A-Z Writer's Toolbox: Integrity

A to Z Disclaimer:

Like all craftspeople, writers need to keep a bag of tricks handy. A set of tools for the job (writing), if you will. Some of these traits or tools are obvious--like the need to have a hide as thick as a brick, for instance. Some are not. This month, I've been challenged to do a post every day of the week (excluding Sunday) that begins with a letter of the alphabet. I'm going to use this challenge to examine some of those necessary writing tools, both conventional and not. Hold on to your #2 pencil, here we go!

NOTE: I've added a page dedicated to my A to Z Writer's Toolbox posts. I figured I'd soon have a bunch of these things and it'll make it easier for you to browse any of the letters you might have missed. You can find a link to the page under the, "MORE STUFF" heading at the top of the right-hand column of this page.

I is for integrity

The word integrity gets its roots from the Latin word for 'whole' or 'complete'.  The English definition of the word essentially means to adhere to a set of rules or principals.  Combine the two, and you come up with something along the lines of: to be completely devoted to a core group of ideals.  It's the direct application of ethics.  

There are different types of integrity, from artistic to professional. Authors, interestingly enough, are subject to most all of them.  Professional integrity as a writer means you're not going claim the work of someone else as your own. (Plagiarism is bad, m'kay?)  That means you're going to site references and credit others for their ideas, even when you embellish them.  It also means that if you write about 'real' life and 'real' people, you're going to tell the truth.  You can't alter the words or doings of someone else to fit your story or concept.  Pretty straightforward, I think.

Artistic integrity is a slightly more nebulous concept.  In basic theory, it means that you won't compromise or alter your vision, or the product thereof (writing), for the sake of profit or fame.  I'd also include that it means you won't pull punches on the reader by committing any manner of writing skullduggery that includes: 1) Treating the reader like an idiot, or 2) The blatant use of gimmicks--shock and awe tactics--to draw attention to your story.  

For a wonderful list of 7 Deadly Writing Sins (and a great blog) that if I found, you can go here. 

The second aspect of artistic integrity I mentioned is probably the easiest to understand and follow.  The first, however, can get a little tricky.  Authors need to eat and buy iPads too, right?  Furthermore, didn't I just post something about being an entertainer first?  So how do we find a balance between being commercially viable and keeping it real?

I think it all starts with the original concept or idea.  Are you writing a story because it's a story you want (or need) to tell, and one that you'd write if no one paid you a dime?  If so, that's probably a good start.  Then, once you've drafted that story, to what extent are you willing to alter the original concept in order to put a price tag on it?  

My point is that I believe very few stories are truly ready for public consumption on the first few go-rounds.  To be clear, I'm not talking strictly about grammar and poor writing mechanics.  From a conceptual standpoint, stories need to be made reader friendly, so to speak.  Plots shouldn't meander, loads of author embellishment probably needs to be cropped, the cast of characters might need to be shortened, etc.  There is most definitely a level of consumer expectation inherent in all things that cost money, and even the best authors have hit on a few of them to be successful in the public arena.

Would you change anything and everything to see your story in print?  If so, that might be a warning sign that you're on the wrong track.  That being said, in my mind there's nothing wrong with wanting to be published, nor is there a problem with making a little coin in the process.  I don't believe there's some magical sales threshold that turns you into a sellout.  

Ultimately I'm not sure there is one concrete answer to how we can maintain artistic integrity, but I do think it's an important consideration.  One that should be made early on in the writing process.  In the end, perhaps it's a distinction between writing FOR an audience as opposed to writing BECAUSE of an audience?

I leave you with questions:

What do you think?  Are all of the post-Twilight vampire books cashing in?  Are you aware of a writer's intentions and audience when reading?  Have you ever caught an author pandering to an audience?  Do you even consider it a 'no no', or do you think the readers/consumers speak the truest voice?

~EJW~