Let Go of Comparisons and Focus on Running Your Own Race as a Writer

 

by Olivia Salter

"Run your own race. Don't worry about how fast someone else writes, how much another author makes, how many followers another author has. Write what makes you excited, and the enthusiasm will come through on the page."

— Christina Lauren

 

In the world of writing, it's all too easy to get caught up in comparisons. We constantly look around and measure our progress against others, questioning our abilities and doubting our own work. But the truth is, when it comes to writing, the most important race you can run is your own.

The quote by Christina Lauren beautifully captures the essence of this idea. It reminds us to focus on our own journey and our own passion, and to ignore the distractions that arise from comparing ourselves to others. It reminds us that our individuality and genuine enthusiasm for the work we create will shine through and resonate with our readers.

In the digital age, where numbers of followers, sales figures, and writing speed are celebrated and scrutinized, it's easy to fall into the trap of constantly seeking validation from external sources. We find ourselves anxiously comparing our progress to that of others, wondering why our books aren't selling as well or why we don't have a massive online following.

But the truth is, success is subjective. It is not determined by someone else's achievements or societal expectations. We must remember that our journey is unique, just as our writing is unique. What matters most is the authenticity and passion we bring to our craft.

When we write from a place of genuine excitement and passion, something magical happens. Our words become alive, infused with our enthusiasm. Readers can feel the energy and connection between the writer and the story. This is what captivates an audience—the raw and unfiltered expression of our own stories.

By running our own race, we free ourselves from the constraints of external pressures and comparisons. We are no longer bound by market trends, popular genres, or the fear of falling short. Instead, we allow ourselves the freedom to explore our creativity fully. We write what speaks to us, what excites us, without worrying about the opinions or successes of others.

Running our own race also means embracing the process of growth. We understand that writing is not a linear path but a journey of self-discovery and continual improvement. We give ourselves permission to take risks, to make mistakes, and to learn from them. Furthermore, we understand that progress is not measured solely in word counts or publishing contracts, but in the personal growth we experience along the way.

So, the next time you find yourself comparing your progress to that of others, remember Christina Lauren's wise words: "Run your own race." Take a step back and remind yourself of why you started writing in the first place. Reignite your passion and your enthusiasm, and write from a place of authenticity. Trust that the right readers will connect with your work, drawn to the excitement and energy that you bring to the page.

Ultimately, writing is not a competition but a deeply personal and artistic endeavor. Embrace your individual journey, honor the stories that are unique to you, and let your enthusiasm and authenticity shine through. Run your own race, and watch as your words resonate with those who need to hear them most.

👉Christina Lauren books at Amazon

Embracing the Sadist Within: The Art of Inflicting Turmoil on Literary Characters

Embracing the Sadist Within: The Art of Inflicting Turmoil on Literary Characters

 

by Olivia Salter

Renowned author Kurt Vonnegut once provocatively stated, "Be a sadist. No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters are, make awful things happen to them." This quote encapsulates a fascinating aspect of storytelling, where writers intentionally subject their beloved protagonists to adversity and despair. It may seem counterintuitive to torment characters we grow attached to, but the truth is that by doing so, authors can create emotionally gripping narratives that resonate deeply with readers. In this article, we delve into the art of being a sadistic writer, examining the power it holds and the reasons behind its effectiveness.

1. The Appeal of Conflict:

Conflict lies at the heart of engaging storytelling. It is through trials and tribulations that characters evolve, narratives gain momentum, and themes emerge. By deliberately subjecting characters to misery, authors heighten the stakes and create a sense of urgency. A story devoid of struggle might lack the tension necessary to captivate readers. It is within the darkness that the light of triumph can truly shine.

2. Emotional Connection:

The essence of human nature lies in our ability to empathize with and relate to one another. When readers witness characters enduring hardship, it evokes authentic emotional responses within them. They experience empathy, sympathy, and even anguish alongside the protagonists. By exposing characters to adversity, authors invite readers to better understand the complexity of the human experience, forging a powerful bond between literature and its audience.

