Sometimes I wonder if that’s what I am. Oblivious. I don’t consider myself the next great American author. Come on. Please. I am not that arrogant. But I do wonder sometimes if I am more arrogant than I think I am. Well, ok I know I am. Aren’t we all? You know what I mean.
I don’t think I’m a great writer. I don’t. But I don’t think I’m a bad writer either. Aside from a few non-parallel phrases and the odd error that leaks through even my amazing editor’s fingers, they aren’t painful grammatically speaking. Well, I know of at least one reader who screams for a red pen every time she grabs a book, but she keeps reading for some reason, so how bad can they really be? Wait. Don’t tell me.
But really. I think I have interesting enough characters. They don’t SEEM one dimensional to me. They have quirky habits but aren’t a walking quirky contradiction– are they?
See, herein lies my question regarding oblivion. Am I? Am I oblivious to my utter lack of writing ability? I’m not asking because I am looking for fan strokes. I’m not begging for compliments or throwing out false modesty in an attempt to get some kind of warm-fuzzy feedback. I’m just pondering and questioning.
Writers all have room for growth. I know that my plots need tightening. I tend to give more scenes than are necessary to move the plot forward. In my mind, they all make sense. I have a reason for them. However, my editor knows better than I do what is essential to keeping the book on the right track. Until now, she’s concerned herself with continuity, proofreading, plot holes, and suchlike. Now we’re going to step it up a notch. Poor gal. I think she needs a raise. Forget that, I know she does.
But, it does bring me back to the same question. Am I oblivious? Am I wasting the paper the books are printed on? Am I adding to the growing glut of sub-par fiction being churned out by people all over the globe now that the publishing process can bypass the rejection notice stage?
Look, I know a lot of great books were passed up by short-sighted editors and agents. Conversely, there is a LOT of garbage out there printed under the logos of mega publishing houses. I just wonder if that independent spirit that makes me love Indie Publishing has also blinded me to a reality I don’t really want to acknowledge. I really am that mediocre.
I guess it doesn’t matter. I’m going to keep writing, and as I write, I should get better. Most people improve with practice. It’s just a natural byproduct of practice. And, if I’m going to keep writing, if people are there to purchase, I’ll keep publishing. But I do wonder… am I oblivious? And the next question follows: do I really want to know if I am?
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Chautona,
Thought-provoking post. I’m still revising my very first novel. I decided to take a class on revising because I had no idea how to begin. First draft writing was easy compared to revising. The class is helping tremendously. I have started cutting out all the unnecessary junk and I know what I need to do to it to get the book that I want.
As to being mediocre…If a writer works hard to improve and continue to learn new writing skills, each book he/she writes will get better. It’s the hard work, I think that will make the difference. When writers (even famous ones) get complacent, their work will become mediocre.
The Write Soil
1st Writes
Chautona, I.READ.A. LOT. TONS of fiction—-both Christian and non. Believe me—you ARE a very good writer. I have COMPLETELY enjoyed every book of yours that I have read (which is most of them.) I am in the middle of a trilogy by another author (published and very well-known.) I am SO CLOSE to THROWING the book across the room. She is SO irritating. I’m only finishing it ’cause I’ve started it and I’m bored and out of other books. NEVER, ever even come close to that with one of your books. I am 100% completely serious. I should have ordered more from you already—–so I could put down these that I’m currently reading. I am donating hers to our new church library—I bought them used with that intention. I also want them gone from taking up my space. I am planning on donating as many of yours as soon as possible because they are that good.
I never reveal my secret editors’ identities. It’s professional courtesy. Ok, it’s pride, but hey… professional courtesy sounds better.
hey, were you referring to me there?
i read your stuff because it’s interesting, it’s realistic, and it’s always a fun read. no matter the style i’ve read from you, i love it. tiny mistakes and all. 😉