[id: minimalist scetched gif of a green plant growing out of a brown pot. There is a yellow background. On the yellow background are the words “you will grow.” (above potted plant) and “it just takes time” (below potted plant). Words move a little bit, and are written in black/dark brown. /end id]
I've been working on my current WIP for about two years now, which has caused me to reflect a little bit about how far I've come as a writer even just during the writing process of Project Toxin, but also writing in general. One of the biggest things that I've noticed is that as a writer, you have to allow yourself to grow.
(how and why you can grow as a writer below the cut)
The first thing is why wouldn't you?
The thing about beginners when they're just starting to get the hang of a craft, before they've really delved into it head first is that as soon as something works, we (I'm including my novice self here) decide that that's just how we are. That the thing is how it has to be because it works. But just because something works doesn't mean it's the only thing that works.
Okay, I know I'm supposed to grow. But how?
The first thing is to just keep writing and don't give up, even when your characters don't listen and your fictional world seems like it's going up in flames. Experience is key. The other thing, especially as a beginner, is to experiment. Think you're a plotter? Try pantsing a story. If it doesn't work, go back to plotting. Or vice versa. Think you can only write in a specific genre? consider branching out. The main thing to remember is that none of these experiments are permenant. You can always revert back to what you used to do. The difference now is that you've got a more holistic understanding of who you are as a writer.
Writing is just really daunting - how do I grow if I'm already overwhelmed?
Take it one step at a time. If fanfic is your thing go for it! There's no shame in writing fanfiction, and it gives you a chance to practice developing your voice and other skills, with pre-established characters and settings. If you want to write fanfic, but also create your own aspects of the world, make OCs or do an alternate universe (au). You can also do things like screenwriting or short stories or pretty much whatever. Different mediums put the emphasis on different parts of story, so just try stuff out until you find one that you like, and even then, continue to experiment. It's amazing how much is transferable between different styles of storytelling.
But the Greats tm don't seem to be changing their style a lot!
To be fair, they've been writing for quite a while now. As experienced and published authors, they've tried many things - some published, some not, and they've figured out what works for their style, and to publish. And they've changed along the way. For example: look at YA author Sarah J. Maas; her writing style and voice has changed drastically between her first books and her more recent ones. Even if you're a more experienced author, you're still going to change and grow.
Look. I'm new to this, but I know I don't want to change my style. I like it how it is!
You do you. I can't force you to do anything. I will give you a word of warning though. Growth is inevitable. No matter what, as authors, we write. That gives us experience. The only way you can truly avoid growth with your writing is if you stop writing. No matter what, you will develop a voice. And your writing will adapt to who you are as a writer.
I know I haven’t been around much through October. Let’s just say life was complicated, most of my time went to others, and I ended up feeling drained and run down. There’s no point thinking the demands won’t continue, because they will, but I’m getting a better handle on retaining a bit of that energy for myself, focusing on what charges my batteries, which includes writing this blog for all of…
