I appreciate that you break down not only what the "it" factor is, but how anyone can cultivate it with the right practice. I think that part of the equation often goes missing from these discussions. This piece is both clarifying and actionable. Thank you!
Huzzah for a spark, but Ima chasing a whole damn conflagration. I want a firestorm. So white-hot, you can't look away.
(I'm also writing the end of a thriller, so my brain is dealing with desperation and absolutes. Also: curses. Let's burn the fecker. Huzzah, Erin. Huzzah!)
This is such great advice and also inspiring. I've never been much of a believer in talent, per se. There is always room for talent, but more room for hard work. Your advice only confirms this belief.
'Don’t just read for story, read for structure, breath, voice, movement. Notice what you underline. Notice what you skip. Let other writers sharpen your instincts'. On-the-money advice, Erin. That subtle osmosis that informs the writing in, hopefully, the best possible way.
I appreciate that you break down not only what the "it" factor is, but how anyone can cultivate it with the right practice. I think that part of the equation often goes missing from these discussions. This piece is both clarifying and actionable. Thank you!
THANK YOU for this - this is so illuminating!
This is such a helpful, concrete breakdown of something that's very hard to describe!
Huzzah for a spark, but Ima chasing a whole damn conflagration. I want a firestorm. So white-hot, you can't look away.
(I'm also writing the end of a thriller, so my brain is dealing with desperation and absolutes. Also: curses. Let's burn the fecker. Huzzah, Erin. Huzzah!)
This is so enlightening - wish I'd read it a decade ago before I learned it the hard way!
If only there was a way to know how we measure up- I guess we all think we have at least a bit of “it”, or we’d quit trying.
This! I’ll be reading these words over and over just to soak them all in.
This is such great advice and also inspiring. I've never been much of a believer in talent, per se. There is always room for talent, but more room for hard work. Your advice only confirms this belief.
'Don’t just read for story, read for structure, breath, voice, movement. Notice what you underline. Notice what you skip. Let other writers sharpen your instincts'. On-the-money advice, Erin. That subtle osmosis that informs the writing in, hopefully, the best possible way.