Brokenarrow

Trying to change my writing style and looking for reviews and suggestions. I have been writing for years but hesitate to share. I love furries and most of my characters are animals or alien species. If you can get past that its relatable.

I could tell you about my entire life and sum it up in a few paragraphs, but I’m not going to. All you’d be reading is the points I want you to see, so question everything and make your own judgements. Instead I’m going to give an overview that may be more important and enlightening for anyone whos’ writing. I’m not an expert but have enough experience to say some things with certainty. First of all; Try to think intelligently and flat when receiving a review or advice. Things that come off negative can create positive results and shouldn’t be taken personally.

Save any conversations that you’ve had so you can go back and learn from it. Just because people disagree on something or are wrong, doesn’t mean each side isn’t making valid points. Contrary to what some people believe- there is no formula for success. You can take all the classes and advise you want, and they can be helpful in providing structure, but they’re not always necessary and at times can be counterintuitive. Blindly following someone who claims to be knowledgeable can be detrimental. That doesn’t mean you can’t find value in what they contribute, or there is no value in it. Avoid being stuck in a box. If offering criticism there is nothing wrong in being blunt, but point out strengths so you aren’t crushing more than dreams. Life is a story, live it as well as you try to write. No one will listen or learn if there isn’t a connection and that takes balance between people, just like making a connection between a writer and the audience. We measure success and that of others by our own standards.
For instance; A few authors I measure successful are Steven King, Alan Dean Foster, and Dean Koontz. These three authors backgrounds would suggest its not just about instruction or talent. Steven King and Dean Koontz both went to college to become high school teachers. Alan Dean Foster broke into writing after being a copywrite agent and didn’t even publish his first work. Someone else submitted his story without his knowledge. They all started with short stories studying or working in areas that didn’t teach workshops for becoming successful writers. There is just as much luck involved as work. Accepting advice doesn’t mean you have to agree on everything or that there’s no merit in what someone else has to say. But there’s always more to learn. Be curious, ask lots of questions, and research.

I’m off to tear up some crap, and remodel a story. Don’t be afraid to start all over. Mistakes are the salt that lead to sugar.