Photo Credit: Creative Commons
Writers often find other writers’ styles intriguing. We marvel at their creative flair. Their tenacity inspires us. We’re impressed by their God-given ability.
Often, we catch ourselves wondering why it seems so easy for them to connect the dots when we’re lost between scribbles.
Why is it that some writers’ words seem to burst forth with color and finesse while ours tremble on the page like frightened zebras?
Our heads swim with all the “dos” and “don’ts” of what we’re told about the writing craft as we try to reflect the “perfect” style.
Grammar.
Sentence structure.
Backstory.
Plot.
Dialogue.
If we worry about them long enough,
surely,
surely
we’ll get it right. Or write. Eventually. Won’t we?
I don’t really know.
While I believe we’ll gradually hone our skills over time, I think perfectionism is a myth. And really, I don’t want to be perfect anyway. Being perfect, doing things the right way all the time, is a lackluster, no-risk-approach to life and writing.
Granted, there are non-negotiables in our craft. We must dot our I’s and cross our T’s. Correct grammar is important, snappy dialogue a must, and witty writing always a hit. The story is the selling point, but too much backstory a no-no.
We can try to emulate our favorite authors, but we can’t BE them.
And they can’t be us.
Each of us is unique.
We have value.
Our style is our own.
There is no “right” or “wrong” although our methodology may be different from Sally Sue’s or Dynamic Dan’s. (And “right” or “wrong” isn’t the same as plain, old bad writing. Jamie Chavez recently shared some interesting thoughts on that subject.)
Certainly, some folks might not care for our chosen genres, our beautiful words (*gasp*), or the stories that rock our worlds, but if we write intelligently and with a smidgen of class, talent is not so easily dismissed.
My tagline is Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction. My writing style might be described as earthy. Charming. Unpretentious.
I communicate with you here just like I would if we were talking in person. I’m courteous, down-to-earth, and I love a good laugh. I’m also imperfect.
If I make a faux pas, please pardon me.
A typo? Sorry.
(And a word about blog typos…They used to cause me severe anxiety. For the sake of time and sanity, I’ve had to let some of that go. I know I can’t be the only one.)
Writing the “right” way for me is:
- Putting one foot in front of the other, day in, day out, knowing I may mess up.
- Portraying integrity in whatever I write.
- Imitating Christ, not a human being.
- Recognizing limitations, but striving to improve.
- Honing my skills and being open to suggestions.
- Going the distance without fearing direction.
- Understanding creativity is relative. And knowing not everyone gets that.
******
What’s your definition of writing the “write/right” way?
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
Blessings Always,
Comments 11
For me, the right way is writing from the heart. I’ll worry about crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s later.
Author
Loree: From the heart is where it starts, isn’t it? I think there’s an immediate disconnect when readers sense an author’s lack of enthusiasm.
Melissa: I’ve never been a rule-breaker, and granted, writing demands a certain protocol and format. Like you said, too, if we’re not writing in our own “voice,” it’s quickly apparent in our stories. Good points!
Ooh, I like this, Cindy! For me, writing the right way has really been about finding and embracing my voice. I believe in the rules, the plot and structure stuff, and the tools I’ve learned through awesome coaching from Susan May Warren and My Book Therapy. But at the end of the day, if I’m not writing in my voice, I’m not writing “my” story.
For me, writing the “right” way is telling the stories the Lord’s given me to tell and remaining true to the voice He’s blessed me with.
Author
Keli: Our Heavenly Father has indeed blessed you with a lovely voice! I loved your mixture of wit and drama in A Bride Opens Shop.
Heather: That’s part of the creative process I adore–taking the seed of an idea and watching it sprout to life as we tell OUR story. And as much as it pains me to admit it, I’ve spotted plenty of my own typos here. I like to leave ’em to let folks know I’m fallible just like everyone else. You’re too kind.
Cynthia, I’ve never seen any grammatical errors on your lovely blog (and I’m afraid I do tend to spot ’em–as well as spelling errors).
I’ve learned some things that are expected in the CBA as far as dialogue tagging, formatting, writing proposals, etc. But in the end, even if I’m writing on the same time period/genre as someone else, it’ll have my spin on the story. I love that our stories are OURS (if we’re not plagiarizing! Grin), straight out of our imaginations. It’s the fun thing about being an author, I think.
Great post, Cynthia!
Thank you for being real and sharing the journey. Blessings.
Author
Tina, you’re so welcome. Blessings right back at you!
The editor in my likes to write the “right” way, i.e. no typos and no spelling errors. The writer in me wants to reflect God to the world and draw others one step closer to him with each turn of the page.
And I learned a long time ago that I’m not perfect … and I’m okay with that.
Most days.
😉
Author
Beth, I like to write the “right” way, too. In fact, I used to fret terribly about blog mistakes; now, I realize that mistakes can and do happen on occasion. I try to focus on clean copy as much as I can, here and in my manuscripts, and immerse myself in spreading Christ’s message. I admire your philosophy.
God-inspired writing is what I hope to capture in words.