If your are a new writer, perhaps lacking in confidence, authonomy.com and similar website are probably not for you, especially if you are from the UK. You are inevitably guided by the misguided as each failed writer imparts the same myths as if gospel.

It is painfully apparent that after writing a first novel that was rejected by the agent or editor. One would seek to know exactly what the agent or editor does want. The simple answer to this question is he or she doesn't know. Suffice to say they'll know it when they see it. - Writers are never satisfied with this answer. It is the literary equivalent of "It's not you – it's me." The result is a huge market developed to satisfy the writer's desire to know. Creative writing courses, 'How to' books, seminars and the like, all designed relieve the struggling artist of hard earned cash.

As already stated, the editor has no idea what he or she wants until they see it. Nevertheless, the writer has a desire to improve their writing. They are taught, US simple writing techniques primarily designed for journalism and other non-fiction writing, coupled with academic training with a view to improving their English Language, rather than the more relevant subject of English Literature.

The rather ugly result is formulaic novels written in dreadfully toneless prose stripped of naturally occurring adverbs and adjectives. The mission of the writer has changed. Originally the writer intended to write THEIR story in the hope the people would like it. Now they're sucked in, trying (and failing) to write a story they think an editor would like, convincing themselves if they follow a particular set of guidelines they will reach the promised land.

Finally, when authors get together, they spread the gospel according to the 'How to' book and judge each others work by these guidelines. Ultimately, they are no longer creative writers, but they have developed the skills for self-publishing. They can edit, they can proof – they've just forgotten how to write.

Such is the power of the fraud, the aspiring writers fail to notice that successful novelists to not adhere to these guidelines, and when the matter is brought to their attention, they offer the excuse. 'But they are published writers – they're allowed.'

So my advice – don't listen to them (or me either).

 


Comments




Leave a Reply