In response to criticism of your writing, be aware there is always a way to make something work even if your critics say it’s insane to try. It’s always always about the execution.
“Too descriptive?” “Too purple?” Try reading Robin McKinley or Patricia McKillip and tell me description and flowery writing can’t work.
“Too low-stakes?” The entire field of cozy fantasy laughs at the very idea. Check out Legends and Lattes if you haven’t yet.
“Not enough description?” I used to read Patricia Wrede books where I still too this day don’t know what anyone looks like. Don’t care.
“Too violent/gross?” The field of horror would like a word.
“Too unoriginal?” Baby, people are still writing the same tropes and getting published. Tiktok loves that stuff, as I understand it.
“Too long?” Have you seen Johnathan Strange and Mr. Norrell? That puppy was a debut!
“Too short?” Flash fiction. Short stories. Novellas.
I could keep going. The point is, it’s not what you do that makes your writing sing but HOW you do it.
Unfortunately, figuring out how can take a lifetime!
This whole interview is gold but I specially loved this bit. I’m a notorious older sister (my parents’ home videos all show small solemn bespectacled me with a book in one hand and a little sibling’s hand in the other) but I’d never thought to correlate that with my writing. Yet it’s so true. Come with me. We’re going together.
Constant reader, even as you comfort yourself that reason must prevail, you discover a painting in the attic, and in it an image of yourself, running from a mansion.
All I’m asking for is a small countryside manor with a giant library and intricately carved wooden accents everywhere that I can put gorgeous wallpaper and art in. And maybe a big clawfoot tub.
Writer of lovely & strange fantasy stories, with publications in Uncanny, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, The Deadlands, Fireside, & others.
Tweeting about writing @JordanRTaylor13
Author Website @ jordantaylorwrites.com
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