No one is born knowing how to write great prose. Like any other kind of specialized writing (ex., newspapers, academia, web, etc.), writing prose is a particular skill that can, and must, be learned. While Melanie and I were meeting to discuss our upcoming webinar about line writing, we started to share (horror) stories from the early days of our own literary careers and boy, are they doozies! Hoping that our mistakes might help you avoid the same pitfalls (or maybe just give you a good laugh) we hit the record button. I even share a sample from my own early work and, oh my! I blush at the thought of you hearing it… -V
(The following summary was generated by AI.)
Have you ever been told that your writing needs improvement, despite years of experience and a solid grasp of literacy? You’re not alone. In our latest podcast episode, Valerie and Melanie share their personal stories of confronting the harsh reality that literacy and prose writing are not one and the same.
Valerie opens up about her journey, admitting that despite her background in journalism and corporate communications, she had to start from scratch to truly understand what makes great prose. She shares her struggle with following misguided advice and spending a fortune on writing courses, only to realize she was being led astray.
Melanie, on the other hand, recounts the crushing feedback she received from a university tutor, which led her to abandon writing for nearly two decades. It wasn’t until her late 30s that she rediscovered her passion for writing, this time with a strategic approach. She analyzed junior fiction, practiced writing metaphors and similes, and painstakingly worked through multiple drafts of her book with the help of a trusted expert—Valerie.
Their stories are not just confessions but powerful lessons on the importance of recognizing and mastering prose writing as a distinct skill. They discuss the pitfalls of critique groups, the blind leading the blind, and the realization that pretty sentences do not equate to effective storytelling.
Most importantly, they emphasize the need for a mentor and the right resources, like William Strunk’s “The Elements of Style,” which Melanie candidly critiques. They also touch upon the influential yet not particularly useful “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” by Joseph Campbell.
For writers at all stages, this episode is an eye-opener. It’s a tale of resilience, learning, and the determination to succeed against all odds. Valerie and Melanie’s candidness about their struggles and triumphs is both inspiring and instructive.
And for those eager to delve deeper, they’re hosting a line writing webinar on March 28, promising to share the secrets you need to know about prose writing. If you’ve ever doubted your writing abilities or simply want to refine your craft, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a reminder that writing is not just about knowing the rules—it’s about engaging the reader with every sentence.
Join Valerie and Melanie as they guide you through the nuances of prose writing. Listen to the episode, and let it be the catalyst for your writing evolution. Who knows, you might just find the inspiration to start your own word hoard or finally tackle that daunting third draft.
So, grab your headphones and prepare for a journey into the heart of writing. It’s time to transform your understanding of prose and unleash the full potential of your literary voice.
Listen now and take the first step towards writing that resonates, captivates, and truly tells a story.