Into the Fire

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Strength(s)

 

 
Strength-training-tips-e1357847646423

 

Writers have strengths and weaknesses. Rarely are any of us perfect although some seem moreso than others. There comes a time when we each must evaluate our skills and establish our strengths. What do we do well?

I've been told I'm strong at dialogue and character development, and there's no question those two things give me the most pleasure in creating. Do you think what we enjoy the most are the things we're most able to do well? I don't know the answer to that question.

So please tell me: what do you consider your strengths to be as a writer?

 

Father, you gift us with our skills. Help us to always acknowledge and realize what we can do well is because of you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

 

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6 responses to “Strength(s)”

  1. BK Jackson (@BKJacksonAZ) Avatar
    BK Jackson (@BKJacksonAZ)

    Good question. I honestly haven’t thought much about it b/c I keep striving to perfect/perfect/perfect. Plus in the grand scheme of things I’ve shown relatively little of my work to others.
    And I hesitate to use the term strength b/c where that aspect of my writing may be a strength in one story or part of a story, it may be a weakness in another. Part of the terrible result of being too perfectionistic.
    That said, I’d identify 2 things.
    1. When I’m on a roll, I can bring powerful emotion to the page.
    2. I tend to develop plots, or try to, that are more complex & involved then most of the books I’ve read. That’s why my writing takes eons. Getting that complex plot from my head to page requires a great deal of mental gymnastics & its tiring & full of doubts.
    Of course my assessment is totally subjective. Someone else may read my stuff and say I’m full of garbage. 😎
    BTW–Writing great dialogue is no easy feat, so that’s a great strength to have. I’ll have to pick up some pointers.

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  2. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    Complex plot writing is no easy feat either, Brenda. I admire that ability and patience immensely. And there’s nothing more defining for the value of a story than getting the emotion on the page right. I think those are such valuable strengths, and I have no doubt you do them well because you strive for perfection – even as un/inaccessible as that perfection is. I would encourage you to find a like-minded reader (hard as that is) with whom to share some of your work just to get a feel for their reactions.
    Sounds like you know your strengths and I say keep using them.

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  3. Jessica Thomas Avatar
    Jessica Thomas

    For me, I’d say dialogue as my strength. And exposition, although in this day in age, that’s probably considered a weakness.
    Weaknesses: plotting, description.

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  4. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    If I remember correctly, your dialogue was quality. I’m with you on the plotting. Not so much on the description. I tend to over-describe. And exposition can be good. It’s the necessity in a given situation which, I think, makes the difference and how it’s done.

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  5. BK Jackson (@BKJacksonAZ) Avatar
    BK Jackson (@BKJacksonAZ)

    P.S. I’m jealous of that guy in the picture–look at the weight he’s moving w/that arm/shoulder!!!

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  6. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    I know. Look at those muscles. He’s been doing this routine awhile, huh?

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