As TL points out in her post, writing can be lonely work. It can leave you staring at your work going "gah, this sucks!" It can make you a little crazy... :) But it's important to emphasize those things that you actually are good at. If only because we can all be a little too hard on ourselves. Am I right?
To be perfectly honest, I hate talking about myself. Even coming up with something here is difficult. Self promotion absolutely kills me. I put a smile on and try to be positive about my books and my work, but there's always a part of me inside (and most days this part is overwhelmingly most of me) that's absolutely certain everything I've written is utter crap. That there's a reason why my sales and amazon rankings stink. (I'm really not fishing for compliments here, just being honest.) So, attempting to think of something that I actually feel I do well? It kind of makes me think of everything I don't do well. Which is just utterly backward in so many ways.
And completely defeats the purpose of this hop!
So, yeah, something that I think I sometimes do decently? Opening lines. I can write a really decent opening line, sometimes if I'm lucky, opening paragraph. Openings are my favorite part and I love putting something together fun and attention grabbing. Now, if only the rest of the book went so well....
What about you? What are you good at when it comes to your writing, or just in general?
Hi, Meradeth! Writing an opening line is a terrific and really helpful strength to have. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm good at grammar. So when I revise, I have major work to do on the big stuff, but at least I don't have to bother with line edits so much!
Hope you're having a great week!
Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines
I so wish I had that talent! I rely on my CP's and copy editor SO much!!
DeleteI'm a sucker for a good hook. I loved yours in Colors Like Memories. It totally grabbed me. In fact, there was a time that's all I obsessed about in writing. (Ah the season we go through.)
ReplyDeleteLet's see...my strengths? I've always been a little (lottle) poetic, so metaphor, similie and imagery are like breathing. It took a while to realize how I could implement those strengths into my prose, but who doesn't love something a little lyrical, eh?
I adore poetic writing--that's an amazing talent to have!
DeleteGirl, I want you to stop beating yourself up this instant. You hear me? :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are a fabulous writer who is not afraid to tackle challenging subject matter. I salute your courage and your willingness to go beyond the fluff and write something heartfelt and meaningful.
From one fellow Amazon bottom dweller to another, if more people were exposed to your work I KNOW they would feel the same way about your talent like we do! *HUGS*
Thanks, Faith, this means a lot to me. Today has been a really hard one, so it's much appreciated!!
DeleteMan, the more blogs I visit on this hop, the more I think Tara is a genius!! We writers mostly really hate promoting and talking about ourselves, and we're all given to lots of self-bashing (myself SO MUCH included!!) It's good for us to try to do something different! And writing good openers is a FANTASTIC skill. A lot of people have to write and rewrite and rewrite their openings to make them attention-grabbing!
ReplyDeleteOh, I definitely have to re-write mine a million times, but I eventually end up with something interesting...I hope :) Now if only the rest of the novel were good!
DeleteI am sooo jealous! I have 16 WIP's and one (count them--1!!) has what I think is a snappy opening line! Ugh, that is a skill I'd love to have. You're a lucky woman!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for joining. I'm doing a follow up post on an observation about this hop soon, too. It's been interesting, and that's all I'll say for the moment.
I'm going to be really looking forward to your observation post!
DeleteLove that line. I'm sure my wife will be kicking mine if I go first. I'm good at eating. Does that count?
ReplyDeleteHah! That definitely counts. It's a true talent :)
DeleteOpening lines can be daunting, so it's a wonderful skill to have! I agree that writing can sometimes be lonely. I try to change my environment up sometimes and try and write in coffee shops or the library. Keep at it!
ReplyDeleteI love writing in coffee shops--especially those with good eavesdropping haha! :)
DeleteWow, I'm in awe of that talent. Openings are so, so difficult for me.
ReplyDeleteThey're absolutely not easy, and I only wish the rest of my book would actually be okay.
DeleteMaybe you can help me with opening lines ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm always happy to help, though I don't know how helpful I'd be!
DeleteOpening lines are so important! That's a fabulous ability. Care to share a bit with me? ;-)
ReplyDeleteOnly if I can get a little something in return ;)
DeleteI struggle with openings. I usually slap anything down... I usually have the idea, it's the execution that always needs revising. I probably revise chapter one a few hundred times, especially the first line. I should borrow you. lol
ReplyDeleteGetting a good opening always requires a ton of revision, but I love getting it *just* right :)
DeleteMeradeth, I am with you. I HATE talking about myself. Being good at leads rocks! Hooray for you. I think I'm decent at dialog since I came from the world of playwriting.
ReplyDeleteDialogue is such an awesome strength!!
DeleteHmmm, the first thing that comes to mind for me is humour.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely have that strength!
DeleteYes! I've always thought your opening line for CLM is fantastic! It was the first thing I noticed when I was on Amazon, that someone had commented on it, so I read it and was like- Dang, they're right.You couldn't not read on after reading it. As for me, umm, I think I'm good at battle scenes. Maybe... Dunno, but they're fun to write!
ReplyDeleteBattle scenes are SO hard for me! I'm totally going to have to pick your brain sometime :)
Delete= Nora
ReplyDeleteHey, you're being too hard on yourself. You've published three books, for pity's sake :) and I know more will come. It's late, and I'm off to bed, but I hope things get looking better to you soon!
Thanks, Nora. I am really not trying to sound horrible, just having quite a day/week/semester (take you're pick :). We really should get together soon!
DeleteWe all feel the way you do sometimes, which is exactly the reason that this hop is so important. You do write great opening lines and interesting characters! Don't forget your photography talents and amazing necklace making skills! I get compliments every time I wear my beautiful necklace. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you like the necklace :) And thank you!!
DeleteYou do ROCK the opening lines, girl!!
ReplyDeleteI am good at grammar. Boring--ho hum! LOL! ;)
lol, not boring at all! It's a gift!!
DeleteAwwwww...thanks! <3
DeleteI love reading awesome opening lines :)
ReplyDeleteI love writing them!
DeleteOpenings are a totally necessary skill! It's what hooks the reader, right? :-)
ReplyDeleteI definitely hope so!
Delete