Insecure Writers Support Group |
Co-Hosts: Tamara Narayan, Pat Hatt, Patricia Lynne, Juneta Key, Doreen McGettigan
July Question: What is one valuable lesson you've learned since you started writing?
Surprise! I can't come up with a short answer. ;-)
Limiting the answer to one valuable lesson is hard, because there is so much I'm learned
through writing. To make a value judgement though, I'll say the most valuable
one is to trust my voice--in all aspects. When I write, I know my values and
life experience comes into play. Trusting myself to express that is key to
being able to tell a story that holds interest. Creating characters who are
individuals requires that I trust my creations to hold together. All of that
depends on my trust of my voice--the one that underlies all I do. Learning this
lesson has made writing more fluid, rewarding, and exciting. All in all, that's
a victory over self doubt, don't you think?
And remember--errors are just opportunities to improve.
And remember--errors are just opportunities to improve.
Next Post: Why The Book Pusher's July Mini Book Reviews!
Hello, Zan Marie! Yes indeed, trust is important in the writing process. My best critique partners don't try to change my voice or remold my stories to fit their preferences.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Rhonda! I love that we finally learn that our voice matters.
DeleteOoh, that's a good one. It's true, sometimes where my writing has faltered, it's been where I'm not staying true to voice. Either leaning on the thesaurus or trying to adopt an unfamiliar tone.
ReplyDeleteI've found that too, Deniz. To force is to twist the natural connections of thought and word. That's always stilted in execution.
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