I was fooling around on Facebook this morning and saw a post by an author friend of mine. She asked the question, and I’m not quoting, so I may take it a little out of context, “Ever have the feeling you’re not the right author for the story you want to write?”
Several authors commented behind her that they had all felt that way. So have I. I’m writing an historical adventure right now that is so totally out of the genres I normally write that I’m feeling quite squeamish. I’ve asked myself the following questions:
- Do I know all I need to know about this genre?
- Is my research accurate enough?
- Are my characters portraying the time period correctly?
- How’s my dialogue between the characters? Does it fit the time period?
- Are my descriptions accurate?
I could go on and on. So much so that I completely talk myself out of writing the dang thing. But you know what? I’m not going to do that. I’m going to flex my writing muscle and exercise my mind and skill at writing an historical adventure. I’ve done a ton of research. I’m sure I have my historical facts straight, and the rest I will leave to my muse.
If you ever find yourself feeling this way, keep writing. Push through it. Do your research on the genre, era, or whatever is making you squeamish. You will come out the other side a much more powerful writer for having done the exercise. Before you submit it or publish it, find a good editor with a solid reputation in that genre. That’s what I plan to do. So if you know anyone who edits Historical Adventure, point them my way.
I still have apprehension, but I have faith in my skill as a writer, and I know writing this book will only strengthen my craft. If you want to follow along the journey check out http://www.thegamblenovel.com.
Write on my friends…Write on!
Author Kelly Abell 