Sometimes my clients fret and fuss over the fact that their stories are not conforming to their original plans. They tell me, \u201cIt\u2019s taking on a life of its own and I don\u2019t know how to stop it.\u201d This week, a client said that she feels she is losing her sense of self as she gets deeper into writing her memoir. I\u2019ve known nonfiction authors who became worried when the shape of their how-to or informational books began to change before their eyes.<\/p>\n
As the writer of articles, short stories or even book manuscripts, have you ever experienced this phenomenon? Have you noticed that sometimes your end result doesn\u2019t even remotely resemble your original article or book concept? If you\u2019re like most writers, you may even begin to feel helpless as you sit by and watch your manuscript pretty much write itself. <\/p>\n
What to do? When my clients come to me with fear in their eyes and desperation evident in their emails and ask, \u201cWhat shall I do? This is not the story (article or book) I sat down to write.\u201d I tell them, \u201cGet out of your way and let the writing flow.\u201d <\/p>\n
Don\u2019t fight those strong writing urges, even if they seem to be taking you in what you consider to be \u201cthe wrong direction.\u201d Give yourself over to them. Let them lead you and see where you end up. Often\u2014I mean, very often\u2014you end up with a piece of much more acceptable and exceptional work than the one you originally drafted.<\/p>\n
Have you ever had this happen to you? Do you remember a time when something inside of you overpowered your senses, sensitivities and the etched-in-stone outline for your fiction or nonfiction work? What did you do? What were the results? Let me know: PLFry620@yahoo.com. <\/p>\n
As I said, I recommend letting the story lead you. Follow your muse (if that\u2019s what is orchestrating your writing). I believe that, in most instances, if you allow the natural flow of words and concepts rather than giving in to what your brain dictates, you\u2019ll probably have more fun and end up with something of greater interest and value.<\/p>\n
What About Your Audience?<\/strong> Yes, you can write from the heart\u2014allow your story or nonfiction book to flow from you, but rely on your brain to tune it up for readability and ultimate value. This is where a good editor with years of eclectic experience within the publishing industry and the world of writing can assist you. You\u2019ve heard it said many times, every writer who is writing for publication needs an editor.<\/p>\n Contact me, Patricia Fry today for a free evaluation of your article\/story or book manuscript. And consider working with her to fine-tune your project in order to make it the best that it can be. PLFry620@yahoo.com.<\/p>\n Learn more about me, Patricia Fry, at http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/whopage.html<\/a> and http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/consulting.html<\/a> <\/p>\n Also check out the testimonials from clients, students and customers at http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/testimonials.html<\/a> <\/p>\n FYI, I have been writing for publication for over 35 years. I have 29 books to my credit–some published through traditional publishing companies and some through my 26-year-old publishing company, Matilija Press. See my book showcase at http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sometimes my clients fret and fuss over the fact that their stories are not conforming to their original plans. They tell me, \u201cIt\u2019s taking on a life of its own and I don\u2019t know how to stop it.\u201d This week, a client said that she feels she is losing her sense of self as she […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3,4],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\nWhile you stand back and let the words flow also keep your audience in mind. Focus on fulfilling their expectations. What is it that your audience requires or desires? Will they read your story or book in hopes of being entertained, educated, informed or enlightened, for example? Before you consider your piece complete, make sure that you have responded to these needs. <\/p>\n