Happy Sunday everyone! Just a little thought to consider while you spend the day relaxing. What makes a good writer?
As an author you wonder why someone accepts your manuscript and others send it right to the trash. I always ask myself, what do publishers see that I don’t? Why does writing have to fit to a certain standard?
After some consideration this is my take on it. A story is yours to tell. Some are going to like you style of writing while others don’t. It is all a personal opinion. And I do wonder, what stories would be told if the industry loosened its reins a little. Would they be better? Or would they be lacking in merit? Hmm...that is the question now isn’t it?
I have now and will continue to write the stories that I love. That has to mean something, right? If a manuscript gets rejected and the publisher has given comments about the work, I will always be open to their suggestions and review the manuscript looking for flaws. Making your story stronger, your writing better, isn’t ever a bad thing. But again, it is just one person with an opinion. So, I take each rejection with a little swipe off my shoulder and just keep trudging on.
So, what do I think is a good writer? It’s simple, a writer that writes for the reader. Where the characters feel real emotion, experience relationships or conflicts we have all experienced. Personally, I don’t need the boring details. I like fast paced novels that keep me flipping the pages. Danger, Wit, humor, and sexy scenes are all just an added bonus.
Lay it on me, what’s your take???
Sunday, May 16, 2010
What makes a good writer???
The journey as a writer all began when I was a teen and wrote poetry, which still to this day I pull out to have a good laugh. Later on, I tried a couple of times to put a book together with no such luck. Couldn’t ever get past the first few chapters. But once I was exposed to the paranormal world, ideas came quickly.
At first, it was a way to keep my brain alive since being a stay at home mom can be a little let’s say―numbing. It was an escape from screaming kids, dirty diapers and plain old mom duty. It started as a hobby, but as the stories progressed it became a passion. Now, I indulge at nap time, especially the juicy bits! Every mom needs a good thrill!
So here in Kitchener, Ontario, I am a thirty one year old wife, mom, house cleaner, cook, teacher, play-doh extraordinaire, swing pusher, toddler chaser after – who loves the outdoors, curling up with the latest flick, and if I’m not plugging away at a new novel, I’ve got my nose buried deep in a good book. So there it is―my life!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
I think there are a lot of ways to define a 'good' writer and I think you've hit on most of them. But, being a 'good' writer doesn't necessarily mean a published author. To be a published author, you have to write what people want to read. Thats just my opinion.
I hear you Rebecca! It's all one editors opinion. I am sure there are many manuscripts that get looked over because they are not money makers!! A story is a story - told by the one who created it! Let's hope those authors who have gotten the dreaded "NO" keep on so we may have the chance to read them :)
I think a good writer is one who keeps learning the craft, getting stronger with each story told, who is true to their self above all. Does a good writer have to write what's popular? No, but it's too bad this industry is only concerned with making money because alot of great stories are being shoved into files that will never see the light of day. :-) Look at it this way. You wouldn't wear the same outfit everyday. Why would a writer want to write the same thing? LOL Just my take. :-)
Sandi - My thoughts exactly!! How does anyone ever know how good something is unless the readers are allowed to enjoy it :)
That’s exactly the way I feel, Stacey. Only I couldn’t have phrased it as well!
A writer should write for the readers. Not for himself/herself. Not for some political/religious/social agenda. Not on behalf of some pet cause.
Certainly not just for the money. We all need it to get by, but there are ways to earn a buck that don’t subject readers to hack writings.
But once we’ve settled that matter, another question pops up: Which readers? And nowadays there are so many different kinds.
It’s an issue way too big for a comment, but I just thought I’d toss in the question. This blog seems like the right sort of place.
Keep up the good work!
Post a Comment