Ever run across an author that makes you sit back and think, wow, that was a great story? I loved the prose. I wish I could write like that!
If you are a writer, you probably critically analyze the work of other authors. And you probably have some favorite authors, those you enjoy so much you wish you had their talent.
Well, their talent is theirs and can’t be transferred to you through any amount of osmoses. In fact, your favorite author couldn’t even give you his or her talent even if they wanted to. Sorry, talent is non-transferrable.
The upside, of course, is that you own your own talent and the ability to develop the skills necessary to make your writing shine.
I have many favorite authors. I used to think I wanted to write like them. I later realized that I was trying to achieve an unrealistic and rather naïve goal. The reality is, I believe I have a unique style and talent all my own that with skill and polish will make me an author many readers will discover and enjoy reading.
Earlier in this post, I spoke about being critical of or trying to emulate other authors. The real issue is, we are often more critical of ourselves to the point we lose faith and momentum in our writing. I say, trust your talent and become one of those authors who makes readers think wow!
I like this post because I too often want to write like someone else instead of being confident in my own writing style. So thank you for posting this information. It was a great help. Bonnie
I used to feel like I wanted to write like others but I’ve found it to be rewarding to finally realize I have my own way of writing and I’m becoming more familiar with it every time I put pen to paper, and hopefully by embracing myself I will improve.