by Kim Van Sickler
This is Swaggers first post as part of the Insecure Writers Support Group. We're eager to get around to other participants' blogs and get to know even more of you. You can read all about it and sign up to participate if you're a writer here.
A few years ago, when I really began focusing on fiction writing, I was so open minded and accommodating that I incorporated everyone's well-meaning suggestions into my work.
I appreciate every word of advice I received. And I continue to appreciate them. They are like dark chocolate kisses.
But nowadays I'm developing actual game plans for my work. I come up with ideas I'm eager to experiment with. For instance, I
noticed how Jennifer Egan and A.S. King, successfully told
their stories from multiple POVs and using time as a fluid concept. Those
concepts really excited me and seemed appropriate to my WIP, so I'm writing my
first draft in first-person POV, with three POV characters, in alternating
chapters that jump backward and forward in time.
Two weeks ago, I submitted my drafted chapters and book outline upon
request to an author running a day-long writing workshop I would be attending. Then I waited my turn during the day of the workshop for her to give me
individual feedback.
Her advice was to write from one POV and make the story
chronological. Exactly the opposite of my plan for this story. She had good reasons for suggesting this and I was happy to hear them. Fortunately
another experienced author was at this workshop and she thought it could be accomplished. She suggested I finish
writing my first draft the way I envision, then take a stab at writing it more
conventionally and see which version I like better.
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| It was also recommended that I read this book and I've already checked it out of the library. I'll never protest reading a suggested book!!!! |
A few years ago I would have been devastated and given up on my idea. Who knows what will happen down the road, but for now, I'm going to keep chugging along, bringing the idea that excites me to fruition. Wish me luck!
Have you ever received advice that conflicted with what you were trying to do from a writing professional? How did you handle it?