3. Realism and Authenticity:

Life is seldom smooth sailing, and stories that reflect this reality have the potential to resonate deeply. Inflicting tragedy on characters gives their journeys a sense of realism, authenticity, and relatability. Great works of literature are often remarkable because they tackle the uncomfortable truths of existence. By embracing the sadist within, authors offer readers a robust, unfiltered portrayal of life's complexities.

4. The Cathartic Effect:

While it may sound paradoxical, subjecting characters to awful circumstances can provide readers with a cathartic release. Through vicarious experiences, readers can confront their own fears, traumas, and anxieties in a safe and controlled environment. Witnessing characters navigate through their own challenges can offer solace, reassurance, and a renewed sense of strength. The emotional journey becomes transformative, allowing readers to confront their own vulnerabilities and emerge with newfound resilience.

5. Literary Evolution:

By embracing the art of sadism, authors challenge societal norms and conventions surrounding storytelling. It pushes the boundaries of what is considered acceptable or expected, encouraging readers to question, reflect, and contemplate the nature of their own existence. This creative audacity contributes to the evolution of literature by breaking free from the confines of mundane narratives.

In conclusion, Kurt Vonnegut's provocative statement urges authors to embrace their inner sadist and subject their beloved characters to awful things. It is a call to explore the depths of the human experience and reveal the resilience that lies within us all. By inflicting pain and adversity upon our literary creations, we provide readers with an opportunity to engage on a more profound emotional level. In this eerie dance between writer, character, and reader, we find the true magic of storytelling—a transformative experience that both challenges and enriches our understanding of the world and ourselves.

👉 Kurt Vonnegut books at Amazon

Novel Goals: Captivating and Accessible Reading by Olivia Salter

 

Novel Goals: Captivating and Accessible Reading

 

by Olivia Salter

 

Laurence D'Orsay, a renowned author, once said, "Make your novel readable. Make it easy and pleasant to read. This doesn't mean flowery passages or ambitious flights of pyrotechnic verbiage; it means strong, simple, natural sentences." In this insightful quote, D'Orsay emphasizes the importance of creating a captivating and accessible reading experience through the use of clear and straightforward language.

One of the fundamental goals of writing is to effectively communicate ideas and stories to readers. However, achieving this can often prove challenging, especially for aspiring authors who may be tempted to impress their audience with complex vocabulary and ornate prose. D'Orsay cautions against this tendency, suggesting that simplicity and naturalness are key to engaging readers and making a lasting impact.

The first aspect D'Orsay highlights is the readability of a novel. Readability refers to the ease with which a piece of writing can be understood. By making a novel readable, the author ensures that readers can effortlessly navigate through the text, comprehending its message without unnecessary hindrances. This can be accomplished by using uncomplicated sentence structures, concise expressions, and avoiding convoluted language.

Furthermore, D'Orsay encourages writers to make their work pleasant to read. While the definition of "pleasant" may vary from person to person, it generally refers to an enjoyable experience that keeps readers immersed and captivated. Achieving pleasantness requires striking a balance between engaging storytelling and the skillful usage of language. It involves creating an atmosphere that draws readers in, evoking emotions, and crafting memorable characters and narratives.

D'Orsay's quote challenges the notion that impressive writing must be filled with flowery and ornate language. Instead, he advocates for strong and simple sentences that have the power to leave a lasting impact on the reader. The strength of a sentence lies in its ability to convey meaning effectively, evoke emotions, and create vivid imagery. A strong sentence is concise, focused, and leaves no room for confusion or ambiguity.

Naturalness is another key element emphasized by D'Orsay. Natural sentences flow seamlessly, mirroring the rhythm and cadence of everyday speech. This creates an immersive reading experience, allowing readers to connect with the characters and story effortlessly. Using overly complex or artificial language can create a barrier between the reader and the narrative, diminishing the overall impact of the novel.

In conclusion, Laurence D'Orsay's quote encapsulates the essence of good writing. By prioritizing readability and pleasantness and utilizing strong, simple, and natural sentences, authors can craft novels that resonate with readers on a profound level. It is in the mastery of these techniques that the true art of storytelling is found. So, aspiring writers should take heed of D'Orsay's advice and strive to create works that are both accessible and impactful, leaving an indelible mark in the minds and hearts of their readers.

