Impact of Creative Work

Why do funny things rarely win Oscar’s? Family friendly films, too, are discounted and dismissed. It’s all about something serious, more often than not. But the films I watch again and again are the funny ones, the family friendly ones, the animations. The ones that remind me that life isn’t so bad. Things that add a bit of colour to the world.

There’s so much power in making someone laugh. Laughing eases pain. It makes you forget what you’re going through.

I think about my own writing a lot, naturally, and what I want the impact of it to be. What do I want to be remembered for? What’s the purpose of my work? Do I want to impress, inspire, educate, or entertain? Will I fall short if I try to do it all? Probably.

Again, which books are the most re-read books? Usually something that feels comforting to a person. Something maybe that reminds them of their childhood innocence. Or something light and refreshing against the stresses of the world. Rarely would it be a super serious, difficult literary read.

I’ve struggled lately with genre and structure. I’ve changed the way I usually write, and that’s been fascinating and fun, but also challenging. I keep thinking, this is weird, this won’t sell, what if it can’t work like this? And naturally, that’s not the right mindset to get a person writing! I need freedom to make mistakes and play around with form to see what sticks.

I guess through all my babbling, my point is, one way or another, someone somewhere could like or love my work however I choose to write it. If it does end up inspiring or literary, maybe it gains acclaim. If it’s lighter and more playful, maybe it becomes someone’s favourite that they re-read every year. Either way, and with all the options in between, I will find my place.

And of course, there’s writing for the sake of writing. For the joy of self expression. For the accomplishment of completion. For feedback and knowledge after trying something new, now knowing what might work better next time. Every novel I attempt, especially every novel I complete, is getting me closer to finding my unique voice, my story, my path.

But alas, I have to write this damn thing first, and the rest will slot into place later!

If you, too, are worried about the genre, voice and structure of your novel compared to others, take a moment to remember the breadth of work out there. There’s a style, sub genre and format for everything and everyone! If you find you want to write in a certain way, follow that instinct. To slip back to what’s familiar or “normal” or “right” because you think it will impress more. Chase authenticity, and your novel will be the best it can be.

Sincerely,

S. xx