Episode 283 - Writing Pivots and the Power of Humility with Kevin Tumlinson
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Kevin Tumlinson discusses WRITING PIVOTS AND THE POWER OF HUMILITY, including Kevin's journey of moving from a pantser to an outliner. They discuss his reasons for adopting outlining, influenced by his co-authoring project with J.D. Barker, and the cognitive challenges he faced during the transition. Kevin also speaks candidly about his existential crisis and burnout from overcommitting to activities outside writing, revealing how it affected his creative process. The conversation gives insights into the balance between structure and creativity, strategies for maintaining momentum in writing, and the importance of humility and continuous learning in a writing career. Kevin shares how his collaboration with J.D. is unfolding, along with his new role at BookBrush and the launch of Author Anchor.
J. Kevin Tumlinson is The Writer_, a bestselling and award-winning author, prolific podcast host, and in-demand public speaker. Kevin writes mostly thriller novels and Substack posts and enjoys a life of travel and exploration alongside his wife and their tiny dog.
Episode Links
https://kevintumlinson.com
http://kevintumlinson.substack.com/
https://youtube.com/kevintumlinson
https://x.com/@kevintumlinson
Summary
Matty Dalrymple talks with Kevin Tumlinson, a bestselling author and prolific podcast host, about the journey from pantser to plotter, and how an existential crisis forced him to rethink his writing process. The conversation dives into the nuances of outlining, the challenges of overcoming personal hurdles, and how collaborating with fellow authors like J.D. Barker influenced his approach to writing.
Introducing The Writer_
The discussion kicks off with Matty's inquiry about Kevin's unique moniker, The Writer_. Kevin explains that this title evolved while naming his Substack newsletter. He wanted the name to symbolize the ongoing process of writing, represented by the underscore as a cursor that signifies continuous activity. This metaphor ties into a philosophy—that being a writer is an active, ongoing journey, not just a static state.
Transition from Pantser to Plotter
Matty and Kevin delve into Kevin’s transition from being a “pantser,” someone who writes by the seat of their pants, to adopting more structured outlining practices. Kevin attributes this shift largely to his collaboration with J.D. Barker. Initially apprehensive, he saw potential growth by stepping into the world of outlining. Kevin recounts his early struggles with rigidity in plotting, fearing a loss of creative freedom. However, he began to view outlines as jazz music, where improvisation between plotted notes allows for creativity while maintaining structure.
The Value of Outlining
Throughout the conversation, Kevin emphasizes the benefits of outlining, stressing that having a framework doesn't limit creativity but rather provides a safety net. He compares intricate outlining to building a structure that supports flexibility within the narrative, allowing unexpected subplots, like the evolving "C story," to enrich the narrative. The process of outlining, initially daunting, emerged as a practice that could help avoid extensive rewrites later.
Experiencing an Existential Crisis
Kevin discusses a period of existential crisis, which coincided with his transition into outlining and collaboration with J.D. Barker. Having previously put his writing career on hold to focus on other commitments, he hit a low point. This period of self-doubt was amplified by the stress of adapting to a new writing process. However, completing an outline became a turning point, reinforcing his capability and sparking renewed confidence in his writing journey.
Collaboration and Humility
Collaboration with Barker required Kevin to adopt a learner's mindset, setting aside his ego to refine his craft. Despite initial resistance, he acknowledges the necessity of humbling oneself to learn new methodologies and accept feedback. This openness allowed Kevin to integrate new practices into his writing, bridging the gap between experience and innovation. He likens this process to climbing a mountain, where reaching new milestones requires adapting and learning continuously.
Revisiting Early Work
The conversation also touches on the potential of revisiting early writings, comparing it to visual artists who refine their past work with evolved skills. Although Kevin suggests the idea of returning to previous drafts with newfound knowledge, he admits personal hesitations. This reflection challenges authors to reconsider how they view their early attempts and the value of reworking them with improved craftsmanship.
In conclusion, this episode of The Indy Author Podcast provides listeners with valuable insights into the intricate balance between structured planning and creative freedom in writing. Kevin Tumlinson's candid discussion about his journey, challenges, and growth offers aspiring authors both practical advice and inspiration for their own writing endeavors. By exploring themes like overcoming personal hurdles, embracing collaboration, and maintaining lifelong learning, the episode underscores the dynamic nature of the writing journey.