 

👉Laurence D'Orsay books at Amazon

 

Truth in Literature: Applying the Human Experience to Your Fiction Writing

 

 

by Olivia Salter

In the world of literature and storytelling, there is a profound connection between fiction writing and life. The two are intricately intertwined, with each one affecting and influencing the other in numerous ways. It can be said that you cannot truly excel in one without understanding and experiencing the other. 

Fiction writing, in its essence, is a reflection of life itself. It is an art form that allows us to express our thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a meaningful and creative manner. Through writing, we are able to share our stories, ideas, and perspectives with others, connecting on a deep and often profound level. In turn, this connection with others expands our understanding of life and provides us with new insights and perspectives.

Moreover, fiction writing has the power to shape our own experiences and provide us with a sense of purpose and clarity. When we engage in the act of writing, we often delve deep into our own thoughts and emotions, unearthing hidden truths and discovering new dimensions of ourselves. It allows us to explore complex ideas and experiences, unraveling the intricacies of life and making sense of the world around us.

On the other hand, life itself fuels our writing. Our experiences, both positive and negative, serve as the inspiration for our stories, characters, and themes. Every triumph, heartbreak, and moment of joy adds depth and authenticity to our writing, allowing us to create rich and compelling narratives that resonate with readers. Life provides us with an endless well of inspiration, constantly shaping and molding the stories we choose to tell.

Furthermore, writing is a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, writing becomes a form of therapy, a means to make sense of our experiences and find solace. It allows us to process our emotions, explore different perspectives, and ultimately find meaning and purpose in our lives. Through writing, we can discover our true passions and desires, uncovering our own unique voice and identity.

In many ways, writing and life serve as guideposts for one another. Writing provides us with the blueprint for navigating life's problems and challenges. It teaches us the importance of crafting compelling narratives, developing complex characters, and creating meaningful connections with others. In turn, life gives us the material and experiences we need to infuse our writing with authenticity and depth. It provides us with the inspiration and insight necessary to capture the complexities of the human experience.

In conclusion, the connection between fiction writing and life is undeniable. They are intertwined in a profound and reciprocal relationship, constantly influencing and enriching one another. Writing allows us to reflect on and make sense of our experiences, while life provides us with the inspiration and substance to fuel our writing. It is through this interplay that we can truly excel both as writers and as individuals, discovering the beauty and depth of the human experience in the process.

 

👉Fiction Writing books at Amazon

 

We Need Books That Affect Us Like a Disaster: The Impact of Literature on the Human Spirit

We Need Books That Affect Us Like a Disaster: The Impact of Literature on the Human Spirit 

 

by Olivia Salter

 

We need books that affect us like a disaster, that grieve us deeply, like the death of someone we loved more than ourselves, like being banished into forests far from everyone, like a suicide. A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us.

-- Franz Kafka

 

 In the realm of literature, there are books that merely entertain us, whisking us away into realms of fantasy or providing a temporary escape from reality. Then there are books that go far beyond mere entertainment. They grip our souls, shake us to our core, and leave an indelible mark on our very existence. These are the books that Franz Kafka alludes to when he speaks of the need for literature to affect us like a disaster, to grieve us deeply, and to shake our innermost being.

Kafka's poignant quote evokes the profound emotional impact that certain books can have on us. He compares this transformative power of literature to intense life experiences, such as the death of a loved one or the isolation of being banished into the depths of a forest. These are events that elicit intense emotions, forcing us to confront the depths of our own existence. Similarly, Kafka sees literature as a vessel that can delve deep into the recesses of our consciousness, breaking through the frozen sea within us.

The first part of Kafka's quote suggests that books should affect us like a disaster. Disasters, whether natural or man-made, have a way of overwhelming us and shattering our sense of security. They plunge us into chaos, reminding us of the fragility of our lives. In the same vein, literature can disrupt our comfortable complacency and challenge our preconceived notions. It can confront us with uncomfortable truths, exposing us to perspectives that we may have never considered. Through the raw power of storytelling, books can act as catalysts for change, challenging us to reevaluate our beliefs and reshape our worldview.

