Five Helpful Reminders for Writers

Hello Readers!

We're back, and this week we're offering a few simple reminders for our readers who may be fellow writers. 

Things to keep in mind as you're writing whatever it is you write. 

These aren't rules really; just some encouraging words to keep you going when things inevitably get tough. Writing can be lonesome and discouraging, and if you can find a way to go a little easier on yourself, you'll be better for it.

Françoise Sagan in 1955, Getty Images

Here are five things to keep in mind as you write your story:

1) The execution is what matters

How many times have you heard people say 'That's been done before', or 'This has been beaten to death'?

So? Who cares? Every story has been told already anyway. It's not the originality of the premise that matters; it's how you tell the story. It's the execution. Are we really only supposed to write plots that have never been created in the history of storytelling? Tell the unoriginal story the way you tell it. That way it will be fresh. 

To quote musical theater god Stephen Sondheim, 

"Stop worrying if your vision is new. Let others make that decision, they usually do."

"Anything you do, let it come from you, then it will be new". 

2) Your writing isn't for everyone, and that's the way it should be

You know how lots of people can't stand horror movies? Well, Stephen King's IT made over $700,000,000 at the box office. People have their own preferences and tastes. Rather than cater to them or try to please everyone, write your preferences and tastes, and the people will find you. Not everyone will like it, some will hate it, and that's the way it should be. The worst thing would be no one caring or even having an opinion at all. 

3) Everyone has a bad day; you're still good

First drafts are supposed to be terrible. You vomit out the story and then clean it up. Some days you can't get anything good down. That's ok. You'll be better tomorrow. Don't judge yourself. You're not a bad writer. No one is "on" 100% of the time. Give yourself a break. 

4) Writing in your non-native language isn't easy, but you can do it

We've written five novels together, and they've all been in English. Victoria's native language was French, and then she learned Spanish by living and growing up in Mexico. And THEN she learned English. It's not easy to write in your third language. But you can do it. It helps to immerse yourself (which of course we did by moving to the US), never stop learning and growing your vocabulary, and bounce things off native speakers (or in our case, write alongside a native speaker). All that to say, if you're bi-lingual, don't be afraid to write in your non-native language. You can do it! 

5) Writing tips are not rules written in stone, they are tools to help you when possible

You should know the rules so you can better break them. Advice is just that...advice. If you feel you want to make a deliberate choice that violates some pre-ordained rule, go for it. Jazz musicians know all the scales. They know the notes that sound good within that chord. So when they deliberately choose to play a note that falls outside the "sound good" area, it's purposeful and powerful. They are breaking the rules with intention. And then they slide back into the progression when they're ready. Know the tools, use your tools, and throw them away when you feel like it. 

We sincerely hope that helps!

That's all for now, dear readers.

Until next time,

~2authors