Self-Control

Some of you know the fruits of the spirit, yes? Well, one of those fruits is the topic of our discussion today.

Self-Control

Possibly more than anything we've discussed so far, writers need self control. If we don't have it, our work goes a little haywire.

Okay, more than a little.

But with it, everything can fall into place. The story can be what it wants to be.


With that in mind, four particular places in which writers need self control:

1. Characterization

Sometimes, our characters TALK. Sometimes they're a little crazy. Sometimes they don't want to do what they're supposed to do. 

Self control in this area is where we find the will to nix whatever it is that's getting in the way. A lot of the time, that means not writing down our characters rant-like monologues or their strange eating habits that might (but probably won't) at some point make some sort of strange sense in the story, because really, it all comes out for the better if we control ourselves and remove what needs removing.

I've yet to meet anyone who likes doing it, and yet, we all still do it when it needs doing.

2. Plotlines

Crazy plotlines thrive within the minds of most women I've ever met. Have you spoken to a woman during her time of the month? Then you'll know what I mean. We can go a little nutso. Not all of us, mind you, but a great many. (Don't worry, guys do it too, they just don't have something to blame it on)

We can get a little crazy. We know it, and we're okay with it (for the most part).

It's self control that helps us to not insert too much of the crazy into the writing. Guys, this goes for you too. I know you. Many of you are just as crazy as women, if not more so. Do not -- I repeat, DO NOT -- insert all of the crazy into your stories. Some is okay. We like some crazy. We don't like insanity.

I trust you'll all agree. 

3. Wording

How many of you are word abusers? I'll admit, I used to be one. I used more words in certain instances than was entirely necessary, and I didn't care.

Now, however, I care.

Wordiness is one of writing's greatest enemies. Readers don't like to have to decipher that many words, nor do editors like trying to figure out what that many adjectives strung together is actually supposed to mean.

Control thyself, friends.

Use your words appropriately.

4. Organization

For many of us, this is the greatest of struggles. Organization is the enemy of many people, and I understand (although I'm not one of those people). But it is also the way that we're able to get things done and to get our stories written to where they actually make sense and no plot holes exist.

If you don't practice enough self control to keep yourself organized while you're writing, your work will suffer.

There's no maybe in there. It will.


The moral of the story is:

 Control your characters, your plotlines, and your wording by use of organization through self control, and you'll be good to go.

At least, you'll be good to go for this particular topic.

We'll see about the next one. *wink*

[love]

{Rani Divine}