Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Prejudices within the Writer #IWSG

The community of writers is a special one. It’s full of insane, generous people who have chosen writing as a pastime—or perhaps writing chose them. However, we’re not immune to prejudices—mostly against ourselves.

There’s a common belief that there are classes of writing. The good, the bad and the ugly. The literary, the genre and the first draft. Like all prejudices, they only damage. Not all writing needs to change the world. Not all of it needs to dig deep to uncover truths meant to change a person’s life. And not all of it needs to be perfect at every stage.

I’m a genre writer, my favourite being anything speculative. In some circles, science fiction and fantasy lack a certain kudos that literary works hold. Romance writers seem to be on the back foot as well and let’s not talk about the poor horror writers. Not only that, it’s easy to get fooled into thinking you’ll never be good enough, never get noticed by a publisher, and certainly never hit the bestsellers lists. That only happens to the lucky people.

Well, excuse my language, but pish posh to prejudices! Don’t let yourself lose focus. When I returned to the roots of why I started writing in the first place, I was suddenly okay with being a genre writer.

Writing is a form of expression that’s crucial to my sanity. It doesn’t matter what type of stories I create. It doesn’t matter that my work won’t turn into classics for generations to come. All I need to do is cast aside the damaging prejudices that are both contagious and toxic, and write what I love.

How about you?

This post was written for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. To join or check it out, click HERE.

Also we, at the IWSG, have a special announcement for the IWSG anniversary coming up. Stay tuned!! (Psst, it's super exciting).

And for those of you who have joined the IWSG Facebook Group, we've turned Fridays into promo day when you can share your links to your books, blogs or whatever you'd like to promote, or simply share any great news you might have.

Note: my main computer died (thus no pics in this post). The harddrive went boom. I'm not a happy camper. Luckily I can write anywhere (yay for crappy old laptops). Unluckily, however, it means my game project is on hold. Sigh. 

111 comments:

Terri Tiffany said...

Oh I love your thoughts! I never thought about the writing prejudices. You are so right! Writing is writing.

Pat Hatt said...

Pish posh is bad language? Damn I've been doing it wrong lol

There are many indeed, there will always be those with the stick up their bum, but write what we feel we must and screw them.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sorry about your computer!
You're right - no prejudices. Why should us speculative fiction writers feel inferior? What I write isn't going to change anyone's world and I'm all right with that. If I entertained, that's good enough.
And if my books can become best sellers, anyone's book can!

Luanne G. Smith said...

I'm tired of seeing writers throw mud at each other over genre or because of the publication path they choose. It's hard enough, no matter what we're writing, we don't need grief from each other too.

Trisha said...

I so agree that it's essential to write what you want to write, and because you want to, rather than trying to write to please a certain audience or a certain notion of what "good" writing is.

I am a genre writer as well, and I love reading it too.

Denise Covey said...

Say Lyn, such offensive language -- pish posh to prejudices! Love it! I think the opinion that you write what you want to read, or you write what you want to know more about...but most importantly, you write what you want to write. I think if we write to a trend, a fad, which we're not really into, we'll never succeed. Here's to whatever success we wish for ourselves in the writing world. No place for genre snobs.

I love Bryce Courtney -- not all his novels, but especially The Power of One. Was talking to a South African lady in a coffee shop recently and the novel came up. 'Oh, no, I don't read popular fiction. I only read literary fiction.' Good luck with that!!

Stephen Tremp said...

Hi Lynda, I've been there trying to post when your main computer is no longer there for you.

And I don't worry at all about genres. I let me editor classify my books for me. I just write without hinderances or borders.

Rachna Chhabria said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rachna Chhabria said...

Sorry about your computer Lyn. Hope your computer problems are sorted out soon. I find it quite irritating when some agents specify that they don't want to represent genre books or fantasy or horror. I wonder then how these stupid prejudices came about.

And why should every story try to change the world. Isn't it enough that people are entertained by it?

SK Anthony said...

