I can’t stop quoting myself. I’m out of control. Clearly my narcissism knows no bounds!
But on a serious note…as an author, I have benefited immensely from the help and advice of others. I always aim to be helpful in return, and continuously look for ways of paying it forward.
The point here is that everyone has a unique opinion on what they like and do not like. Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series is often used by critics as an example of poor writing, however there are millions of fans who consider the series a favorite. Similarly, writers like Hemingway and Kerouac- who are generally considered great writers- have just as many detractors. There is not a single book in existence that is considered the greatest novel of all time by everyone that has read it. Kind of a sobering thought, isn’t it?
So why aim for that? Tastes vary, results vary. Write what you love, and love what you’re writing. Don’t use the work of others as measurement for your successes; use your own. Aim to improve, be better, and be the best YOU can be.
...and then there was Sarah 
I have to laugh at that quote because of something my 12th Grade English teacher told my parents during parent/teacher night:
“Charles is a talented writer. He may never write the Great American Novel . . . then again, he very well could just to prove me wrong.”
Hah! I had a very similar experience with my 11th/12th grade English teacher. I told him that I was going to dedicate my first book to him. I didn’t, of course (that honor went to my husband), but I will at some point 🙂
The author dedication is always a challenge. I did an all encompassing dedication to everyone who helped me and played a character in Windemere.
I’ve done that in the acknowledgements, but I am trying to use the dedication to rotate through the people that have inspired me the most. Its always tough deciding who comes next…
Ever getting tempted to write a vague dedication, so everyone thinks it’s them? I had such trouble deciding on what to do that I considered that for a few months.
LOL…that would be like the extreme version of the super vague Facebook post 😛
Oh god. I hate those things.
Me.TOO.
The oracle at Cradit. Nice ring to it
John, you continue to give me inspiration for future copyrights 🙂
Awesome thoughts Sarah! 🙂
Thank you! I probably need this reminder more than anyone 🙂
I think you should continue to quote yourself…you say great stuff! 🙂
Haha! Sarah would agree with you 😛
Well, tell Sarah that I agree with her!! lol
I will certainly tell her. She will be pleased 🙂
Reblogged this on Virginia the Viruliferous and commented:
Some magnificent advice to writers from a magnificent writer. Cheers all! And thank you to Sarah; it’s absolutely fine to quote yourself, especially when you ware so right! 🙂
Thank you my dear 🙂
You are very welcome! ^_^
Reblogged this on Just another inane writer and commented:
Every little snippet info and advice is useful indeed
Every tidbit of information and advice is not only useful, they’re invaluable. It will another writer plenty to process and move along his/her own writing merry way 😉
Thank you 🙂 My aim is always to be as helpful as possible to others.
Good advice.
My feeling is that you shouldn’t focus too much on making something brilliant or artistic or meaningful. Just try to tell a good and entertaining story. Put the reader’s enjoyment ahead of your own ego.
In short, don’t focus on telling a great story so much that you can’t tell a good story.
Agree- overthinking it will just write you into a wall.
Reblogged this on Unparalleled Realities and commented:
Spot onExactly right . Couldn’t say it better.