IWSG - What Kind Of Writer Are You?

Hey gang! Thanks so much for all of the kind words and messages of support left on my Overcoming Adversity contribution on Monday. I know Nick had to feel uplifted by all of the fabulous entries I read.

I'm actually going to talk about my blog hop piece, Just In Time, for my IWSG post today, but some housecleaning first...


Those Damned Share Buttons Are Gone





NA Lit Chat

As many of you know, I'm an instigator (host) of the #NALitChat conversation every Thursday night, 9 PM EST, on the Twitters (use #NALitChat in your tweets to join in). It's basically a discussion of all things in New Adult literature. If you're intrigued, check out the Chat Blog for details and a calendar of upcoming chat topics.

Speaking of which, this week kicks off our 'Reader Love Month' series of chats. Each chat in February, we'll talk about reading NA (like why you'd want to, and what to expect, and how to find it). We have some awesome guest hosts lined up as well, and will be giving away some NA reads during the chats.

If you've been curious about New Adult, this might be a good place to start.

Blog Tour Update

I've survived to day 3! Actually, it's been a lot of fun so far. I did a guest post on the Books & Things blog on Monday. I talk about the Texas setting in the Moonsongs books, as well as some of the Native American influences on the stories. 

There was more awesomeness that day, but I think I'll talk about that in another post for the sake of space/time...

Day 2 offered some amazing reviews of the Moonsongs books. Seriously, give me a half-bottle of wine and a couple of Prozac (don't do this, I haven't), and I STILL couldn't say nicer things about the stories myself--they're that good. You can check them out HERE (Books & Things) and HERE (Missy's Reads & Reviews), plus there are excerpts. 

Both are incredible blogs to follow for readers who want to discover new books.

If you care to follow along with the tour (there'll be chances to win copies of my books at some of the stops, and you can enter the big giveaway as well), just click the tour banner wherever you see it. (Like up there on the right.)


Insecure Writer's Support Group

Click the pic to join IWSG!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.



What Kind of Writer Are You?

I had a brief Twitter exchange with a blog buddy (most of you know LG) last week that got me to thinking: What kind of writer am I?

I'd been working on my Overcoming Adversity story, wanting to do a good job for Nick, and I saw a tweet from LG saying she was doing the same. I basically mentioned how I was a bit nervous about sharing it, because it's not my typical brand of fiction.

For me, Just In Time, is fairly literary--which is perfect for a 500 word restriction, by the way, because I've decided you aren't really obligated to resolve a damned thing in literary fiction--with nary a werwolf or witch to be found.

Yeah, don't ask me how to make a story interesting when you can't fling a tomahawk or have a monster trying to eat someone, but I tried nonetheless...

In the end, I really enjoyed writing it, which was something of a surprise. I got to explore some themes (aging, having a twin, and death) that really fascinate me. The piece also challenged me to find beauty in the struggle, something I think we all fail to do at times.

More than anything, it helped me face a small complex I suffer from. I like to call it the: You're Not Good Enough To Be That Kind Of Writer Syndrome (YNGETBTKOWS ... I have no idea either, but we could probably fit it on a coffee cup.).

I think we all believe, on some level, that we have a storytelling and writing style we're best suited for. And I believe it's mostly true. In fact, discovering what my writing comfort zone really was helped me take the next step in my writing career (being confident enough to publish my work). 

I had to know I was doing something well. Not that I was the best ever, but just that I was capable of writing in a style that was consistently decent.The story and the characters would be the stars, I reasoned. 

Besides, I wasn't the kind of writer capable of spinning golden words, or conjuring mystical imagery. That stuff was for the learned writers, not for folks like me who cut their storytelling teeth on cinema and comic books. YNGETBTKOWS

No, I was meant to be a roller coaster writer. My stories wouldn't be complex or artistic, just a hell of a lot of fun.

But something has occurred to me of late: Maybe I can be more than one type of writer. Maybe I can write stories that have vampires, explosions, and badass tomahawks AND move readers to a deeper emotional place than, "Pleasure! Afraid... Anger!" 

Heck, I might even be able to write a decent story WITHOUT vampires, explosions, and badass tomahawks.

Perhaps I've undercut myself with my YNGETBTKOWS.

So I ask: What kind of writer are you?

~EJW~

28 comments:

  1. What kind of writer are you? Well the answer is simple: the best kind of course. *hugs

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    1. You just play the 'Hoosiers Clap' over and over and know that's for you. :-)

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  2. We all have that horrible self-doubt. But you're right, by no means do you have to stick yourself in one category and stay there. You can be anything. There are no rules.

    Glad to hear your tour is going well. :) I am excited for you and I can't wait to find a little time and sit down to read your book. Congrats on everything. Looking forward to more. :)Best

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  3. Roller coaster writer - that's me! I don't go for literary depth or boring exposition and details. Just straight to the story and the ride.
    I had no idea what I was going to do for the blogfest when I signed up either. Short stories aren't my thing. But thought it worked out.

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  4. What kind of writer? Apparently one who can't commit! Ugh, I so bottomed out on Nick's blogfest. So, truly sorry about that.

    But an interesting note on the kind of writer I am. It falls back on the kind of reader I am. Does that make sense? Quick reads, snappy dialogue, I don't want to use the word "easy," but quite simply, easy, fun, some humor, and paranormal elements. I find I write my best when I craft stories I like to read.

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  5. Apparently I'm a writer who doesn't write! Been so busy with my various writing group duties, I haven't written a single word since this year started. Must. Change. That.


    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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  6. You absolutely can! Your FF piece for Nick's bloghop was great!