Oh my gosh, this is fantastic. And so true. I think I needed to read this right now because I've been questioning . . . well, everything. But you're right, its okay to be a genre writer and to write for ourselves. Sigh. I feel better right now lol

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

And we get the most satisfaction from writing the stories closest to our hearts.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

That's right, Pat, you need to break loose once in a while and really let 'em have it, language-wise ;)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I think entertainment does change the world, especially if it puts a smile on a person's face. Unfortunately the value of a smile is often underestimated.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I totally agree, especially because we start to believe all the nonesense ourselves.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yep, we need to accept our 'voice'.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

My apologies for the offensive language, but I get so riled sometimes (giggle).

That reader you chatted to is missing out. And it makes me sad.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's good to hear your contentment in the type of stories you write.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's human nature to classify, qualify and organise into neat little packages. It's the way we think and even the way we look at things, physically--something I learned while studying artistic compositions.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Your comment makes me deeply happy.

Murees Dupè said...

I love your honesty, it is so refreshing. I agree, write the stories you love. I used to worry about what others will think of me being a romance writer, but these days I don't care anymore. I enjoy writing them so that is what counts to me. Great post.

Natalie Aguirre said...

So sorry about your computer. I just fixed mine by resetting it to factory settings.

I hope the prejudices go away especially with all the genre writing that's popular in MG and YA.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

What's wrong with being a genre writer? Genre books are what I prefer to read anyway. And if people are enjoying them, that's what matters.

Miranda Hardy said...

Well, I'll ignore all the prejudices and continue on my journey. Life is too short.

DEZMOND said...

just a thought of a dead computer gives me deepest of creeps....

Suze said...

'Well, excuse my language, but pish posh to prejudices!'

:D

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I focus on the story, the writing style, the voice, the characters. If I am intrigued, I will investigate, no matter the genre. I've discovered a number of great reads that way. :)

Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption

Bish Denham said...

I've read/been told that anthropomorphic stories are just not the thing to write. But do I care? No! Why? Because I love reading and writing them!

Unknown said...

"It's Dead Jim!" R.I.P.
I write for me and my enjoyment, so I hope I have no prejudices.

Unknown said...

Prejudice, in any form, is difficult. I get annoyed when people roll their eyes when I tell them I write women's fiction, as if stories about women's lives are less important than other stories. I see the same thing when my writing buddy talks to people about her speculative novels. We write what we write, and hopefully entertain people.
Elizabeth Hein - Scribbling in the Storage Room

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

Sorry about your computer. Love "push posh". I must remember to say that and say it often. I'm sorry there is such a prejudice about genre fiction. I write a little of everything: some literary, some genre, some poetry, and I read everything. I have a whole stack of mystery novels next to some poetry and short story collections. I couldn't give up reading any of them, they all give me a different kind of pleasure.

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

That was supposed to be love "pish posh" :-)

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I'm a genre writer and proud of it! I've also been around long enough to notice that many prejudices are fading. Remember when if you were self-published you were delusional? I remember when Canadian agents and publishers would only publish literary works. LOL. My publisher's site says that still. Makes me laugh because I'm one of their authors and I'm not a literary writer. Happy IWSG Lyn. Sorry about your bad computer. I beg mine to behave every Monday morning regardless.

ELAdams said...

I write MG and YA in all sub-genres of fantasy, and I have no intention of writing what's "respected". As long as my readers enjoy my books, I'm happy! :)

Michelle Wallace said...

Oh Lyn, you really hit a nerve!
I've always had this feeling that some people regard flash fiction as the 'stepchild' of the literary family... and somehow 'inferior' to the full length novel! When people ask: what do you write? The answer: flash fiction. Then someone will say: oh, we thought you are writing a story? *confused look on person's face* As if FF pieces are not stories...
(Sorry about the computer troubles...)

Crystal Collier said...

I hear you! It took a number of years to come to terms with what I like writing, especially for myself. BUT, once I got there I was in heaven. Still am. In fact, I like my cloud throne, almost as much as my cheese throne. ;)

Mark said...

I've found that most categories are artificial. I simply write and let someone else tell me what genre they think it is. That being said, I read everything:)

J.L. Campbell said...

Lynda,
I hope you get your pc working again soon.
Too true that some genres aren't considered respectable, but it never ceases to make me smile when a reader who enjoyed a story I wrote tells me how much they liked the characters and how the novel unfolded. Writing anything but what we love will eventually sap our creativity.

LuAnn @ BackPorchervations said...

