IWSG - Conflicting Advice

 

 

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

 

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Visit the main page on Alex's blog for the complete signup list!

This month I'm honored to be one of the co-hosts for IWSG, along with: Bob Milne, Julie Dao, and Sarah Foster.

Let go of your fears. Push through your fears. Embrace your fears.

I've heard all of these in discussions about writing and finally figured out they mean the same thing. It's all in how you look at it – is the glass half full or half empty? It's still a half glass of liquid, no matter what you call it. The difference lies in how you assimilate the message.

A good friend once had a discussion on his blog about putting your characters in the worst possible situation. I'd heard this before and complained in the comments that I automatically think of death as the worst situation and I can't kill my MC! He said something profound to me that clicked. He said, "Turn it around. Make death the best possible thing that can happen to your characters."

I can't remember if I ever properly thanked Jay Noel for his insight and wisdom, so if I didn't, THANK YOU, JAY!

That solution really cleared up the fog in my brain. Don't worry. More fog immediately replaced it. You don't have to worry about me suddenly making sense.

Can you think of any conflicting messages you've received where one way clicked better than the others, even though they all meant the same thing?
Remember to visit others on the IWSG list and share the love!