MASTERING THE CRAFT: THE EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS EVERY WRITER MUST EMBRACE
What makes for great writing?
This is one question I have made sure to ask every creative I have interviewed. While there are a thousand and one tips or ingredients that make a writing great, there is only one reason why creatives fail and will fail.
Evolution.
But, how does this concept of evolution apply to writers? Well, like any other form of art, writing is not immune to change. In fact, it thrives on it. Writing evolves with society, with culture and with technology. And just like any other organism, a writer who refuses to adapt and evolve their writing style or approach will face failure.
Many aspiring writers make the mistake of believing that once they have found their voice or writing style, they can stick with it forever. They become comfortable in their niche and resist any form of deviation or experimentation. They hold onto the belief that their tried and true methods will always be successful. But the truth is, the literary landscape is constantly shifting and what worked yesterday may not work today or even tomorrow.
Consider the writers of the past, those who are now considered literary giants. They did not achieve greatness by clinging to one formula or style. They constantly pushed boundaries, challenged conventions and embraced change. They were not afraid to take risks. They were not afraid to step out of their comfort zones and explore new territories in their writing. It is this willingness to evolve, that set them apart and allowed their work to stand the test of time.
Failure to evolve as a writer can manifest in many ways. One common pitfall is becoming stagnant. Stagnation occurs when a writer continues to produce the same type of work over and over again without any noticeable growth or experimentation. This leads to a sense of creative fatigue both for the writer and for their audience. Work becomes predictable, lacking in freshness and originality. Readers who are hungry for new ideas and perspectives quickly lose interest. They would have to move on to something more dynamic and engaging.
Another form of failure to evolve is resistance to technological advancements. In today’s digital age writers have unprecedented opportunities for exposure and connection with readers through the internet and social media. Yet, some writers stubbornly hold onto traditional methods and platforms. They dismiss the potential benefits of embracing technological tools. They may choose to stick with physical publications, refusing to adapt to digital formats or avoid engaging with online communities and readership. While there is value in preserving literary traditions, it is crucial for writers to recognize the importance of adapting to new modes of communication and distribution. Failing to do so can mean missing out on valuable opportunities to reach a wider audience and establish meaningful connections.
The fear of failure also plays a significant role in hindering a writer’s evolution. Many writers become so consumed with the fear of not being good enough or not measuring up to their own high expectations that they remain stuck. They become immobilized by self-doubt and the pressure to produce flawless work. This fear prevents them from experimenting from taking risks and from embracing change. They are reluctant to step outside of their comfort zones, fearing that any deviation from their established style or approach will result in rejection or criticism. This fear of failure becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy as they remain stuck in a cycle of mediocrity and missed opportunities.
Evolution as a writer requires openness, adaptability and a willingness to embrace change. It means constantly seeking new challenges experimenting with different genres or formats and pushing the boundaries of creativity. It means being open to feedback and criticism and using it as a tool for growth and improvement. It means recognizing that failure is not the end but rather a stepping stone towards progress and success.
So, how can a writer ensure their evolution?
First, it requires a commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. This can be achieved through reading and studying the works of other writers, attending workshops or writing courses and seeking constructive feedback from peers or mentors. Surrounding yourself with a community of supportive and like-minded individuals can provide invaluable guidance and inspiration.
Be open to embrace the unknown and step outside of your comfort zone. This is essential for growth. It can involve experimenting with different genres or writing styles, exploring new themes or subject matters or even trying your hand at unconventional forms of storytelling. It may feel uncomfortable or risky at first but it is through taking these leaps of faith that true evolution as a writer can occur.
And, it is crucial to cultivate resilience and perseverance. Writing is not an easy path. Be assured that setbacks and rejections are inevitable. But instead of letting these obstacles derail you, use them as motivation to improve and evolve. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and let it fuel your determination to keep going.
The key to success or failure as a writer lies in one’s ability to evolve. Just as Darwin’s theory of evolution applies to the natural world, it also applies to the world of writing. Writers who resist change and cling to outdated methods will ultimately face stagnation and extinction. But those who embrace evolution, constantly seeking growth and adaptation will find their work resonating with readers and standing the test of time.
Embrace the unknown take risks and keep evolving. Only then will you find lasting success as a writer.
Article was Written with the aid of AI
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