Oh yes, such language! Shocking!!! *ROFL*

I don't think of it as "oh, I'm going to write a cozy mystery" or whatever, it is more just starting. And when that station comes on...you know the one, with well-meaning friends and acquaintances say, "you should do this instead" (on infinite loop) I've learned somewhat to turn it down or tune it out.

cleemckenzie said...

I want to scream when people say things like, "I don't read young adult (which happens to what I write primarily) because it's all about romance." No It's Not!

The problem is if you don't put your writing into a category, the bookstores won't know where to shelve it (hard copy or virtual). It's all about business and not about creativity.

Here's to getting that computer up and running. Mine's about to quit, so will have to take some time to sort that out and soon.

Unknown said...

You made me laugh - "pish-posh" - yes, you're excused for your dreadful language. Almost all my CPs write genre and they're great writers - I'm proud of them. But I have a friend who isn't a writer who dislikes spec-fic. She only reads "realistic" novels and won't read mine. It's OK. To each his own. :)

Michael Di Gesu said...

This is great, Lynda! You are so right. We all need to enjoy writing and create what we do best, no matter what the genre, There is EXCELLENT writers in all these groups.

Each of us can learn so much when we step out of our chosen genres and write in another... That is why I ENJOY writing my intros so much. I get to experience writing in genres I never would have dreamed of exploring. This way I get a taste of all... and it's awesome!

I think, as an assignment we should all write a flash fiction piece in a genre we never would write in and do a hop or something.... What do you think?

IT would certainly open up the eyes of those who are prejudice.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Sorry about the computer. I write what I'd like to read. I have some serious opinions of what is called literary fiction and the snobbery that sometimes goes with that.

M Pax said...

We need to give up our prejudices and ignore those of others. Writers are writers. There's a lot of prejudice as to how one is published these days that has to go away too. The industry is changing. We have to be flexible.

Jennifer Hawes said...

I agree, we should write for the sake of writing and keeping our sanity! I think when we think too hard, we lose our love of writing.

Chemist Ken said...

I'll admit that the writing came easier for me once I realized I should worry more about pleasing myself than trying to please an editor who might be more worried about the rules of writing than I am.

Sorry to hear about the delay in the game project.

Carrie-Anne said...

I feel really offended when I read a book review or blog post by a contest judge that outright states, "I don't like historical," "I don't normally read historical, but...," "Will I consider historical? Nope," etc. I know mine is currently an unpopular genre, but couldn't you just politely list which genres you don't feel qualified to judge, or just list the genres you are willing to critique or that you like? I'd never say something like, "I don't normally like high epic fantasy" or "I hate YA paranormal romance" if I knew some of the people reading that post might indeed love those genres.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this! It's something I've been struggling with for a while and it's great to read posts such as this.

Loni Townsend said...

Pish posh to prejudices! Here here!

Loni

Nana Prah said...

I think you may have scandalized me with your language. Lol. Your post tend to be inspirational and practical. Thank you for that. My hand is raised in the air as I proclaim "Write what I love" Yeah!

Juneta key said...

Great post. Funny, I am trying my hand at short story in Horror genre for an anthology submission at Charon Coin Press. It is very different from the fantasy and sci-fi fantasy I normally write. It has also been fun. I agree with the comment above very inspirational post.

Juneta at Writer's Gambit

emaginette said...

What a wonderful thing to say. Everyone needs to read this. :-)

Anna from Shout with Emaginette

Cathrina Constantine said...

Well written and well spoken! Thank You, Lynda!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

There's a freedom in not caring what other people think

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I fixed mine by marrying an IT expert who does heaps of extra backups and knows how to get the computer back up and running, although apparently I did a good job and it's still not up and running. Sigh.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Genre books are the most popular so I don't get the prejudices either.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

exactly right!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yeah, it's a worry, thank goodness for my hubby who knows how to fix these things.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm such a potty mouth... ;)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Same. I used to read exclusively fantasy, but I've branched out so much that the only genre I won't read is erotica.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

There's a market for every story. It's just a matter of finding it.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

"...but not as you know it." ;)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

The people who roll their eyes are missing out.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Hehe, glad you like pish posh. And it's awesome to hear your broad range of reading and writing.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It is good to see some of the prejudices fading, though they aren't gone altogether. Yet.
Happy IWSG to you too.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Happy readers=happy writers.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I've seen similar responses toward flash fiction, yet to write good FF takes skill.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Won't your cheese throne get jealous and turn... nasty?

