Imagination is limitless. So why not be original?
People are surprised when I tell them I make up the story as I write. Usually, when I finish a chapter, I have no idea what will happen in the next one. Well, truth be told, sometimes I don’t even know what will happen in the next sentence.
There are two types of writers:
- Systematic writers. They have a lot of notes, well-built characters, a synopsis of the story. They create the imaginary world before they dive into it.
- Spontaneous writers. No notes, no synopsis, no idea how their characters will develop. Their worlds are created word by word.
Actually a lot of writers are somewhere in between. One type is not better than the other. They both have their strengths.
I didn’t choose to be a spontaneous writer, it came on its own. I start a new book with the first sentence and then I let the snowball roll down the hill, collecting ideas as it goes. Sometimes I wonder how it’s possible that the snowball still has a round shape, but somehow I make it happen. It has to be some kind of magic.
Now I’m not saying I’m a magician. I know I’m a good writer but I still have room to improve. Everybody does. It doesn’t matter whether you’re systematic or spontaneous or a yet undiscovered type. What matters the most is finding your writing voice. It’s OK to have writers you look up to. I understand the desire to write like them. But finding your own voice is the key to a successful story.
When I start writing a book, I don’t say: “Oh, I want to make Misery meets I, Robot.” Or: “OK, let’s do a crime novel that resembles Lord of the Rings.” I understand that many millions of books were written. It’s hard to find an original story. But it’s possible. I yearn for originality in books, reading or writing them. You should too. Imagination is limitless. Let it run free.
There are two types of writers:
- Systematic writers. They have a lot of notes, well-built characters, a synopsis of the story. They create the imaginary world before they dive into it.
- Spontaneous writers. No notes, no synopsis, no idea how their characters will develop. Their worlds are created word by word.
Actually a lot of writers are somewhere in between. One type is not better than the other. They both have their strengths.
I didn’t choose to be a spontaneous writer, it came on its own. I start a new book with the first sentence and then I let the snowball roll down the hill, collecting ideas as it goes. Sometimes I wonder how it’s possible that the snowball still has a round shape, but somehow I make it happen. It has to be some kind of magic.
Now I’m not saying I’m a magician. I know I’m a good writer but I still have room to improve. Everybody does. It doesn’t matter whether you’re systematic or spontaneous or a yet undiscovered type. What matters the most is finding your writing voice. It’s OK to have writers you look up to. I understand the desire to write like them. But finding your own voice is the key to a successful story.
When I start writing a book, I don’t say: “Oh, I want to make Misery meets I, Robot.” Or: “OK, let’s do a crime novel that resembles Lord of the Rings.” I understand that many millions of books were written. It’s hard to find an original story. But it’s possible. I yearn for originality in books, reading or writing them. You should too. Imagination is limitless. Let it run free.
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