In last night’s novel writing class, two of my most literary students were on to workshop a passage from their novels-in-progress. These two always seem to know the most about writing. I sense not a trace of the usual, “Garsh, I don’t know nuttin” attitude most students have. The work, as one of these literary writers said, was “dense.” What they referred to was a tiny scene thrown in after pages of narrative description. Both claimed to desire an omniscient view point (one pointed to Jane Eyre as an example) and only briefly were we treated to an actual scene with an actual POV. Besides arguing with me, these students defended their stuff and seemed as if they were sticking to it. Big Red Flag. If you must defend your work against a roomful of people who say they only wanted to read a story instead of descriptive blathering, however beautifully written, you are in deep trouble. If you are the only reader who wants to read your stuff while you silently congratulate yourself on great writing, you’re writing-to-publish career is dead in the water.
Writing Tip for Today: I don’t like to discourage a writer. I’d rather say, think on it, or “Just take a look” at whatever suggestion I make to improve a novel. If you get a suggestion for revision that would mean a significant amount of revision, take it easy. If you are hurt by the diagnosis and treatment, take it even easier.
Go write something else for a bit, until the sting subsides. Get a second opinion if you wish. But don’t stop writing and don’t stop learning your craft. Just remember: The greatest storyline in the world that is accompanied by poor writing may still sell millions, but superbly crafted prose with a limp or nonexistent storyline cannot succeed. Sorry, that’s just how it is.