Comments on: Finding the Happy Medium

By: Kaily Hart

Kaily Hart — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:28:03 +0000

I think we all learn constantly as we’re writing. You have to focus on the craft aspect to some degree to become a better writer, BUT you can’t be too analytical about it. Somehow you need to fold in what you’ve learned into your natural writing process and style. AND it still needs to come from the soul and the heart, otherwise it won’t touch others and the characters won’t seem real. A simplistic view, but one that’s seeemed to work for me.

By: Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden — Sat, 08 May 2010 20:46:54 +0000

Maisey – so true! And it wasn’t blind luck you sold. Great writing and delivering what the ed wanted sold you.

Suzanne – I think I NEED to forget the craft aspect. At least for a little while…

By: Suzanne Jones

Suzanne Jones — Sat, 08 May 2010 19:05:16 +0000

To be honest, I keep forgetting about the craft aspect of writing romance - probably why I've never made a sale.

XX

By: Maisey

Maisey — Sat, 08 May 2010 02:43:29 +0000

Jackie, I'm glad that meant something to you. And it's something *I* need to remember. Because I'm that girl who sold partly on blind luck, partly because of a very patient ed. I wrote a book with no idea of the fine crafty bit. Internal Conflict? I'd never heard of it! (now, I knew what it was on third round of revisions, but not when I subbed) and I'm still learning. And yeah, all that learning can really do your head in.

It's that middle ground!:-)

Because there's all that stuff you know, and then there's the instinct and the creativity and your own unique voice, which is what makes the MS special. And when you can really just let go and let that shine, that's when you get a winner.

By: Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden — Thu, 06 May 2010 10:08:55 +0000

Maya – Lol on the HEA, GMC POV crap! What on earth is deep third?? Yup, I know exactly what you mean, though I have learned the value of plotting. 😉

Joanne – you know, craft books and courses have never done it for me. I think ’cause I need specifics directed at my own ms. That being said, the Plotting Via Motivation course via WriterU was great. Absolutely perfect for category which is all character driven.

By: Joanne Coles

Joanne Coles — Thu, 06 May 2010 09:31:14 +0000

Well kinda. Then I read my first ms and realise my instinct back then stunk! I like to think it’s better now, but if it is, it’s only because of all the craft courses I did last year. I really knuckled down and learnt as much as I could and then tried again. The results are *so* much better. I think.

By: Maya

Maya — Thu, 06 May 2010 09:15:47 +0000

Yep, it’s definitely a “pin” in the butt. Like you, I (used to) write and let the story take me where it wanted. Then I learned all the GMC, POV, HEA crap. I finally drew the line when some know-it-all started banging on about Deep Third! I thought, hang on a minute, I already DO all these things! So why am I confusing myself with labelling what my muse and instinct already know! The only thing I’ve really learned craft-wise is not to head hop. Everything else is yep, pure instinct! Which is why I’m still first and foremost, a pantser!

By: Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden — Thu, 06 May 2010 08:29:32 +0000

Jenny – certainly helps with the writing, that’s for sure. 🙂

Caroline – Lol! Had to think what my question was for moment! Anyway, for the record, I agree. Hee hee.

By: Caroline

Caroline — Thu, 06 May 2010 08:04:01 +0000

“Yes” to your question Jackie! Glad you’ve got to the happy medium though. Caroline x

By: jenny wilson

jenny wilson — Thu, 06 May 2010 04:48:09 +0000

I always think instict is the best option in everything you do in life