This week Tara is hosting a Self Lovin' Bloghop. It's really easy for writers to get down on themselves. With the rejection we encounter, the fact that there's always a different part of the craft we can improve, it can be depressing.
But there's reasons why we're writers. Reasons we endure the solitude, the hours of work with no pay, the fact that our family and friends may not understand what we do. And those reasons are because we love it, and because we're good at it.
Each of us have something we're good at. Did your English teacher exclaim over your descriptions? Do your beta readers Oooh over your characterization?
This week we're celebrating our skill as a writer.
One thing I can do well is dialogue. It wasn't always that way. I had to work hard, but now it's comfortable and I get a lot of comments on how natural it sounds. It feels good to own what I can do. To ignore all the things I'm still struggling with and say here, this is what I've learned.
What have you learned, what are you good at?
Yes, you're right that it's easy to get down on ourselves. I'm pretty good with dialogue too. And staying positive, I won't say what I'm bad at.
ReplyDeleteI'm good with world-building. Still working on dialogue ;)
ReplyDeleteOhhhh... this is cool. I like this, Sara. Hmmm... I think I'm good at creating a mood on the page... :)
ReplyDeleteAn awesome idea for a hop and I think it's great to highlight your strengths instead of always focusing on your weaknesses. Dialogue is a tough nut to crack, so mastering it it quite a feat.
ReplyDeleteThere will always be things to work on, but it's nice to focus on what we've already learned just to keep ourselves from quitting.
DeletePointing out the positive in our own writing is so important. I'd say something I've grown in is voice. My first stories lacked it completely, so it's an area I see improvement in.
ReplyDeleteDialogue is an excellent thing to be good at--and I think you were always pretty good with it. :)
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Tara. Excellent idea for a blog hop!
DeleteWow, I wasn't finished, lol.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining--and rejoining!--my bog hop. It runs all week in case anyone else would like to join in!
Hi, Sara,
ReplyDeleteGreat you've accomplished such an amazing feat. Dialogue is difficult for most writers. I'm fortunate to be good at it as well. But my major strength is creating the mood. Setting the stage.
Well done, Sara. I was looking forward to this post of yours.
ReplyDeleteHope I didn't disappoint. :)
DeleteAs a nonfiction writer, I like to think I'm good at writing something which other people can get something out of, no matter the topic. That's the point and goal at least. A great post on finding our strengths.
ReplyDeleteYou are good at that, I've read some of you pieces. You make subjects instantly relate-able.
DeleteOoh, you're right about that Sara - I like your dialogue :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's something I still struggle with sometimes. I worry that my characters sound like dorks!
You're right! You are good with dialogue, Sara!
ReplyDeleteDialogue and emotion. I used to struggle with emotion, but then I took a great workshop and everything clicked.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea behind this blog hop!
Emotion can be tricky. That's a great talent to have!
DeleteI think things that we have worked hard to master are some of the most satisfying. Dialogue can certainly be tricky!
ReplyDeleteVery true, we always appreciate the things that we have to work for.
DeleteAwesome! Dialog can be tricky, especially since you really have to get into the character's head, but it's epic when done right. Some of my favorite dialog writers and Cassandra Claire and Dean Koontz. Some day I want to be like them.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on character arcs right now. Main characters should have a powerful alteration through their journey, right?
This is an awesome hop :) I love that you chose something you worked hard to get good at - it's impressive that you were dedicated and able to improve, AND awesome that you now count it as a strength :)
ReplyDeleteI like to think I'm good with dialogue. I struggle with description but I'm getting better. It's not quite like pulling teeth any more. Quite. ;)
ReplyDeleteDialogue is such an important skill to master! And when it's good, it's awesome! Loving this hop and everyone's talents (that I need to steal, haha!).
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thank you for giving us a break in thinking about all the ways one can improve and all the ways our work may not be perfect and asking ourselves to call out that we are writers. Passionate writers who undoubtedly have become good at a part (or many parts) of the craft.
ReplyDeleteAnd hooray for good dialogue! ;)
This is a fun idea! I've been told I write good action scenes. :) I'm jealous that you're strong at dialogue. That's a great skill! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been writing for more years than most people have been alive. I could write a book on what I've learned and am still learning. It's scary to think that I have lots left to learn. I also think it's good when we work at what our weakest strengths are. Makes us better writers, for sure.
ReplyDeleteDialogs is the thing that can make or break a novel for me!!! It's so, so important for me.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely a solitary profession. Although I suppose in a way, you're sharing your thoughts with the world. It's just a little bit of a time delay!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Sara. Sounds like you're good with dialogue.
ReplyDeleteHooray for dialogue. I came to this wacky writing world via playwriting so I have a special place in my heart for great dialogue.
ReplyDelete