For many years I’ve been asked “why don’t you write something nice” or “why do you always write so dark/gruesome/scary” or “why don’t you add a little romance.”
I write what I write because these are the words and stories within me. Whether you are drawn to write for children, teens, horror, romance, mysteries, sci-fi, fantasy, ghosts, even (and hold your breath here folks) erotica…these are YOUR stories. These are the voices screaming within your head, demanding release!
Stand by your words and to hades with anyone who dares says anything negative about what you write.
The only negative voice you need to listen to are those who are out to help strengthen your words…yes, the dreaded editor. I’m an editor and I’ve been edited. And in both relationships each side is working toward the same goal…the best dang near-as-all-get-out perfect vehicle to showcase your words and story.
I’m also a reviewer and no I don’t always mix with what I read to review, but reviewing is a very personal opinion on any piece of work.
But, I’m moving away from my point…Stand By Your Words. Editing and reviewing are for another day and place.
Too often I’ve heard authors apologize for their words. I’ve heard “oh, you won’t want to read this, well, ‘hehehe’, it’s a little steamy” or “sorry, but I felt the character needed to say those words, you know, that ‘f’ word” or “oh, I can’t let ____ know about my story, they’ll take a fit.”
You wrote the only story you could write…the only story you should write…YOURS.
In this world we will always be placed in some type of category, some niche, some corner, some place. That’s the nature of the beast. Without some label, some defined placement, people won’t know how we fit in with what they want. Deal with it, it’s life all around us.
But…STAND BY YOUR WORDS…don’t allow someone, anyone, to make you feel something you’re not. Only you can define your feelings. Only you can stand up, hold your head up, and declare…Yeah, I wrote that and I’m dang proud.
We live within societies, what we stand up and feel is totally up to us and us alone.
I needed that today Chris! I'm polishing a dark horror for submission. A Southern dark horror that has a segment set in 1888. Parts of dialouge are written in fairly accurate dialect which I realize may need to be edited somewhat to make certain readers "get it", though I don't want to lose the flavor. But these are definitely the voices that screamed to get out, and you know what? I'm gonna give 'em free rein. Worry about edits later.
Glad to be of help. Whether it's turning the internal editor off (shoving mine into the cave's musty closet works for me) or turning away from others' voices, we need to get the words out.
Go for it…sounds type of book I'd love to read
Thanks Chris! I hope it's a book you'll like. If you have a chance, I used some of it in "Nightmare Before Halloween", my last post in October on http://flowersonthefence.blogspot.com
Used some of my other books and characters in it, but used this one as the base. I'd be really interested in your opinion, but don't worry about it if you don't have time.
Always have time, will do so with bright brain cells Monday 🙂
Hmm, think there's another idea there for tomorrow's blog 😉