blog

Keep your voice but keep reading too.

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:12:54 +0100

Earlier today I stumbled upon a note in one of my writer friends profiles in which he claimed to be a "non-reader" for fear of creative plagiarism and I about fell out of my chair, because that is, or should I say, was me. This was my response...

“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."

The Long Road to where you are.

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:57:34 +0100

There was a time when I felt embarrassed about telling folks what my college major was. General Studies. Sounds a lot like "generic college degree" don't you think? At least that's how I felt about it. But you know what? As time passed, I came to a different conclusion. For starters, as a young man, I had no idea where my life was heading. Who does? I changed my major so many times, Indiana University considered adding more programs just to see if I'd break the world record in major changing. Let's see...there was physical therapy (one semester), elementary education (one year), supervision & industrial leadership, (one year and mechanical engineering (two years) and I'm pretty sure there's more, but you know how college is; I just don't remember everything I did back then.

All to say, what I've learned is that everyone of those majors and experiences added something unique to my life, something that no one else has but me. And as I grew older, I took that with me down the long road to where I am and that, well, is still a work in progress. For right now, the variety of my work and educational experiences has been very helpful as an author. I guess that's probably because I am so used to living without direction that I can put myself somewhere I've never been and write about it, or create a new place or character in my mind. Oh, I know I've got a long way to go as a writer, but the point is, the long road to nowhere has led me to where I am. And I'm very grateful for that. Are you? Can you look at your life and the choices you've made and really feel at peace about where you've landed? I hope so.

You see, I never knew what I would become or what I really wanted to be. And honestly, I thought that was because I was going to die so young that I'd never live long enough to really live. Okay, I'm really being vulnerable here. But so what! That's the God honest truth. All in all, I've loved my life and the many ups and downs that came with it. And now you know what made this writer a writer. Thanks for reading.

Just a little Thank you.

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:56:31 +0100

I've just returned to the blogging scene so I just wanted to say, 'thank you' for visiting and for checking out my website. I hope you're interested in my book, Killing the Giants. But if you're not, perhaps I can interest you in some of my future novels. In fact, I just recently finished the first draft of my second novel, 20th. I can't wait to reveal more details, but for now you'll have to be satisfied with knowing that it's another suspense thriller loaded with twists!

Talk to you soon,
Jeff