STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD

Ok, who out there is watching American Idol this year? Is it my imagination or is the talent spectacular this year. In previous seasons, there was always one or two people that were really awful but they kept being voted in for popularity reasons. But this season there really is no one that is awful.

While I was watching the show last night, I realized that writing is a lot like singing. Like singing, I do believe you have to naturally have a little talent to begin with but in order to get really good at it, you have to practice, practice, practice. As well as do tons of research.

Singers, like writers, have to develop their special ability and find where they stand out the most in order to be effective and get their message across. Some singers can belt out a rock-n-roll song and others are far better at singing nice, soft ballads. Some writers have a natural talent for writing mysteries, romance novels, or they may be better at writing for children.

But just like singers, it’s important for us writers to stand out in some way. I am in a critique group where we send in a story every month, according to a certain prompt, and then we vote for which story we like best. I seem to always end up with only 1 or 2 votes! I have never won or really even come close. Although I do believe I have a talent for writing, I don’t seem to be able to bring out that certain SPECIAL something. That thing that stands out from every other story. That’s why I don’t ever enter writing contests. There is just too much competition. Maybe someday, once I find that special quality in my writing that will make my stories stand out from the crowd, I’ll enter one.  I know it’s in me to win so I will not give up until I find my strongest quality where I’ll shine above and beyond. Until then, it’s off to do more research and practice writing some more!

Have you found that certain SPECIAL talent in your writing that sets you apart from other writers? If so, please share!