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

reading everything is important, even for genre writers.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Joy. And yes, when a reader loves one of our stories, it's so worth it.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

ah, yes, I'm all too familiar with that station ;)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Don't leave it too late to sort out your computer.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thank you for excusing me. You are too kind :)
And yes, it's about finding the right audience/readership.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

That's a great idea for a hop!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

There is a wonderful, freeing simplicity to "I write what I'd like to read."

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

At least the prejudices behind the 'how' are slowly fading.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yes, we can think ourselves into a hole. Never a good thing.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm a rule breaker, so I love your statement.

Hopefully my game project will get back on track soon.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I've received comments like that from past critique partners. Never easy to hear when you aren't asking them to judge the genre. But it shows how subjective it all is.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's heartening to hear this post might have helped.

Anonymous said...

I know the prejudices are around. Even some literary works have been looked down on. We need to realize it's all subjective and that we must write and let our ideas free.

Toi Thomas said...

What a bummer about your computer and game project. I hate when circumstances beyond my control interfere with my plans. It’s good, though, that you had an old laptop to fall back on.

I’m a multi-genre writer, but I feel I do best when deviling into spec-fic and sci-fi. Sometime it is disheartening knowing that what I write will only appeal to a very small audience, but I can’t change what I write. I write what comes to me.

Anonymous said...

I've finally gotten to the point that I'm writing what I really love and not what I think I ought to be writing. If only I believed there were people who want to read what I want to write (planetary sci-fi with psychic 'magic' and dragon-like creatures with names like 'Einigkeit').

Anonymous said...

Lynda, so sorry about your computer. Hope things get straightened out soon.

S.P. Bowers said...

Hear hear! It used to bother me that my writing wasn't 'literary' and probably wouldn't become a classic. So what? I'm the only person who can write what I write. It's me. And that's good enough.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I love your enthusiasm :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

A little scandal is good for you ;)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Personally I think horror is one of the more difficult genres to write. Best of luck with your short story.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Anna

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Aw, thanks so much, Cathrina

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

So true. Understanding and accepting the subjective nature of anything creative will help to let those ideas free too.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yep, I think we have to love what we write.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm sure there are people who love that sort of thing. You just have to find them.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Susanne. I hope so too.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Excellent point about you being the only one who can write your stories. And yes, it's not only good enough, but it's the way it should be.

DWei said...

Horror? Really? Then why is Stephen King so widely revered.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Not counting the already established bestseller authors eg King, Koontz etc

Vanessa Morgan said...

It's indeed nothing but prejudices. Most romance and horror fans believe literature is boring. Who's right? Every genre has its right to exist.

Carol Kilgore said...

So sorry your computer died. Happened to mine last fall. No fun. I agree - write what you love to read and the stories you want to tell.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It all comes down to the taste of the readers and there's such a wide variety of tastes.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

My computer is up and running--except for Word, lol. Typical!!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Prejudice within the professions is a sad thing isn't it?

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

yes indeed.

Carol Riggs said...

Well said. Readers enjoy all types of books--not everything has to mean something profound. Isn't having readers enjoy a book a profound experience in itself, w/o having to change the world and be on the NYT bestseller list? I think so!

Crystal Collier said...

Oh... Good point. I better not tell the cheese throne about the clouds. =)

Margo Kelly said...

Yes, writing is crucial to my sanity also, and I agree with what you said: "It’s full of insane, generous people..." I love the support that we give to each other as often as possible regardless of any prejudices.

Blue Grumpster said...

So right... Not all writing needs to change the world, Lynda.

Your game project is on hold... How depressing. I'm sorry to hear that.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I love that--yes, it is a profound experience to have readers enjoy a book. The world could always do with more joy.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Isn't it wonderful? :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's back in the running!! Hubs got the computer working again. Yay!!

Lorena said...

Excellent post, Lynda. I feel like writers must fight prejudices (not only from others, but also their own) every day, not to mention the incessant pressure to write something meaningful, outstanding, original, complex, you name it, all the time. Thanks for reminding me it doesn't have to be that way.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

And thank goodness it doesn't have to be that way!