top of page
Search

My Writer’s Journey – Challenge the Limits, Respect the Foundations


I read an article by Aliza Kelly that described the personality of a Gemini. I’m not into zodiac characteristics, but I have to say, some of her listed traits hit home. 


These observances, in particular, are so me. 


“…constantly juggling a variety of passions, hobbies, careers, and friend groups.”

“… have short attention spans and are most satisfied when they can move fluidly from one idea to the next.”

“…must remember to be thoughtful with their words.”


Maybe not the friend groups part so much, but my other pursuits are a juggling act, especially when it comes to writing.


Gemini that I am, I’m saddened that I may never reach renowned author status. 


Why not? Because…


I BREAK THESE RULES


Focus on one type of writing. Writers are advised to become experts in one genre and to stay in that lane. We’re told readers become confused when we take another direction.


The Gemini in me can’t help itself. I write fiction, nonfiction, and my side hustle involves technical writing.


Focus on one subject. The rule makers advise sticking to one topic or area. Again, I can’t do it.


I’ve experienced a wealthy life and wish to share my knowledge. Not to mention, I’m  opinionated and have something to say about most everything!


I currently pen:


I work on both fiction and nonfiction books and I also craft short stories and essays. 


We should give authors more leeway. Like readers, writers have interests and hobbies that don’t necessarily coincide with each other. They should not be required to restrict their writing to specific topics.


The sticky point for multi-topic writers like me is how to establish a brand – break the ‘solicit an established audience instead of attempting to create a new one’ rule. 


These words that summarize one new writer’s takeaway from listening to the podcast, In Writing with Hattie Crissell give me hope. 


“There are no ‘rules’. Every writer has a unique early writing life, a writing space and routine that reflect their individual quirks, and their own professional journey to where they are now. It’s less about right or wrong and more about what works for you.”


My challenge has become to organically grow an audience for each of my platforms. I hope readers will come to know me and seek out my wisdom and creativity, no matter the topic or genre, because what I have to say has value. It’s a tall order, but I’m willing to pay the price to grow my readership in this manner.


Publishing world, you may not approve, but this is how my readers are gonna hear from me. So there!


I MAKE THE RULES


A wise young lady once told me to stop referring to myself as an aspiring writer. “You are a writer. Period. No adjective needed.”


As a Gemini and a self-proclaimed writer, I wish to resurrect an editing protocol. Allow me to establish my “banish ‘ing’ campaign,” which addresses a pet peeve I discussed last year.


I recently listened to a workshop about show vs. tell. The facilitator mentioned that we forget the lessons we learned in school about passive writing. She gave various examples, but did not address the one that raises the hairs on my arms. 


Years ago, a friend proofread a grant proposal and suggested I replace passive words that end in ‘ing’ with active substitutes. Ever since then, I’ve worked diligently to do so and automatically correct what others write and say in my head. 


A few examples and corrections.


  • I'll be sending out the writing prompts today or tomorrow.

I’ll send out the writing prompts today or tomorrow.


  • With the opening of our 2026 Short Story Award being just around the corner… 

With the opening of our 2026 Short Story award just around the corner…


  • This is all I am going to be getting.

This is all I am going to get.


  • I am loving the way she is explaining things.

I love the way she explains things.


  • 7 Important Income Streams Investors Over 60 Should Start Exploring

7 Important Income Streams Investors Over 60 Should Explore


  • Thrifters, what’s the one thing you are always grabbing?

Thrifters, what’s the one thing you always grab?


You have to admit, my suggestions are more succinct and clearer. I implore you to determine opportunities to eliminate ‘ing’ words from your writing and conversation wherever possible.


I don’t wish to present myself as a rule hypocrite; however, some are meant to be broken while others have merit.


Whether related to writing, speaking or life in general, we all have rules we break and make. 


Comments

© 2022 by TheBrickerati. Proudly created with WIX.COM
bottom of page