I realized this morning that, when it comes to this whole DIYMFA project, I need a more definable goal. Originally, I said I wanted to take my writing to the next level. But what does that mean, and how do I know when I’ve achieved it?
Here’s what I do know:
First of all, I’m not looking to write An Important Book or Great Literature. I’m a storyteller. I like commercial fiction. What I want to do is to write the kind of upmarket fiction that Beatriz Williams and Ariel Lawhon write.
Second, I have a very strong, established voice. I write tight – scarily so as my friend says. My work isn’t prone to navel gazing or long paragraphs of vivid description. I like my voice. I want to improve it, but I don’t want to water it down. (Tight worked for Hemingway, so why not me?)
Third, I’m a girl who likes guideposts and instructions. I wander around in the mist enough when I’m writing, I like my learning to have some kind of direction.
Knowing the above, I’ll return to my original point. What am I actually trying to achieve by all this studying, and how will I know if I’ve improved? I’m turning to you all with hopes you have suggestions.
