Do you ever think about what special gift you have, as a writer that you bring to the table. We each have our own uniqueness. No matter what genre you write for, your individuality and style comes through in what you write. The thing that will set you apart from the crowd is YOU!
What unique thing do YOU bring to the table?
My office had a workshop once, where you had to circle on a chart, from 1-5, in the process of a project, could you see the whole picture. In other words, 1 would show that you can only see the beginnings of the picture or story, three would mean that you can see the picture and visualize all that is there, five would mean that you are able to see the whole picture and add a little something to it.
So, on the chart I didn’t circle anyone of these, I put an arrow after the five and extended it to the edge of the page. I had no idea at the time that they were collecting these pages and when the time came I had no choice but to turn mine in. We had a short break and when we all returned to the conference room, the presenter asked. “Where is Maeve?” I had a bad feeling when all eyes turned towards me and I raised my hand. The presenter asked me what I meant by my addition to the chart.
Here is what my response was:
“Well, I can see a picture or a project, and see beyond what is there. I can envision what the process might have been to create the picture or project, I can see all that is there, I can envision what could possibly come from it, whether it be something wonderful or what a “butt” ache it is going to be.” (in all honesty I didn’t use the word “butt”, but I think you can figure it out.) :)
The presenter told me that this is what I bring to the table, I bring my own individuality, insightfulness and a sense of humor with it. That is what I try to apply in my writing, my own individual style with a little sarcasm, a lot of hard work and a sense of humor. Once you figure out what your unique gift is, that is what will set you apart from the crowd.
So what is your gift?
Feel free to share when you leave a comment.
13 comments:
This is such a great reminder of our uniqueness. I love the arrow...now that is vision! I think my gift is my rawness and putting my emotions to paper. Have a great day!
I love the question. I'm not sure what the answer is. I might have to ask my critque partners what they see.
Hm...that's a hard question for me. I hope to think is the ability to keep my characters real. =)
What a wonderful post. I think it is so important for each person to find what her specialties are. It's so easy to read a wonderful story and think "I want to write like that." But it's more important to find your own strengths and contribute in your own ways.
I think my gift if my tenacity.
Wonderful answer Maeve. I love that you can see your "gift." That is important. I have a talent for seeing other people's gifts but I seem to be blind to my own. I need to work on that. I do realize that I am blind in my own writing which is why I try to block out my own vision of it and see it how someone else would - and also why I love the advice and feedback from my crit partners and beta readers.
Such a good question Maeve -- but challenging to answer. Like you, I am good with the big pictures, but I would probably say emotion. And, I write good endings. But, it's a little early for me, as I'm relatively new to this writing genre. I know my gifts as a journalist, but writing fiction is different. - Patricia
Cool that they accepted your individual answer vs. the numbers. Gift? My fear to act is pretty low, so I'm willing to work through any issue to get things done. Or, so I think.
I wish I knew what my unique gift is! I love your story - you gave a great answer!
I hope I have a knack for the cliffhanger ending on every chapter. The chapter doesn't feel complete to me unless I have the reader turn immediately to the next chapter.
Oh you couldn't be more right. I've been flitting about this year experimenting with all sorts and finally I am at my most fulfilled and happiest writing silly poems and picture books. So hopefully I will not wander off the path too much in future. Who doesn't love humor? Great post Maeve!
I love your answer. To be honest, I'm not sure what my unique gift is. I think I need to think about it some more.
It's very cool how you drew the arrow. I get compliments and critiques, which I'm grateful for, but I'd have to think hard about what my unique gifts are.
I saw your children's book reviews but this attracted me like a moth to the flame. What a hoot you must be in person. You don't just think outside the box; you think outside the room! I would assimilate your wit if I could. Please put some in your pumpkin cookies and ship it to my house right away.
Post a Comment