What is all this talk about style of writing? Hey, it’s your baby, your creation. Are you an individual or a sheep disguised as a human?

What is all this talk about style of writing? Hey, it’s your baby, your creation. Are you an individual or a sheep disguised as a human? If we all had the same style of writing, everything classed as literature would be boring. I keep being told there is a formula for writing, a way of doing things, what is “so-called” expected. Sorry, I don’t agree and never will. We are not sheep but individuals.

Of course, whatever we write has to be understood, legible, get over to a reader what we are trying to express. However, research into my own work has proved to me, you cannot please everyone. Trying to please, for whatever reason, only creates confusion, your work losing your spirit, your passion for it and you no longer being a unique individual. I have had people tell me not to change a single word in my books, as they love them so much. Others have said the opposite, advising I add or subtract this or that. Some have even suggested the re-wording of an entire book purely based on their style and understanding of writing. Readers themselves are just as uniquely different; the list of preferences is endless. Although a reader may love a set genre, some like lots of description, some don’t. Some want to know the ins and outs of a character’s mind set, others don’t. Again, the list is endless of what they like and don’t like.

Advice can be beneficial, but before taking it on, always carefully weigh it up. Of course, I am always happy for someone to point out a spelling mistake, even punctuation. However, ask yourself, is this advice truly relevant to the genre and the way I express myself? Will it enhance or spoil what I’m trying to convey as a writer and as an individual? Am I changing my creation because I want to be liked and hoping to get outside validation from others? Am I making changes due to fears of appearing ungrateful if I don’t comply? Am I making changes, because those advising me are classed as professionals and I’m a nobody? Dig deep into yourself, we are all equals, whether Joe Blogs the garbage man or C.S Lewis. Someone, somewhere is going to be thrilled with what you write, but most of all, you have to love your work and how you have expressed it.

There is literature hidden in draws, on computers and can be found on the Internet, which are just as good as those called best sellers. The difference is marketing, another article in itself. So be you, write what you want to write, be free to express yourself. You want to write a story, poem etc, forget what mum, dad, aunts, uncles, agents, publishers etc are going to think, just write from the heart and you will be surprised what comes to you and what you can achieve.

Everyone has been rejected in one form or another; it is what you do with it that makes the difference. Writers can plaster walls with rejection slips; ask J.R Rowlings, Steven King, C.S. Lewis all best selling authors. Did they give up on a work they put their heart and soul into, obviously not. What agents and publishers, having rejected these authors, wished they hadn’t and are kicking themselves over their blunder and yes, I call it blunder. These authors proved so-called “professionals” wrong!

You also have to take into consideration genre. Though I am multi genre, I do prefer to write fantasy, sci/fi. Some readers have told me that fantasy and sci/fi is not a genre they like; however, after reading my book became hooked. I use to hate poetry, now I like it. People’s tastes change all the time. Back again to being an individual, not a sheep dressed up as a human.

© copyright 2005 Christine Jones

http://www.cjbooks.net