Enjoy this sample chapter from my new ebook
YES! You're Published
26 Ways To Be A Writer NOW!
I Is For Individuality
Individuality - The particular character, collection of qualities and traits that distinguishes one person or thing from others; soul and personal nature.
Individuality is the live pulse that exists at the heart and soul of every writer. It's the reason that hundreds of scribes can survive in the same genre and why one succeeds while others around them crumble.
Individuality is formed by what you're born with, situations, and people in your environment, and then ultimately, by the choices you make for your life. We were meant to be different from the moment our bald (or in my case, curly-topped) heads emerged into the world. If you're a parent you've witnessed how different your children are. Even twins possess distinct personalities. How do you contrast from your siblings? My brother and I are complete opposites.
He's an engineer, analytical, technical, linear thinking, math and science whiz. Very left-brain. Me, well, I go for days without accessing my left half, or probably better described as let quarter. Just look at my blog. The colors alone could cause heart palpitations in the more conservative, traditional types. Be grateful for the variety of humans on this planet. It makes life more interesting and our jobs as writers, endlessly fascinating.
The writer's individuality is at the heart and soul of each masterpiece. If you read twelve authors in the same genre, each selection would feel different because of the creator's distinctive style. Do you find that your characters possess little bits of you in them? The appearances, idiosyncrasies, the situations they inevitably land in, and how they resolve these dilemmas all reflect the writer's unique flair.
Explore your past experiences, challenges, mistakes, and triumphs when brainstorming your next project. Each one of us has a different road map to work from. What original twist can you develop a plot around? have you met any colorful people in your life that could play a role in your next saga? Observe those who cross your path from now on, and take notes. I tell people (half jokingly) watch out, you might end up starring in my next book!
What is the signature approach that makes your favorite authors stand out? It may be a particular ongoing theme, such as the futuristic time frame in J.D. Robb's In Death series. James Patterson's chapters often consist of only two to four pages, which, gives you the illusion you are moving through his books faster. Sue Grafton is working on an A - Z collection of suspense stories where each title coincides with a letter in the alphabet.
Janet Evanovich specializes in humor with her female bounty hunter stories, featuring Stephanie Plum. Hearing interviews, I discovered she is from the area where those dramas take place and, you can hear tonal similarities between her and the vibrant characters she creates. I've met Nora Roberts and recognize her personality and temperament permeating through Eve Dallas in the J.D. Robb books. And, she always portrays strong female heroines.
Feel fortunate because every obstacle you encounter is source material for a novel, short story, article, blog post, or ebook. View all of life's ups and downs through your customized eyeballs and mind filters, then translate the worlds into inspiring, funny, educational, or just plain entertaining material for your fans!
No two snowflakes, fingerprints, or writers are identical. Focus on individuality rather than competition and comparison. This will produce new and exciting ways to express who you are!
1. Read Category Of One by Joe Calloway. This is a wonderful book on branding. You may not think it's important for a writer but if you're in business, identifying yourself in the marketplace is vital.
2. Individuality shows in the words you use, the humor you inject, the help you offer, the experience you provide, and how you make your customers feel. List three defining characteristics you possess that can help transform you into a recognizable brand.
3. Brand encompasses colors, logo, name, behavior, attitude, and personality. How do you want your band to make people feel? What does it look like? What makes you different?
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