AUTHOR'S CORNER:

WHAT I AM IS ALL I AM

There are many ways an aspiring author can approach this writing malarkey; they could try and copy what other authors do, copying their style, their genre and generally becoming just another copycat author who gets published because they fit the current trend but will never really be very well known!  They could be light-hearted authors who write about safe subjects and never venture to the world of hardcore imagination, because it is far too radical and way out there that they fear failing.  That's okay, but a little boring if you ask me!  Or finally, and this is my least favourite of the none adventurous author's attempt at writing seriously, they could go to writing classes and learn how to become a writer.... well if you think you  need writing classes, then baby, you better think twice about becoming a writer!

We would all love to be J.K. Rowling, and write in the unique way that she does; but that's just it, we are not J.K. Rowling, because God doesn't clone us!  And what makes her J.K. Rowling and not Mary from down the road, is precisely that; her uniqueness shines through in her writing.  There can only ever be one J.K. Rowling, and that is a fact!  But having said that, it doesn't mean that there can't be a Sarah French, or a Paul Smith.  You see my point is, holding back, or copycat writing, gets you nowhere because it isn't showing your true self.  And as a writer what is it that you have to offer if not your true self?  

When somebody picks up a book to read, they want to be taken down a journey which is unique and different, they want to explore your thought process and become a part of that wonderful world in you head for just a moment.  They want to read your crazy thoughts, they want to see your wild setting, they want to know how the heroin manipulates her lover, how the murderer plots his killing.  They want to be taken on an adventure which only you, crazy, radical, out there, you can provide!  They want to experience your emotions, feel your heart ache and love your passions.  They want you. you not a weakened version of another writer, not a cartoon representation of a trend...they want you, whoever you may be, because whatever you may be, is unique to you and you alone; you are the only one with that DNA!

So next time you are attempting to write; don't worry if your views are different, don't worry if your story is set on Mars, don't worry if you sound politically charged, or politically incorrect.  Don't worry if real people don't normally behave like your characters...if you give it any thought, you'll ruin your good work!  Don't worry, because if you are all you have to offer, then that's all you should be selling! Your talent comes from your uniqueness and your uniqueness stems from your mind and your mind is only a manifestation of you!