The second part of the quote compares literature to the death of someone we loved more than ourselves. The death of a loved one is an experience that defies comprehension. It forces us to confront our mortality and grapple with profound grief. Similarly, certain books have the power to stir deep emotions within us, evoking empathy and compassion for the lives of fictional characters. Through vivid storytelling, authors can breathe life into their creations, making us feel their joys, sorrows, and struggles. In doing so, literature has the capacity to connect us to the shared human experience, teaching us empathy and expanding our emotional capacity.

Kafka further likens powerful books to being banished into forests far from everyone. The isolation and solitude of the natural world can magnify our emotions, leading to introspection and self-discovery. Similarly, literature can be a solitary journey, immersing us in the thoughts and emotions of characters who grapple with their own dilemmas. As we immerse ourselves in their stories, we confront our own inner demons, hopes, and desires. Books act as mirrors, reflecting our own thoughts and feelings and, in the process, enabling us to better understand ourselves and the world around us.

Lastly, Kafka compares the impact of books to suicide, a devastating act that extinguishes life itself. This provocative analogy suggests that literature can be a means of transformative liberation. Just as suicide can be seen as the ultimate act of escape from unbearable suffering, literature can provide an alternative path for catharsis and release. Through the written word, authors can articulate the unspoken, voice the silenced, and provide solace to readers who may find themselves grappling with their own inner turmoil.

In conclusion, Franz Kafka's powerful quote reminds us of the profound impact that literature can have on the human spirit. Books possess the ability to affect us like a disaster, provoke deep grief, and plunge us into introspective isolation. They can be the axe that breaks through the frozen sea within us, stirring emotions, fostering empathy, and facilitating personal growth. By embracing these transformative books, we open ourselves up to new perspectives, heightened empathy, and a greater understanding of the complexities of the human experience.

 

Also see:

• Franz Kafka at Free Classic Short Stories & Novels 
• Franz Kafka books at Amazon

Writing Prompt: Music to my Ears

 Writing Prompt: Music to my Ears

 

These exercises were written by IWW members and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its members. You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that you found them at the Internet Writers Workshop. 

 

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Exercise:  In 400 words or less, write a scene in which a musical instrument is important.

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Your scene could be written from the point of view of someone hearing an instrument being played, wanting to be able to play an instrument, listening to someone practice (happily or unhappily), or even, if you dare, from the point of view of the instrument itself.

You could write about an unusual instrument, something from another culture; or about a musical instrument associated with an historical person or event, e.g., the little drummer boy, or bagpipers rousing men for battle, or a bugle playing Taps.

You could write about a concert experience, or about someone whose "life" is his instrument, the virtuoso, the wannabe, or the has-been. How do you feel about accordions?  Did your mother make you practice piano / violin / kettle drums every day when you were a kid?

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In your critique tell the author whether or not the work fits the exercise and why.  Let the author know what you think worked or didn't work, and why.

And, in this particular exercise, you might also want to consider the
author's handling of the sense of sound, not only the physical sound, but its emotional effect. Does he write about the sound of an instrument in such a way that the reader will share the experience?  Is the piece wildly creative, or reassuringly factual?  What did you learn from it that will affect your own writing?

 

Some more writing prompts for you to try.

Writing Prompt: Wake Up

 Writing Prompt: Wake Up

 

These exercises were written by IWW members and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its members. You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that you found them at the Internet Writers Workshop. 

 

 ____________

 Exercise: In 400 words or less, your character awakes in an unexpected location and you must show how the character reacts.

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Your character comes to consciousness and is surprised by the surroundings. Show your readers what the character experiences, how he/she behaves.

The tale should begin the moment the character wakes up. Remember, this is not to be a story about a dream, but about a real event in your character's life.

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In your critiques, note how well the writer has constructed the setting and shown us authentic characters acting in believable ways. What do we learn of the characters from their reactions? Would you like to read more of the story? And, as usual, pay attention to all the technical concerns that go into good writing. 

 

Some more writing prompts for you to try.