Keep your voice but keep reading too.
February 18, 2010“I was reading through your profile - not sure why - but I was. And I noticed your thoughts on why you don't read much. I was struck by that statement because I have been the same over the years. In fact, I have always been more of a non-fiction reader and more of a fiction writer. HOWEVER, I am learning more and more about the necessity to study accomplished authors in my genre (thriller/suspense).
I just finished a book, REVISION & SELF-EDITING, by James Scott Bell. It was an excellent book and a wonderful learning experience. In it, he made a point, along with other accomplished authors, that reading other up-to-date books in your genre is the best way to improve your skills. He reminded me how unique my voice is, just like my personality, and to trust that my God given gift will not be diluted by reading other material, but will actually be enhanced. Think of it as you do other experiences like traveling or adventures - they only enhance who you already are. I mean when do you ever walk away from a camping adventure feeling like a copy cat just because their are others in the camp ground? And he's right! In truth, what really matters is my ideas. Those are the things that must be kept secret and hidden and copy right protected. It's my ideas that bubble up from inside me, and only God knows where they come from.
So fear not when it comes to plagiarism. Write as you always have and let God figure out how he wants to use it and how to keep you in your voice. After all he made you the unique person that you are. But you have to do your part to hone your craft. The truth is, you have to learn correct style - and technique to get the big publishing deal, because todays techniques are what sell. After reading REVISION & SELF-EDITING, I dove into a Steven King, John Grisham and Dean Koontz to study POV (Point of view) because I need to improve in that area. After being encouraged to actually read the material I realized how much "flare" I have been missing simply because I avoided reading for creativity/plagiarism sake. And now I feel very confident in the product I will send back to my editor as I have begun the second round of revisions.
All to say, I would highly recommend reading James Scott Bell's Book. It is an easy and energizing read. You won't regret the time spent in learning. And that is all for now my writing friend.
PS. Don't be surprised if I add this to my blog."
Posted by Jeff Bennington.
Want to know what makes me tick? Want to walk in and out of my thoughts and explore my fears and hopes and dreams and desires? Read my books and you'll know me like no other.
I'm a family type guy who gets into creative type things like writing and raising children. I like to write stories that meld social issues into suspense thrillers so my readers can enjoy thinking about the deep stuff in life. Reading about life can be boring, so I've decided to make life fiction. So there you go...poof! All our issues are solved. Well, no, not really. But here's to wishing! Cheers!