Beyond the Page Week One
There are several assets relating to craft that set successful authors apart from the rest. Mastering these will allow you to find your unique voice and pave the way for your brand.
The first is mastering technique. Nailing the craft as an author takes more than a good story idea and a finished novel. Career authors have an in-depth knowledge of these things (but more than that):
narrative structure
plot development
conflict
character arcs
Not only do they understand narrative structure, plot development, conflict, and character arcs, they can apply that knowledge with accurate delivery. As I’ve grown as a writer, what I’ve found was, in my early days, any time my editor didn’t “get” something in my books, there was usually a breakdown in my execution. I’d find myself having to explain what I’d meant to the editor in the margins of the book, but it wasn’t very long before I stopped doing that and started rewriting the story until it made sense to the editor, because the reader isn’t going to be able to exchange notes with the author to help them understand. The author’s goal is to get what he/she wants to say across in their writing in a way that readers will grasp it. If the editor doesn’t get it, neither will the reader.
Speaking of the editor, the next skill that sets a successful author apart is the ability to receive feedback and collaborate with editors. Revision and editing are imperative for success. Editors have read hundreds and maybe thousands of novels, and they have an eye for structure, composition, conveying emotions, and grammar, to name a few of their abilities. Their sole aim is to make the book as marketable as possible by removing or rewording anything that doesn’t make the story read clearly. I’m always surprised to see what my editors find in my novels. Usually, it’s well more than the mental list I had.
The second part of editing is the author’s ability to self-edit and revise effectively. Can an author execute the editor’s feedback with precision? The best way to polish this skill is to learn from the editors. Pay attention to their approaches and how they accomplish distinct challenges in the novel. I learn something new from every editor I have. They all have their unique way of shaping my novels, and I add each editor’s skill set to the ones before, building my proficiencies in the process.
The third asset related to craft that will help an author reach success is resilience. Whenever an author puts his or her creative work in front of an editor, agent, or publisher, there will be criticism and rejection of some ideas. It’s tough to remain motivated during trying times. But it isn’t personal. Check the emotions at the door. It’s about getting the novel to its highest level.
I often say that I ended up a career author because I didn’t quit. I kept pushing myself, studying, learning from the professionals, reading, and trying again. I never saw my pitfalls as failures, but rather as opportunities to learn. And I’m still learning. Ask me what my favorite novel is and I’ll tell you it’s my most recent, because it showcases my current understanding of craft. If you can do the things listed above, you’ll be able to hone your craft and you’re one step closer to taking your work to the next level.
Join me next week as we cover “Balancing your View,” a look into what skills actually lie beyond writing and editing your manuscript, the second installment of our four-week deep dive “Beyond the Page.”
Happy writing,
Jenny
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