I love fiction. I’ve read fictional novels and short stories all my life. Fiction has occupied 90% of what I have read in my lifetime. So, why the hell do I have to fight to produce a piece of this genre?
What holds me back from diving into writing a fictional piece? It’s not that I haven’t studied the ins and outs of character development, plotting and settings. I’ve taken classes, I’ve certainly read enough manuals on the subject and I’ve followed a large number of the great fiction writers, past and present. So, what’s my problem?
Is it a lack of imagination? Maybe, but then why am I able to lose myself in a good book that is set in Hogwarts, or one that is populated by vampires? Why do I shiver with fear when reading a spooky story? Why would I cheer on the heroes or heroines and watch their struggles and triumphs? Why do I stay up all night reading a great “who done it?” It must take imagination to lose myself in the writer’s world, so I doubt that’s the reason.
Could the reason be that I don’t feel I can come up with an original novel or story, one that would interest the readers in the plot? Maybe, but all of today’s writers of fiction face that challenge, and I do so love a challenge. I know that I can take a story from a fairy tale, such as Hansel and Gretel and give it a new twist. I could write about two orphans struggling with a new stepmother, a scary principal of a boarding school, and add in a mysterious disappearance or two throughout their school year and probably do all right. So, I don’t think that’s a major roadblock.
You might ask me if I’ve ever really tried to write a work of fiction. Yes, I have and although the pieces turned out all right, I didn’t really enjoy writing them.
Wait a minute. Stop the presses. I just read that last sentence and realized what my problem is!
All writers must go with what they love to write about, and my love happens to be for the world around me. I believe that if you have to force yourself to write in a certain genre, your struggle will be obvious to your readers. I’m happy in this world and I feel I produce some pretty good stories…at least some of my readers think so. When I’m writing about my views, thoughts or experiences in life, I’m happy as a clam.
So, I bow to all of you past, present and future fiction writers. Forge on with your stories and take me away into your own world. I’m ready!
Now, have I given up on ever writing a piece of fiction? Nope, as I said, this grandma loves a challenge. But, at least I now know why I write in the genre that I do. I have a talent for it and I love it, and that’s enough for me!
Hi Grandma 🙂
I’d like to nominate you for the Liebster award. I’ll be posting on it, probably next weekend. Let me know if that works for you.
Thanks for visiting me, so I in turn, could find you – love what I’ve read so far and look forward to reading more.
Thank you so much!
we are roughly the same age. I too love fiction. I only began writing fiction twelve months ago. In that time I’ve had six short stories accepted for publication. If I can do it, you certainly can. There are numerous exzamples \I COULD CITE of writers who began getting published in their mid sixties. Go for it!!
Thanks for the kick in the proverbial butt! I needed it! I’ve got my eye on a writing contest and if I can produce something I like, I’m going to submit it!
Hey, I’ve been trying to find the story of yours that won the contest. Do I have to buy the book to read it? If I do, is it on Amazon?
Hi. I just checked out the site. It looks as though you have to purchase the ebook . I guess it’s on Amazon. btw it didn’t win the contest; it was shortlisted and was nominated for the Pushcart Prize, the top literary award in the US for short stories. I hope you get a chance to read it. Would love to hear what you think.
Either way write that story and submit.
Ok, I’ll check it out and get back to you!
Have you tried enrolling in a creative writing class at a local school? I find myself being a more disciplined writer when someone (other than myself!) is holding me accountable.
I’ve taken a few of them over the years. Maybe it’s time to go back and refresh! Thanks for reading!
I’m going to put a blog up in the next 24 hours — I’m working on it now — which will caution you about t\aking creative writing classes
Ok…I’ll be waiting!
it’s up. I made an effort to put it up tonight for you because I promised I would. Would love to hear your thoughts on it. And don’t worry: you don’t have to agree
Hey, what’s up? I tried to bring up your blog site and it says it’s deleted? I’ve got to be doing something wrong. Please let me know how to get to your site.
ahh yes. don’t click on John Malone. Go to
http://www.thewallahofwhimsy.wordpress.com