Artwork by Tom Torre (@CopernicusNerd)
By Dawn Frederick
Veracity is a word that requires action vs. fuzzy words and cloudy thinking. Veracity is defined as being truthful, honest, and accurate. I’ve often used this word when encouraging a person to keep on trying, to keep fighting the figurative battle. Taking this a step further, how does this action word apply to one’s writing life?
1. Be yourself. It’s a common issue where new writers fall into a trap of emulating the books that inspired them. We’re not talking about a common category or theme, it’s an exact storyline.
Instead, write a new, unique story that can only come from you. Try to learn from the successes of other writers, without feeling a need to provide the same exact stories. Provide the best story possible vs. rushing the process. A good story takes times and isn’t the same for every person.
2. Do the necessary homework. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, extensive research is necessary. As Jennie has stated on numerous occasions, even the smallest details need to be studied when writing a book. From the setting in a novel to the resources for a nonfiction book, every detail counts. As Margaret Atwood recently stated at Talking Volumes (St. Paul, MN on Oct. 3, 2013), readers will rarely respond to correct facts. When there are mistakes, the readers will immediately notify an author. Always try to avoid such a situation happening, plus the process of researching the facts can add new layers to the book.
I’ll close out with a bit of advice from Kurt Vonnegut. And have a wonderful day of writing!
“Find a subject you care about and which you in your heart feel others should care about. It is this genuine caring, not your games with language, which will be the most compelling and seductive element in your style.”
