful books?
~Your backside glued to the chair, your cramped fingers on the keyboard, and your blurred eyes on the monitor.
5. If money was no issue, what would you do with your spare time?
~Shop til you drop;
~Prepare for a marathon;
~Sit alone in a room full of books and type.
6. Do you have . . .
~An idea for the Great American Novel -- a certain best-seller,
~ A few ideas for different stories,
~Background and development for a number of related books, a time-line, and a whole bunch of files.
7. You figure the biggest benefit of becoming a writer is:
~Money and fame;
~Flexible hours and being your own boss;
~ The writing
8. You read:
~The occasional newspaper, magazines at the hair salon, and headlines in the grocery store check-out line.
~In your free time if you don't have something better to do.
~You invented the term multi-tasking because reading IS your "something better to do". You usually have a book in hand no matter what else you're doing at the time.
9. You have some strong opinions about a political issue. You
~ Yell at the car radio.
~Debate it with your book club.
~You write a letter to the editor/blog about it.
10. You realize you have an experience that would benefit others. You
~Call around, and let people know you're anxious to talk with them;
~Ask if you could speak about your topic at a luncheon;
~ Write an article and submit it for publication.
Essay Question: Using the sentences you compiled as answers, think about your desire to be a writer. Do you have romanticized ideas of what being a writer is like? A few, but realize it doesn't come without bloodshed and tears. Do you want to write for yourself, or to be read by others? Me. Is your goal to be a writer, or an author, and what's the difference? How will writing fit into the responsibilities of your life right now? I have to squeeze it in, I hope never to make my children suffer for it. What have you learned about yourself as a writer? ...and miles to go before I can label myself a "writer"
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