...That's What She Said

Thank goodness for First Wednesdays... and thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh, it's the day we insecure writers come together to share our pitfalls and inspirations.  To learn more and read other's posts, click the photo link!

For anyone following my slow progress, I am still editing my first work of science fiction.  Over the past few IWSG posts, I've received some great feedback to calm my insecurities as well as a couple of comments that have spun a few of them into overdrive. I suppose that's what happens when you ask for honest critiques, and it's not always a bad thing. For better or worse, they make you think... and thinking about your work is good.  The problem occurs when too much thinking leads to questioning your written voice. For this round, I'm going to do my best to share some inspiration that I've been tossing around in my head over the last month. 

Just as an example, I learned a lot from the commentary being posted to competing stories in last year's Write Club challenge, but there were some voters offering up personal preferences instead of sharing unbiased critiquing. One such scenario was advice as to the tense used in a piece. Some people prefer to write in first person narrative, others in third, and others in a plethora of variations. One thing I've given some thought to is the definition of one's writing craft.  Your craft is personal and any manner in which you purposely use words to display your ideas should be considered your signature.  If you use first person narrative on purpose to make your point hit home, then it doesn't matter that I prefer a different style. Moreover, if you use all caps to make a statement and you purposely use it consistently throughout your writing, then who are we to tell you that it isn't grammatically correct?  Do you love semicolons and oxford commas? You do? Well, then by all means, use them if it lends to your craft! And hey look, I just used an exclamation point!  I bet you've read some writing books that tell you not to... but I say, listen to you heart... and always stay true to your craft.  Your writing is meant to define you.  You are what you write.  Never let one critique create doubt in the style that represents your voice.  Your editor will help you sell your book... just be careful not to sell your soul.  There's a big difference between correcting grammar to reflect skillful writing and completely changing the fundamental style that makes you, well... "you".  I suppose that's my long-winded way of saying that we should never make a change unless it feels right and true to our own personal craft.  Happy writing!