Writers and Making Decisions

 

This quote has no name associated with it, but whoever said it is a wise person. Those of you who read my blog on a regular basis know that I have concluded many posts by saying something like 'it's up to you. or it's your decision.' 

In our writing world, we have lots of choices. Among them are:  Do I write fiction or non-fiction or stories for kids? Shall I use my real name or a pen name? Should I start with a novel? Or should I write short stories first? Can I write poetry without having studied it in college or a master's program? Do I want to emulate my favorite writers or be different? Should I submit to more than one publication at a time? Should I edit once and call it quits or keep editing? 

I could go on and on with the choices writers must make. The quote tells us that all kinds of other things in our life are not responsible for the decisions we make. I would add another thought. I do believe that we are responsible for all our decisions and choices, but some of those things listed--your parents, past relationships, jobs, the economy, or your age--enter into the choices you make. Your life experiences make you the person you are and help form the decisions you make. 

We do have many choices in our writing lives. Whether you are prone to a negative or a positive outlook makes a whale of a difference in the choices we make. 

When you are in decision mode, it helps to make two lists. One for the pluses and the other naming the minuses of whatever it is you are trying to decide. Don't just think about it, make an actual list., one you can read a number of times. Letting it flit through your mind and actually reading the list numerous times will make a big difference in the final choice you make. 

A friend might be able to help you, but in the end, making decisions or choices comes down to you and no one else. Once you've made up your mind, go with it. Don't berate yourself if the choice turns out to be a poor one. We don't all bat a thousand with our decisions. 

Writers Make Lots of Decisions

Today's quote is true in about every part or phase of our life. It works the same in our writing life. 

As writers, we make many small decisions during the actual writing. We must decide what a character will look like or act like. The little things we choose to add to that character could make a good story even better. Small but important details. Will it change your life? Most likely not but it will bring you the status of being a 'better writer.'

We have to make up our mind whether the outcome of the story will be sad or glad. Isn't it great that we, as writers, have the power to make the story end any way we want it to? Susie Q next door isn't going to make that little decision. Monty, the mailman, isn't going to choose the ending. You are!

A piece of dialogue might give you problems. Changing it just the tiniest bit can make all the difference. A flat line becomes strong with a small change. Don't be afraid to make the change. 

What if you receive a critique on a story you've written and there are multiple spots that the critiquer has marked that could use changing in some way. Maybe you've used far too many passive, weak verbs. Making the small decision to change all of them could let you end up with a far stronger story. Yes, it's a small thing--to follow what the critiquer suggested but you could end up reaping big benefits.

How about the stories you wanted to submit to a paying publication but were afraid they weren't good enough? Making that little decision to do so could result in selling your story. Maybe not ever time but now and then. If you are too hesitant to submit, nothing will get published. We, as writers, must make that effort or everything we write will gather dust in files. 

There are many writers, many people actually, who have trouble making decisions. They cringe at the thought, think of every little thing that might go wrong and back down completely. Not making a decision is worse than making a bad decision. If you don't try, you'll never know what might have happened. Start with the little decisions and move on up the ladder to the bigger ones. Maybe you'll see results and maybe not but that's alright. Life isn't perfect.

Writers Have Decisions To Make

Writers face decisions every day. 

• What is the best market for my latest story? 
• Which editor is going to be the most receptive to what I've written?
• Should I kill this character or just maim him?
• Should I attend a writer's conference even if I can't really afford it?
• Do I leave all the cliches in my latest writing or replace them?
• Should I take a writing workshop online?
• Do I begin a major project or keep on with smaller ones?
• How much time should I spend reading about writing?
• Should I give up writing or continue?
• Should I join a critique group?
• Should I self-publish or make the rounds of publishing houses?

The list above cites merely a few of the everyday decisions a writer must make. Our poster quote today points out that even small decisions can change our lives. That's true. It's also true that many writers agonize over the daily decisions they are called on to make. 

The pain involved is not worth it. Some decisions can be made rather quickly while others take longer. The big ones deserve the time to make a wise choice. An old method that is worthwhile is to make a list of the pros and cons. Which side is heaviest? Are there items in the con list that might be harmful or hurt the feelings of someone? Does the pro side show you that your decision might have a positive effect on your writing life? Don't just write the pros and cons--evaluate them. 

While some decisions can change your life forever, you have no way of knowing how things will turn out when you choose one way or another. We must make many of our writing world decisions on blind faith. Sometimes we hit it right and others we fail miserably. It's a rare person who will make all decisions correctly. Not many 100% papers on this. If you make a decision that turns out wrong, don't beat yourself up over it. Move on! 

The main thing is to give some careful thought to your decisions. Don't be too hasty. You can play the What if...? game when making up your mind as to what direction you will follow. What will the consequences be if this thing or that does not work out? Is it worth taking a chance? 

You and you alone can decide what path to take, even if you discuss the situation with someone else or several someones. It's still your call in the end. It's every writer's hope that he/she can look back later and say I'm glad I did that.