Home » Blog » Writing Craft » Keeping Our Uniqueness

Keeping Our Uniqueness

posted in: Writing Craft 4

Good morning everyone!

CP Bialois
CP Bialois

One of the things I really love about writing, and art in general, is our ability to express ourselves. When you think about it, is there anything cooler than showing the world our inner geek, nerd, or quirky self?

While it can be daunting when thinking of opening ourselves in such a way, we are given a modicum of protection through the knowledge that we are often writing fiction. Add to that the fact we draw on those around us to flesh out our characters and stories, and we have a nifty little cocoon. Even with that protection, it’s difficult to maintain our uniqueness.

The question now is why?

Well, to be honest, and in my opinion, the answer is… us.

We’re a community type of people. We like to belong to something, to be around other like-minded people, and to be told we’re doing the right thing. The only problem with that is how much of ourselves do we compromise to fit in?

Compromise is something we spend our lives doing. It’s how we survive, grow, and flourish within a society. How much we give up is strictly a personal choice that’s guided by our goals.

So, what does this have to do with writing?

Simply put, how much of our style are we willing to give up to be successful and accepted?

Many of you know I champion being true to ourselves and our stories. In my mind, we write for ourselves, so we should please ourselves. It’s as simple as that, or is it?

Everywhere we look, from how to write books, blogs, and seminars, we’re told how to write. Sometimes by household names, but often not. In my experience, most authors that are successful spend their time writing, appearing on various shows, and/or giving speeches about what worked for them and inspiring us to perfect our styles and other tools to be the best we can. It’s something I believe is everyone’s intent. So, why do so many tout their opinions as facts that can’t be broken?

jclovesu / Pixabay

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about how to build a story or the mechanics of grammar or things like that, but about our styles.

As I’ve mentioned before, I prefer to write in Third Person Omniscient. It’s not a popular style currently, and many claim it’s wrong and shouldn’t be used. Other current taboos are flashbacks, back stories, writing larger books, and passive voice. All of these are legitimate tools and methods, and we’ll get about fifty different responses from fifty different people if we ask them (The trick is to have a varied base to ask. It’s not easy, believe me. lol).

So what makes those styles wrong? Is it popular opinion from readers or from those in the industry (Publishers, editors, authors, etc)?

The first part is, I think, easy to answer. Just look at what new authors are doing. When we begin, we emulate the authors and stories we enjoy. The fact nearly every new author does all of the above listed no-nos would lean toward readers enjoying their uses. So, if it’s from people in the industry, why are they pushing those ideas?

Honestly, I think the reasons are varied. Publishers will look at it from a business standpoint. It’s easier and cheaper to have all their books follow the same guidelines (No omniscient, flashbacks, etc) to sell. Look at it this way, when we go shopping, each store has a logo design and their store products (Non-brand names) all follow the same packaging. Following a set template makes it easier and cheaper as their marketing and editors have the same material to work with. It’s an automation standpoint that cuts down training time and effort. Make sense?

Editors will often say it’s how they were taught or trained, meaning their teacher or employer wanted them to learn and understand a certain methodology.

If we ask authors, we’ll likely be told, “It’s what we were taught”, “Just because”, “Such and such speaker said it”, “My favorite author said/does it”, “It’s difficult to do/understand”, and so on.

The trick for us is to determine what we want and not let ourselves be talked into believing something we don’t want to. I think it’s safe to say we all want to be successful and make a name for ourselves while entertaining our readers. So it comes down to a couple of questions we need to be honest when answering. Do we want to do it the easy way or the hard way (Meaning we’ll probably have to work a lot harder)? And do we want or need to be accepted by a larger group or want to go our own way?

In the end, it comes down to how much are we comfortable compromising to reach our goals. In truth, there is no wrong answer. As always, we should choose what we feel works best for us. We should keep in mind that as soon as we take others’ opinions as set-in-stone facts, we lose any ability to keep the uniqueness that makes our stories ours. That’s the potential trade-off.

 As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Until next time, let your imaginations fly!

4 Responses

  1. David Edmonds
    |

    My dislike of Third Person Omniscient has nothing to do with what other other readers or industry specialists think. It’s the psychic distance that bothers me–a gap too far to bridge. If I can’t get close to the character, I don’t care for him or her. Not to say this P/V doesn’t work for other people, just not for me.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts, CP. Always enjoy your articles.

    –David

    • CP Bialois
      |

      Thanks, David. 🙂 I knowwhat you mean.I think that’s why Omniscient has eveolved a second style (Subjective) that takes the reader deeper into the characters’ heads, but it is a change of pace for anyone used to Limited. If theone constant, it’s that we can’t please everybody. Besides, if we could, where would the fun be? 🙂

  2. Robin Le Roy-Kyle
    |

    To me, my style is my voice that sets me apart from other writers. I can’t imagine compromising it. As we know, most (all?) stories have been told – in one way or another. It’s our voice, our style, that gives a story its depth.

    I haven’t attempted to secure large clients, so I haven’t been put in that situation (yet!), but I just don’t see compromise as an option.

    Thanks, CP, for giving us something to consider….

    Robin

    • CP Bialois
      |

      Agreed, Robin. I don’t like the idea of giving up something that makes me me, but I’m extreemly stubborn, so that helps. lol

      You’re welcome and thank you! I love giving people something to think about. 🙂