Andrew Jackson once beat a man to death with his cane.
How it applies to writing:
You will have lots and lots and LOTS of people telling you to change this, change that, and take something out.
Don’t.
If they aren’t better writers than you, ignore them. Maybe ignore them even if they’re better writers than you.
Pursue your unique vision.
That’s how your stories get told, not theirs, and not some compilation-by-committee thing that nobody will read.
It’ll take guts. But your’re a writer. You decided a long time ago to be different. Courage is a byproduct of that, and you’re stronger than you think.
Dan Alatorre is the author of several bestsellers and the amazingly great sci fi action thriller “The Navigators.” Click HERE to get your copy of The Navigators – FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
Couldn’t agree more. Don’t let your work be turned into a bland imitation of everything else out there.
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Right. You get it, madam prime minister
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Yes indeed, Mr President!
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I liked that you used my actual name for the president. Now people will think I have a Texas accent.
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Your actual name is very Presidential! I’m sure they could tell it was a fake accent. Although, it did rather suit you!
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If we were allowed to cuss, I’d have said bomb the living shit out of then. I didn’t know if it was rated PG or what.
Your reaction when I asked about France was priceless. Well done !
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We already have two bastards in there, so a shit or two would have been okay – although I know my mum would prefer crap so we have kept her happy. Considering we filmed the reaction three weeks before your bit, I thought it tied up pretty well! I’m getting good at this video malarky. There will definitely be more of them – the reaction has been great so far – so although I already have lots of great footage I will probably need you again for some specific lines. I shall keep you posted, Mr President!
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You are doing a great job. I see you are closing in on 1000 views already so that’s the proof in the pudding.
Whenever you need me again, I’m ready!
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I think one view was me and the other 999 were my mum!!! But seriously, thank you very much. I know the cast and crew are very keen to get back on set so I guess I had better get working!
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Gotta love mum!
Get to work, slacker!
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Yes Sir!
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I was expecting something like president Bomblast
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Great advice. I have to agree that even a better writer’s suggestion needs to be considered. Learned that the hard way after listening to several more experienced authors and nearly destroyed my first book by accepting everything they said. Have to stay true to your own style.
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And develop your own style. When I give advice to people, I’m usually trying to say this is what works for me, or this is what I’m trying. Many times it’s stuff they should consider, but occasionally it’s not. If they write a book and lose their voice, it’s not worth it
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I always add that disclaimer with writing and promoting. Also that one needs to be at least 50% comfortable with whatever they do. Beyond that and the writing has a high chance of coming off as unnatural.
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I don’t know if it takes very much courage to write. I do know it takes a lot of courage to show that writing to others, especially people you don’t know.
After that, you are extremely vulnerable because you’ve put your hard work out there and just about anybody can crush your spirit unintentionally – or intentionally.
Then you have to decide you don’t know everything and there are things you can do to improve your writing. Then when you are comfortable at that level, you have to seriously consider who’s advice you will take and who’s you will not. For example, certain phrases you style a certain way and somebody else says that’s not a great way to do it. But that your voice. If you take 10 of those out over an 80,000 word novel, your voice is still there. If you take them all out, your voice is gone.
And that is why editing is a furrowed brow endeavor. You have to sit there and stare at each choice and decide what to do with it.
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I guess it depends what a person is writing. Fiction not so much, but writing about a personal story does require some courage even if you aren’t going to share it. Just facing the emotions involved can be daunting.
That spirit crushing is something that I get asked about from time to time. Very true about those phrases and finding a balance for them. Kind of like fictional characters with catchphrases. They have impact because they aren’t overused, but remain memorable. Unless I’m thinking too literally here.
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I think you’re right on target. And everybody suffers through periods of doubt. Hemingway did. Fitzgerald did. Friends of mine have…
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Guess doubt is part of the journey. Definitely helps keep the ego in check.
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Ha! Yes it does!
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My editor wanted me to rewrite the story line to make it more mainstream. I had to ignore that because I had a long story to tell that was going to take at least three full novels, and I could not completely alter the first to please the editor. If I had, there would be not second and third novel to complete MY story.
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I so needed to hear that right now. Thank you.
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Good. Then I did it right.
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Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog.
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Thanks, Don!
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You’re welcome.
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