“You need to not only have a story that feels like it has legs on its own but also you need to have the ability to write that story well.”
This is a powerful statement to a writer of fact or fiction. Is there anything more true?
When I first started this blog, I thought I would write about an experience in my life that spans 40+ years. I thought I had a unique story to tell. And maybe I do. But I also have doubts (still) of whether my story has value.
Then, after reading this, I realized that the reader determines the value of a writer’s prose. The writer’s job is to tell it well, to bring it to life, to put the reader in the writer’s shoes, literally. The reader must feel, smell, see whatever it is the writer is trying to convey.
I started out this blog in memoir-mode, but I can’t say with conviction that I have been very adept at bringing it to life with good, clear details.
I discovered via this article that “details”, even in a “memoir-like” piece, must be prevalent. Whatever I write must read like a novel, not like a lecture. (Lectures are SO boring.)
Here is just one jewel of a lesson I learned:
I must bring the scene to life. I must make the reader feel like they are right there with me, experiencing all that I experienced. I must make them feel the warmth of the tears on my face. I must make them feel the weight and depth of betrayal and disappointment. I must make the reader squint their eyes as they read of the brightness of rebirth and awakening. When I share an accomplishment or success, I must give them that cozy feel good sensation that is felt when curled up in your covers reading your favorite book or watching your favorite movie on a cold winter day.
Make them smell the bacon.
Details folks. DETAILS.
So, with this post, I am challenging myself to improve upon my own writing skills.
born a WORDSMITH 