Fearless Creating: AKA Develop a Stubborn Streak
By Donnell Ann Bell
It never fails. I can be talking to friend Lois Winston via phone, topics ranging from world events to some mundane ailment we’re experiencing. Then always. . . always before we hang up, the next 15 minutes segue into critique partner Lois Winston. This is the point in which we discuss writing and what we’ve learned or experienced over twenty-plus years.
Let’s face it, publishing has exploded since the early 2000s from the statement that e-publishing isn’t a legitimate form of publishing to printing and mailing off our synopses and manuscripts, then waiting and waiting and hoping for “The Call.”
In this morning’s phone conversation, Lois and I discussed my hack (more on that in upcoming posts – the saga is interesting and educational, I promise you) and why Lois, a traditionally published author turned indy author and marketing guru will likely never be on social media or hire a personal assistant. As I listened to her very valid points not to enter this realm, I thought why should she? She does everything from writing, to hiring a narrator for her audio books, to designing and selling Anastasia Pollack merchandise herself! The woman is a machine!
Today’s phone call had us laughing, and somehow morphed into the importance of trusting our instincts. These instincts often lay dormant in the beginning of our careers because we haven’t yet learned or challenged the craft of writing. Further, so many experts (and many who think they are) stand ready to expound on how they do it.
One of the things I believe in is Fearless Creating. Am I suggesting never to take advice? Absolutely not. But what’s the point of writing if we don’t stay true to our vision, enjoy the process while we’re creating, and see what our imaginations and brains can come up with first?
I’ve witnessed authors taking a fine piece of writing, albeit a draft, in which the whole room applauded. An agent in the room requested a full. Later, when I saw the piece again, I hardly recognized it. Why did you change it, I asked. Oh, X had a problem with this. Y said it was too long, too short, the characters flat. Z suggested I write it this way.
This way is another person’s vision that usurps the creator. Doubt has a terrible way of worming into an author’s psyche from the moment we open a blank page. Further, there are so many outside forces these days willing to help us with our writing.
Author Sylvia Rochester
I had a dear friend who painted as well as wrote books. Author and Artist Sylvia Rochester, who passed in 2022, had a wonderful saying. It’s one I think about when I’m writing, tweak my work, screw it up, and can’t get it back again. “The First Stroke is the Freshest.”
If you think you have something brilliant but can make it better, I suggest keeping a draft file. That way you can compare the two later. How often do you write something in the evening, think this is garbage and delete it? Putting the text in a draft file, come morning, you may see things differently. I know I have.
I call myself an experienced writer who still has much to learn. I enjoy critiquing with Lois and often do beta reads for other writers. Rarely do I suggest an author change an entire plot, or worse, try to “rewrite” it for them. It’s their story, their voice. I believe there should be a Hippocratic oath for Authors – Help but “Do no Harm.”
When I read, I focus on pacing, goal, motivation, and conflict. Do I like the author’s voice, and can I relate to the characters? I believe in critique partners and the oh-so-valuable-editor. Through it all, though, I’m grateful my muse is a formidable force. I’m also blessed with a stubborn streak.
What about you? Agree/disagree?
About the Author: Donnell Ann Bell writes both romantic suspense and multi-jurisdictional task force plots, keeping close tabs on her theme SUSPENSE TOO CLOSE TO HOME. Her single-title romantic suspense novels, The Past Came Hunting, Deadly Recall, Betrayed, and Buried Agendas, have all been Amazon e-book best sellers.
Traditionally published with Belle Books/Bell Bridge Books, Black Pearl, a Cold Case Suspense was her first mainstream suspense and book one of a series, and a Colorado Book Award finalist. Her second book in the series, Until Dead, A Cold Case Suspense, released in May of 2022 was voted best thriller in 2023 at the Imaginarium Celebration Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Follow her on social media, sign up for her newsletter or follow her blog at https://www.donnellannbell.com
I believe you should be true to your authentic self, especially when writing. Great post.
Thanks, Dru Ann! I’ll put you in the agree column 😉 I hate the idea of sounding like anyone else. Invaluable advice I’ve received is, “Find your own voice.” Colonel Jim Roper told me that. Has stayed with me all these years.
Brava, Donnell! I couldn’t have said it better!
Ha! I’m glad you like it, Lois. At least I didn’t call you bionic 😉
Well-written. Sometimes, I’ve found I lean on the thoughts of others and screw up my work. The best editors change very little, but what they suggest almost always seems right on the money.
Debra, it’s fine to get a beta read or an opinion. But that draft file, my friend. It’s an author’s best safety net!
Well said. I always end my critiques with this statement: “Use what you can, toss the rest.” I handle critiques of my work the same way. If a crit partner says something that sticks with me, that resonates, I’ll revisit and am open to making changes.
As far as drafts, I’m a pantser so I have too many. Yes, the current file ends with Feb 2024. The previous one ended in Nov 2023. And so on. I also have bits of chapters/dialogue/description that I love but cut–and save in case I decide I don’t want to cut them. Or if I decide I can use the bits at another point in the story. Needless to say my WIP folders have a lot of files.
Virginia, brava! I liken my draft file to actors auditioning for a role. Can’t use you in this version, but don’t lose hope, there’s always a next time 🙂 Draft Files. A writer shouldn’t leave home without one!
Well done. I learned long ago to keep notes and discarded scenes in a separate file and have one novel an editor suggested I rewrite. I did and kept the old version. Fearless creating resonates with me. Great article.
Thanks, Steve! I can see you are a fearless creator!
When i started writing, every time I made substantive changes to my manuscript, I saved the copy and numbered it. That way I could resurrect something I had changed or deleted. By the time I sold my first book, I had 38 versions of it.
Wow, Grace, not only are you organized, you’re disciplined. Well done!
At some point, after draft-after-draft incorporating a lot of the feedback of others, I decided that there was only one opinion that counted (in addition to my own and readers’) and that was the publisher’s. If publisher believes he/she can sell the book, and if he/she is a successful publisher, then what do others’ opinions matter?
Candace, that’s a highly pragmatic statement in which you are are correct! I believe feedback is important, and some of the negative feedback I’ve received has been the most helpful when others said this is great! Send it. After all, my mother loves my book, but when we send our work to agents, editors and publisher, I haven’t had one yet return with a “This is great!” Feedback early on prepares you. But when someone messes with your story and your confidence, back to that Hippocratic Oath for Writers. Do No Harm 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
Donnell, this post was warm and motivating. Creating what our hearts bring up in the flow and sharing our lives with others. I think you said it all ( ;
Thank you, Pamela, that’s such a lovely compliment. This business at times is filled with disappointment. Belief in ourselves and our work is important!!!
Such a great post, Donnell, and one every writer should take to heart. While it’s important to ask for advice when you need it, only you know what your work is meant to be. I learned early on how a publisher can try to rewire your own image of what your creation is about. Brava!
Thank you, Gay. I’ve always been of the mind that having a bad agent or publisher is worst than no agent or publisher. I have a great working relationship with mine fortunately, but I’ve heard stories …. Gasp!!!
Great post, Donnell. I send my mss straight to my editor. That said, I’ve been a member of a group of mystery writers for many years. When I have a plot problem, I ask for their help. Sometimes, just asking does the trick and I find the solution myself. Other times, I’m happy to take one of the suggestions and move on with my writing.
That confidence comes with experience, Marilyn, of which you qualify. I have one critique partner now and rely on beta readers for technical input. I’m stubborn about the direction I want to go.I suspect you are too:)
Thanks, Stiletto gang and Donnell, for her stellar advice in today’s post.
Thank you, George!
Great post, Donnell!!
Thank you, Kassandra!