Creatures of Habit – An Author’s Writing Habits
Creatures of Habit – An Author’s Writing Habits by Debra H. Goldstein
Since my Stiletto Writing day changed from every second Friday to the fourth Monday every other month, I’ve been in a state of confusion. It doesn’t seem like it should be that big a change, but I guess I’m more a creature of habit than I realized. Where I never was confused when I had to write a monthly blog, I now keep and regularly consult both my calendar and an email from Paula Benson so that I don’t accidentally post on her Mondays.
The art of writing has its own version of this kind of confusion. If one is blogging, writing a short story, creating a screen play, or authoring a novel, it is very easy to fall into using an idea or behavior pattern. Instead of being innovative, one can “nod,” “smile,” or “frown.” One can fashion a death scene, have a couple spar like how a couple in a prior work fought, or re-use a poison or weapon as the means of committing murder. It’s such an easy way of creating that authors don’t even realize they’re stealing from themselves. Doing this might be interpreted as being lazy, but it probably is more of letting the subconscious control the words that are being typed. Why should the subconscious modify itself when what it previously came up with was so good?
Obviously, the answer is to give the reader a more pleasurable experience and to encourage them, through constant innovation, to keep following the writer’s work. If nothing changed, there wouldn’t be a reason to explore an author’s writings. I work hard to get my posting date right – and to vary my works. What about you? Readers, do you stick with an author when nothing changes? Writers, how do you overcome your subconscious repeating your previously work?
An interesting question, Debra, from both a reader’s and a writer’s perspective. As a writer, it’s easy to fall into patterns from one work to the next, but the real joy for me is when I can write something that feels truly fresh. As a reader, there’s comfort in finding a familiar experience from book to book with a writer whose work I continue to enjoy. And yet, I don’t mind being surprised when an author expands into other realms. Good writing is the key.
Gay, I have to agree that good writing is key. When I read I want to fall into patterns with the characters, but if there isn’t some innovation, I eventually leave the series.
As a writer with a series that now includes 14 novels and 3 novellas, I find the most difficult part of writing is coming up with ideas I haven’t already used. My secret sauce has been the news. I’m constantly inspired by current events and what’s going on in the world (while avoiding politics or other controversial topics!)
As a reader, I’ve experienced disappointment when a favorite author stop living up to what I’ve come to expect from her. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does, I feel like I’ve lost a dear friend!
Completely agree with you about losing a friend when it feels a writer is only dialing in his/her work. I’ll read series that go on for books, if I feel the story is changing (and the characters).
You raise an interesting question. I stopped reading a prolific mystery writer because after a while all the books seemed alike, and I couldn’t tell whether I’d read a new book before. I vote for changing things up.
I feel the same way. Wonder if it was the same author that I gave up on?
Two great questions. As a reader and a writer, my view is mixed, Debra. As a reader, I trust the writer to tell a good story and not to veer too much from my past experiences. However, as an author I’m trying to grow. Then when life intervenes, that causes different issues. Readers have one relationship with a writer (unless of course, the writer has different genres/short stories, etc..) Writers have several relationships: writing, marketing, family, friends, life… My work has varied over the years, but the voice has stayed very similar. And posting, I missed last month because of that life intervention thing. I apologize.
Because I also ghostwrite, which includes memoirs and autobiographies, edit and coach, ruts are more difficult to fall into. …… Who am I kidding? It also helps that it has been YEARS since I’ve published a story of my own.
An interesting question, Debra. As a reader, I like the voice of a writer to stay the same but the delivery to change and grow. Does that make sense? Sort of a – same driver taking me on a journey, but different routes and maybe even different destinations. As a writer, I try very hard to change things up. (I like the phase you used, stealing from ourselves.) I teach a class on creativity and before I start a new project I always employ a some of the creativity tools to (hopefully) getting me thinking differently. Thanks for the great post! What an interesting topic. I’m going to be thinking about this some more…