Sincere thanks to Joshua for taking precious time away from busy family life to share these insights into writing process, especially the rewarding notion that authors should also be changed by their own words.
Would you please tell us a little about your writing process?
As a husband, a full-time architect, and a new-father, my writing process isn’t anything more than fitting it in when I find the time. Mostly, I lay in the bed, in the dark, with my laptop warming my thighs, screen brightness turned down, my wife snoozing beside me, and my son snoring in his crib. I do what I can to hit my daily word-count goal (300-500 words; although I usually get 600-800 in an hour’s time) before I have to warm the next bottle.
I’m an outliner. Some famous writers call people like me architects, which is fitting I suppose. The outline is the story, and that can be done in an afternoon. The written word is about crafting the reading experience, and that takes considerably more effort. I have a lot of fun with it. I take my time. I’m a perfectionist, and I like to see things come together.
When I’m stuck, I think about stories I’ve read. I’m not too proud to borrow techniques other writers have used before. Mimicry is a tool on my belt that I go to often.
What motivated / motivates you to write?
I’ve always set lofty goals for myself. One day I said I wanted to write a book, and I reorganized my life so that I could pursue that goal. That was about a year-and-a-half ago. There have always been stories swimming around my head, and I’ve found that I have a passion for putting them on the page (typing them on screen, I should say). Now, I’ve set my course on finishing my first book, and knowing that my goal is obtainable keeps me going.
I have my doubts, like everyone else. Although, winning an award from The Letter Review ain’t a bad thing! The award has given me a boost of confidence at a time when I didn’t think writing could fit in my future. I’m going to cherish this as a significant milestone in my amateur writing career.
I’m also influenced by the stories I’ve read (and watched!) over the years. I don’t know if this is conceited in any way, but sometimes I read books and I tell myself that I can do that. Believing in myself and bearing witness to a good story gets me excited to write my own.
What is the best piece of advice you have received? Or, what is the best piece of advice you would offer an aspiring writer?
I tend to overwrite, and then whittle it back to the essentials. Architecture school, and designing space in general, has taught me to be a critical editor. Others have said this before, but you must be brutal with your work. I often use too many words in a rough draft, when the point of the matter is often hiding somewhere inside – in a shorter form.
A word to the wise: be careful not to fall in love with your creations. It’ll make it even more painful when it comes time to chop-off a limb.
Which books is it most important for an aspiring writer to read?
Lonesome Dove is a book I’ve recently read that has stuck with me. McMurtry is a master. It has to be one of the best examples of writing character in existence. The people in that book are real. It’s a chunky novel, but well worth the time.
The Wizard of Oz is a template for story telling. It’s worth a re-read through the lens of a writer, if you get the chance.
What do you believe is the function of your art?
All art is self-fulfilling. It’s hard for it not to be, because it’s such a personal labor of time and attention. The writer should come forward in the final work, and much like the characters of their story, the writer should be changed by the words. Otherwise, why write?
Right now, my writing is self-fulfilling, but maybe one day it will be worth something more.
Great art brings people together. It builds sensitivity for other cultures, races, and beliefs. Great art doesn’t boast. It’s there for the taking like any other art, but there’s something about great pieces that can’t be ignored. If my writing has an ounce of gravity, then I’d consider it a great success.
Which successes are you most proud of?
I consider this a success: I have written 4 half-books.
There was a point in the process when I realized it just wasn’t working anymore. The story was confusing. The characters weren’t motivated. The plot was all over the place. Realizing when to stop gave me as much satisfaction as pushing through to completion on other works.
The time spent writing those books wasn’t wasted. I learned a heck of a lot along the way. I’m glad those “bad” stories are out of the way. Now I can focus on the good ones.
What are the major benefits of being a writer?
Writing is a way of formulating thoughts. The best benefit of writing is the practiced ability to form thoughts coherently. It has helped me in many aspects of life, personally and professionally.
What do you find most inspiring?
Short answer: my son. Long answer: there are many people doing good things in the world. I want him to look up to his dad as one of the people doing good things in his life.
Josh Kieb is a 32-year-old new father. During his nine-to-five he works as an architect, designing buildings for universities across the southeastern region of the United States. He cooks for his wife, goes on walks with his dog, and pursues his passion projects from five-to-nine; often saving time for a glass of scotch while reading a western before bed. As a naturally creative person, Josh enjoys artistic expression in the form of drawing and painting. Although he likes listening to music, there is not a rhythmic bone in his body. Writing is a trade he has recently found inspiring. It allows him to dive deep into the purely creative environment that only words produce. He is working on a novel (three actually — like many creatives, there are regularly too many ideas worth exploring), and hopes to publish one day. Josh and his wife are adjusting to the birth of their first child. It is an exciting time. As they enter a new chapter of their relationship, they reflect on their life together and are discovering how their baby is making their love flourish.