Writing Advice

There are times I enjoy reading advice from other writers. There are other times where the advice given isn't very helpful, or perhaps it's one of those things that I know what they're saying is true, but I have a hard time doing it. (Most will tell you that you must write every day, no matter what, or set a word goal to reach every single day. That's wonderful and important, I think, but I have lost track of how many days I've missed because I've been away from the house, or have company over, or after work I'm just too tired to put thoughts together. It's advice I'd love to follow, but as of yet, I've never done it.)

I've heard of other writers who have the opinion that writing isn't necessarily something you can teach a person to do well. You either have the talent, or you don't. I call bologna on that one. I mean, certainly there will be some that the words and the stories come easier for, but writing, like all arts, improves with instruction and practice and dedication. There have been many books I've read where I've loved them dearly, but then if I scroll long enough down the comments of websites like Amazon, or on apps like Goodreads, I always find at least one person who just doesn't understand why everyone loves the novel. Most people, even if they disagree that the book was worth the hype, are usually rather respectful, but then I'll see reviewers who just drag the book through the mud. They'll complain about the author's ability, they'll insult the characters and plot, they'll do a play-by-play of all the sentences they thought were garbage, etc.. But then there have been moments where I pick up a book I know several people have adored and raved about, and I become that reader who just doesn't understand. I've closed the cover and stared at it, wondering how in the world I was able to read word by word, line by line, and come away with an entirely different opinion than the 4 or 5 star raters on Goodreads. 

Let's not forget to mention that there have been novels I've picked up after a friend recommended them, and though my reading style usually is in line with my friend's, I didn't love the book the way he or she did. 

But that's okay! We're supposed to have similarities and differences. The world would be a boring place if everyone liked the exact same thing (or disliked it). 

I've once described writing like a painting hanging in a museum. As the painting is hung on the wall, and person after person stops to observe it, you will find all sorts of opinions. One person might declare the work a masterpiece, that it's like their heart and soul was painted all over the canvas. Another person might shrug and say they don't mind it. A third person might point out all that the artist should have done differently to improve the painting. Some might like the work as a whole, but there are parts here and there along the surface that were obviously mistakes. Others might say that the painting is ugly, that the person who created it is not a real artist, and that "people will just accept anything as 'art' nowadays." And on the rarer occasion, some might stand by and mock anyone who has the gall to like the painting. "You don't know what real art is."

In the end, the painting exists, there will be lovers and haters and in-betweeners, but there was also a creator, and that creator accomplished something. He or she finished something they were working on, and let the world see it. That's pretty impressive to me.

It's too hard to please the whole world. It's not going to happen! But what we do have is the power to create, and the decision to make on whether or not the world can see that creation.

And even if very few people like the work, at least be proud of it yourself. Because you made it! No one else did. That's yours! Your very own.

If you create something that you don't feel satisfied with, try again. Read advice. Attend a class. Practice more. Absorb as much as you can about the world you wish to be a part of. Keep going. Keep writing! Even if there are times it doesn't come easily, move forward. Push past blocks, do whatever you have to do to help you feel comfortable at your work again. Ask for help. 

I find that having a group of friends who write is very beneficial and fun. Put yourself out there. Talk to people, get feedback, and hey, when you need it, ask for a boost.

NaNoWriMo is nearly upon us. Brace yourselves.