    I love your posts, EJ. They always leave me smiling. :)

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  7. What do you mean, no Prozac and wine? Why not?? :D

    I loved your post for Nick's hop. And I can so relate to that syndrome, I suffer from it as well.
    Good luck with your ongoing tour!

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  8. Your IWSG post is very encouraging. I'm grabbing "find beauty in the struggle" for myself today. :)

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  9. I'm glad you realized you can branch out from the writer you have been. It's good to try different genres and types of writing because you may find out that you're missing out on your full potential.

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  10. "I think we all believe, on some level, that we have a storytelling and writing style we're best suited for. " Oh how you've hit the nail square on the head with that one. I felt for the longest time that I could only write memoir (which seems to be a hump that many novice writer's seem to have to overcome) and until I decided to step out of that fear of fiction-- I struggled! Most of what I write has been NA-- I think I'm going to have to join in on this chat!

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  11. Halleluja, I can see your blog! It's like I got moved from the cheap seats behind the pillar to the orchestra seats now that those buttons are gone! :P

    And let me tell you something about our little Twitter exchange. When I tweeted that I was working on a whole different story than the one I posted. I had started a contemporary story about a man with a disability and how his bigger adversity was dealing with people's reactions to him. I had to toss it. It was crap, because I'm not one of those writers who can take an every day situation and make it interesting. I have to have misty moors and brooding antagonists. It's just the kind of writer I am. And I think it's important that we find what we like to write and then write the best damn stories we can. And you obviously know what you like to write!!

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  12. What kind of writer am I? Probaby the starving artist kind. Anyway...I like to write science fiction and fantasy, but I'm thinking of trying some other genres and see what happens. I'm sure "Just in Time" will be great.

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  13. You're a REALBIE WRITER in Shelly world. Gave you a shout out over at my blog today.

    Great post.

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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  14. I tried fiction writing, but think I am best suited for non-fiction. Instructional seems to be my style.

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  15. Hi, E.J.

    You would be AMAZED if you would branch out. I believe a good writer can write ANYTHING, given the chance. I started out as a m/g-y/a fantasy writer. Hmmmm. My second novel SCREAMED at me to be written ... an EDGY y/a Contemporary.... not a fairy in sight. LOL. Then, during ROMANTIC FRIDAY WRITERS, I found I can write romance but not the gushy kind and it worked. Now my most recent WIP is a 1940's FILM NOIR with murder. OOOooo. I NEVER would have thought I could write in these genres.... WEll, I can. WIth me it's all about SETTING THE SCENE. ATMOSPHERE... Well, you need this in EVERY genre to accomplish a strong piece.

    SO GO FOR IT E.J.!

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  16. So far I am a naughty grammar writer, but I think I have some fiction in me. I hope so!

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  17. Ah, variety is the spice of life E.J. I started with poetry and reporting, reviews and copy-writing. Recently, I started writing fiction and the poetry background really seemed to help. You take what you have in the past and create new worlds around old thoughts, or new thoughts around old worlds. It's a kind of conglomeration like igneous or sedimentary rock. Still a writer, (rock) but varied and beautiful rather than plain and concrete. Experience tumbles our souls down into caverns of discovery. Go with it E.J. you are super talented!

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  18. Just like in life, I was under the illusion I was a dark, mysterious, sexy writer... turns out comedy comes more naturally. I totally stumbled sideways into writing cozy mystery (combines the dark murderous thing with humor)... I still want to make it with the dark stuff, but the other came so much more naturally than I ever would have guessed. It's funny, isn't it?

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  19. Hey dude,

    I've heard agents and publishers say that writers should stick to one genre in order to brand themselves (I prefer a hot poker with MK on it myself) but I digest.

    What I'm saying is you go with your bad self and write what makes you excited... no one is going to read stuff written by a bored writer, right :)

    PS... I'd love to fly everyone out to Hawaii, but my $50 prepaid Visa card isn't working :)

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  20. Wow, that syndrome must be going around because it hits me no matter what I write.

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  21. That syndrome? I HAVE IT TOO! Not a mile, slightly itchy version. The sickly, red, blotchy, infected kind. Yep, it's gross. Nice to know I'm not alone.

    I'm so glad your book is so well received!!!!

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  22. Thanks again for the awesome support EJ! I loved your story.

    Although I too suffer from that syndrome, I've been throwing caution to the wind recently and trying new things. I never saw myself as "writing for kids" but I wrote a YA dystopian for NaNo. No idea how it measures up to others in the genre, but I enjoyed doing it. And I did my first paranormal for my own blogfest which was also loads of fun. You'll never know what you can accomplish if you don't try. I haven't found "my" genre yet but who wants to be pigeonholed? Not even a pigeon, I think!

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  23. Congrats on the great reviews EJ!

    I think we all feel the ysybsbksays (did i get that right? lol) way sometimes. All the time even. But certainly nothing ever became of NOT trying, so wth? We give it our best shot, maybe it works, maybe not, but we learn and grow and eventually give birth to genius. Or so I hope.
    Depending on my mood, I read for enlightenment, for learning, and you better believe above all, for FUN! Being a writer cuz you want to entertain and give peeps a good time is the best reason of all. :D

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  24. Congratulations on those reviews!

    This is a worry I get sometimes. Especially when reading something really good, where I start to think, "Crap, I don't write like this, but I wish I did." I'm trying to just write and see what comes of it.

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

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  25. Depends on the day I'm having!

    I'm a thriller writer who likes writing the worst case scenario, and I'm just as much a writer with a sense of humour about the craft, which reflects itself.

    Not so much today though. Today's a black dog sort of day...

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“Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid.” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky

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