Why I'm Against the Tinker Bell Theory

The Tinker Bell Theory: If you wish hard enough, the thing you want most will happen.

Sure, positive thinking is an empowering frame of mind. The potential of changing the world through attitude alone is enormous. But it can't stop there. It can't be the only factor that drives the change.

Hope won't get you published. Wishful thinking won't push your book into number one.

When we throw all our energy into building a positive attitude, we won't have anything left to set realistic goals, to hone our skills, to learn all there is to learn about the industry. We may even start to think that the positive energy we're burning is enough so we won't need to make vital connections, expand our support network, or spend the endless hours polishing our stories, getting second opinions and polishing again.

Just because I have a dream, doesn't mean I'm entitled to it.

What are your thoughts on the Tinker Bell Theory?

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Elle Strauss has announced a new cover for her YA timetravel novel, Clockwise. I do recommend the book. It's a great read. Check it out here.

Thank you to Nick Wilford at Scattergun Scribblings and Honey at Stories to Share for the Sunshine Award. My favourite colour is purple and favourite animal is a dragon.

I've also been tagged by Angeline Trevena with the Lucky 7 Meme. Thank you so much for the tag. I'm supposed to post seven lines from my current WIP, but those lines are decidedly unpolished. I hope you'll forgive me.

And finally The Grumpy Bulldog tagged me for a Star Wars Trivia Challenge turned Blogfest. I'm supposed to post 250 word fanfic where a character from one of my stories is trying to write a Star Wars story. To maintain my rebel reputation, I cheated and made a Star Wars character write a flash fiction:  01100101001110101001111010101
Can you guess which one?

Style vs Formula

Often the 'rules' of writing a good book can cause a writer to fall into the dreaded realm of formula. Let's all shudder together. *Urgh!*

You know the rules I'm talking about: Start the book with a hook, make your characters likeable, cut back the walls of descriptions, don't load down the story with backstory dumps, show don't tell. And so forth.

All these rules can be crippling. Yes, there are things that work best in a novel, but should we always stick to the rules because we're afraid to veer off the righteous path of thou shalt nots? Should we quash our writing style in the quest for publication?

There's a lot of pressure on new writers to catch the eye of agents and publishers. If we can't follow the rules then how will our books be any good? The rules are there for a reason--because they work.

And yet I think the best writers break the rules--but I will add they do it with caution. They find a way that works for their stories. They hold onto their personal style and create the story only they can write. These are the writers that stand out. For example, China Miéville writes copious amounts of meandering description and yet his work is a delight to read. Suzanne Collins wrote wads of backstory and yet it worked in the Hunger Games.

I'm not suggesting to ignore the rules. I am saying be true to yourself and your stories. Writing is an art. And the best art requires bravery, honesty, and hard work.

Do you agree? Can you think of other favourite novels that broke the rules?

Note: On Monday I have to head to the Supreme Court for jury duty. I'm told if I'm picked it could take up to three weeks. I won't have time to post during that time, but I'll try and pop around the blogsphere a little.

Call for help: I'm looking for some critiques for a science fiction short story I've written. It would be best if you like and understand the genre. I'm happy to return the favour in any genre for the equal number of words (3300). If you are interested please send me an email or leave a comment. A huge thanks in advance.  
 
M Pax of Wistful Nebulae has released her debut novella, Semper Audacia, this week, available from Amazon or Smashswords. Check it out.

Thank you to The Writing Nut for the Seriously Cute Blogger Award. It's not one I've received before. It's much appreciated.

Honesty in Writing

Where does your writing come from? The real you? The honest you? The you you’ve kept hidden in those inner recesses? To write well requires letting go of affectations, letting go of pretences. It means delving into the soul of a matter and expressing the truth as you see it. It’s about feeding the passion and, at the same time, shaping it into your vision.

We can’t write someone else’s story. When we try, we hover on the surface and stay where we think we are safe. But we won’t find the passion there. We won’t find the magic.

Our beauty comes from our individuality. We need to find the courage to revel in that uniqueness, to be proud of it, and let others see it.

For me writing is like stepping out from a cave into the sunshine – scary, exposing, but wonderful. What is writing like for you?