by Jason Borrego
What makes a writer?
Is it how many books you’ve published? Is it how much money you can make a year? Is it about grammar and nothing else?
Everyone thinks they know the perfect traits that make up a flawless novelist. However, writing is something that stems from the heart and reaches into deep emotions buried in our souls. There is no seamless answer to the timeless question.
The real questions is what is writing and why do people take on such a harsh profession.
I don’t believe writing is based on popularity (though the market will dictate otherwise).
It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and play Monday morning for a story we recently read. This person should have died, or maybe there wasn’t enough action, or maybe the reader wanted a more romantic love affair. Sometimes the stories we expect are nothing like the blur proclaims. Books are about taking chances on a saga that will motivate us into a deeper understanding. Books will always stay with you longer than any movie, videogame and other popular entertainment choice. Books are an intimate relationship that lives in our memories. When we read these books we are taken to the root of why we write. We want to reach a reader a deep emotional level.
There are no bad books. Each and every reader is unique and desires different points to keep him/her interested in the tale. Reading some of the reviews people put up for some of my favorite books is shocking. To think that someone could feel so poorly about a piece of work that haunts my dreams and thoughts is scandalous. Yet, writing is sometimes a thankless business.
A story is the authors and he or she develops a style and types-to-life fantastic characters. For some writing his a job—crushing out as many titles possible. This is not bad—yet it does take away the heart and soul put forth into the piece of work. After a publisher gets ahold of a fresh manuscript we are left with bits and pieces of the original work. It becomes the remanufactured story of a tired and often uninspired editor. Some of the bestselling authors in the industry write the same story over and over with a new name and setting. They do this because it sells. This is not what writing is about to me—writing is believing in the impossible and bringing each and every scene to life.
Here are some tips that may or may not help you…
Great writers don’t need to write like Shakespeare, or use four- and five-syllable words. It’s not about impressing only readers with a master in education, using slick verses that rhyme and flow effortlessly from beginning to end.
Writers need to worry about one thing and one thing only— embracing flaws and weaknesses. Don’t try to write in a voice that does not belong to you.
Write to be understood
Great writers construct their writing in a way that’s understood by their target audience. Big words, little words, made up words and even text speak are all up for grabs?
Write your story.
Write to get those pestering thoughts and ideas out of your head.
It’s okay if it looks bad after you finish the last chapter. You will find that editing is a never ending process for both the rookies and the pros.