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The first time I attended a writers’ conference I found out that the novel I’d just written was totally wrong. Plotting, characters, pacing . . . all wrong. The professional editor who taught the course also evaluated the writing sample I’d sent, and by the end of my critique session, I felt like he’d put my manuscript through a paper shredder.
After my wounded pride healed, I spent the next year re-writing my novel following his advice. I returned to the conference confident that I’d done everything right. But there was a different teacher this time and according to him, I’d still done everything wrong. A year’s worth of work—all wrong. His critique of my manuscript ended like the first one—shredded.
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I returned home too discouraged to write and began reading the novels on both instructors’ recommended lists. Presumably, these authors had written their novels “correctly.” I began with a book that the first instructor had praised—and couldn’t finish it. It was boring enough to cure insomnia. I turned to the second list, and while these books didn’t put me to sleep, I still didn’t enjoy them.
Then I read an article in Writer’s Digest magazine that told me the absolutely correct way to write a novel. My way! I learned that my two instructors represented opposite ends of a continuum of writing styles. The first loved literary novels and believed books should be character-driven. The second loved action-packed novels that were largely plot-driven. I wanted my novel to fall in between with strong characters and a vivid plot.
The answer wasn’t to throw out everything I’d learned from both teachers because they’d taught me the basic rules of good writing. Instead, I began analyzing books by my favorite authors using both sets of guidelines, beginning with three of my favorites: Maeve Binchy, Rosamunde Pilcher, and Chaim Potok. Their characters are so real and engaging they feel like old friends. And their plots never fail to deliver a story I can’t put down. As I spent the next year re-writing my novel, I finally found my own style and voice.
Take my advice . . . learn all the rules of good writing from a wide variety of authors and teachers. Tear apart novels by authors you love, chapter by chapter, sentence by sentence, to see how they do what they do. Then listen to what your heart tells you. Trust your instinct. If you believe in yourself, in your own unique storytelling style and voice, you’ll learn to sift through all the conflicting advice that comes your way—and write your own story.
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I am easily discouraged and fell into a year’s long writer’s block after my synopsis and first 30 pages were ripped to shreds. I applaud your efforts. 🙂 I know that one needs a thick skin in this business. Thank you for the encouraging advice.
Perfect advice Lynn. I look at all the writing instruction out there in book form, at conferences, and online as a huge buffet. Not every offering is going to appeal to every diner/writer, and it would be sick/crazy making to try and fill our plates with some of everything. The most important thing is to write, and keep writing. To read, and keep reading. Who we are and how we sound as a writer will emerge, and we’ll have a better idea which writing advice to heed. We’ll be able to discern what’s going to strengthen our individual voice and what’s only going to (it’s Monday morning, forgive me!) confuse the palate. 🙂
Thank you so much for this advice. I am in the midst of doing that very thing…re-reading through several of my favs in a myriad of genres to figure out what it is that I love so much about their books.
God bless
Shan
The How to Guru
Wow…thank you Lynn! I have not been shredded yet because I have spent the last three years editing my own book. I was shredded with articles years ago and gave up. This time, I have read book after book and they sure don’t always agree. I have really hated sorting through the worldly books that teach you how to write, having to read sordid things to learn what is right and wrong.
Some of us have to learn things the hard way and I am one of them. This time I am doing everything I can to get it right. I remember the very first thing I learned many years ago at my first writer’s conference—”Anyone can write but I do.” You did! What you said today was very inspiring to me. Thank you
Excellent advice, Lynn – – thank you! 🙂
Love this — thanks for the encouraging examples you’ve shared. So glad you didn’t given up and found your own unique voice. It is awesome!!!!!!!
I couldn’t agree more! “…learn all the rules of good writing from a wide variety of authors and teachers. Tear apart novels by authors you love, chapter by chapter, sentence by sentence, to see how they do what they do. Then listen to what your heart tells you. Trust your instinct.” Learning the craft of writing is valuable. But studying books by authors you love — equally so. With time, practice, and growing confidence each writer will eventually find their voice and their niche.
Thank you so much Lynn. I was instructed I believe by God years ago to write. I said, I don’t read….how can I write? A learning disability taught me other ways to learn and so reading and writing has always been a challenge. I too went to several writers conferences and was always asked to put my ideas into a book. I have struggled with the idea of writing for years now. Just this week, I was asked to review a book from another author I love and needed to start a blog to promote it. I feel that may be God’s way of prompting me to write!! Then today I see your blog about writing! I think maybe God is trying to tell me something! The timing of this blog could not be more perfect! Thank you Lynn!!