PSA: Stay in the Room

In my fiction writing class at Stanford, my lecturer assigned us to read writer Ron Carlson’s Ron Carlson Writes a Story. It’s a hundred-page, witty narration of how he writes short stories. From advice on realistic character development to crafting the perfect ending, I think the most practical recommendation in the entire book is this one:

The most important thing a writer can do after completing a sentence is to stay in the room. The great temptation is to leave the room to celebrate the completion of the sentence or to go out in the den where the television lies like a dormant monster and rest up for a few days for the next sentence or to go wander the seductive possibilities of the kitchen. (24)

It’s so easy to get distracted during the writing process, especially if you’re having a hard time transferring your ideas onto paper. However, I do agree with Carlson’s point that we as writers should try our absolute hardest to stay in front of the notebook or the computer screen. Having a blank word document open physically pains the eyes, so it’s only natural to remove yourself from the discomfort.

The lecturer, who’s also a very talented professional writer, admitted that it gets easier with more experience. With every short story, article or novel comes another chance to practice self-control and focus. As much as he wants to grab another cup of coffee or check sports updates, finishing a paragraph is more important. The coffee might get cold and the sport stats may change, but do you really want to lose any momentum you’ve made?

Carslon goes on to describe the mental strength writers have:

The writer wants to read what she is in the process of creating with such passion and devotion that she will not leave the room. The writer understands that to stand up from the desk is to fail, and to leave the room is so radical and thorough a failure as to not be reversible. Who is not in the room writing? Everybody. Is it difficult to stay in the room, especially when you are not sure of what you’re doing, where you’re going? Yes. It’s impossible. Who can do it? The writer. (24)

All that said, what writer doesn’t need some encouragement and support along the way? You’re never alone in the room -- Coach Cutler is only a click away!