Prepare to Define Yourself: Dueling Authors

This author is driving me insane. I disagree with him, and I’m calling him out.

You can read his post here. He says we’re content creators—filling in reading spaces such as social media, blogs, speeches, podcasts. We’re not novelists, we’re creating entertainment for the masses.

I don’t like this guy.

The problem is, the writer is me.

Content Creator

He claimed we’re content creators. A writer focuses on entertainment values, formulas, bottom lines that result in numbers—readers and dollars—to build a resume.

Writing is a business. To this end, the business must grow. The writing, then, is a product and the product must sell. The call to action for the content creator, in the end, is to keep reading more of the content creator’s work.

The Artist

When a writer thinks of self as an artist first, the perspective changes. From self-promotion to human condition, the artist breaks from formula and studies with obsessed purpose the written word to create beauty.

As a content creator, I examine my past and see a gold mine. How did I make my dreams coming true? How did I overcome obstacles? Flashing quick stories and antidotes here and there makes for interesting reading. And it makes me look awesome.

Creating an artistic work resounds more deeply in people’s lives.

For example, I’ve seen my writing life in three stages, and they’re reflected in my western series.

Book One: West for the Black Hills. Philip Anderson wants to remain anonymous but is forced to step into the public eye to defend those he loves. In my life, I won $20,000 and a publishing contract. I can no longer sit on the couch and do whatever I wanted. I am an award-winning author, and I must act like one.

Book Two: Shadow of Devil’s Tower. Philip Anderson must take the next step in his life and become a leader in order to rescue the people he loves. In my life, it wasn’t enough just to write. I had to step up and lead.

Book Three: IN PROCESS. Philip Anderson will have to face his past, the past of others, and deal with injustice. No longer simply to lead, he must effect change in the world. While this book is still being written, it reflects my final stage from being a 100% introvert to comfortably standing in front of many and leading through example and direction.

Be the artist you were meant to be. Take the moments you are creating content and spend some time reflecting. Write deeply reflecting the human condition.

Be funny. Be deep. Be ironic. Be clever. Be bold. Be an artist.

Be funny. Be deep. Be ironic. Be clever. Be bold. How to be an artistic writer. #seriouslywrite #writerslife @petereleavell

prepare to Define Yourself: Dueling Authors. Content versus artistry. #seriouslywrite #writerslife @peterleavell

How to use your life to become art. #seriouslywrite #writerslife @peterleavell

Peter Leavell, a 2007 graduate of Boise State University with a degree in history and currently enrolled in the University's English Lit Graduate program, was the 2011 winner of Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest, and 2013 Christian Retailing's Best award for First-Time Author. A novelist, blogger, teacher, ghostwriter, jogger, biker, husband and father, Peter and his family live in Boise, Idaho. Learn more about Peter's books, research, and family adventures at www.peterleavell.com

This-n-That Thursdays

The Writer—the Artist

Writers, musicians, dancers, actors, painters, sculptors … we all have some things in common. We’re all artists. We all desire to use our gifts and medium of expression to move, inspire, encourage, and teach. We want to make a difference in how the viewer looks at his life—and possibly the world around him.

When I was a high school senior—many years ago—an art teacher made a huge impression on me. I loved to paint, but although I had some skill, I didn’t have what I would consider talent. However, this art teacher encouraged and pushed me beyond what former art teachers had ever done.

There’s one thing he said that stuck with me. A true artist is never satisfied with his work.

Did he mean that after creating a scene or portrait an artist should rant and rave that it’s terrible? That he should splash paint across the canvas or take a sharp knife and slash it? Of course not.

A true artist should take pride in his accomplishment and see the good in it, but not ever stop looking for how he can improve. He burns inside to always be even better.

I believe this also applies to us as writers …

I believe that God desires us to take pleasure in what we write—in what we create—but to never stop trying to do better. 

Have you ever picked up a novel by a favorite author and discovered the writing wasn't as stellar as previous books? The characters were flat, the story was the same old thing. Disappointing, right? It may be impossible to write and turn in manuscripts that are all on an equal level as others. Maybe because of overwhelming deadlines, life-altering circumstances, or burnout. Some books are just going to better than others. God understands. I think maybe even publishers offer grace to a point.

But I don’t think God is pleased when we try to get by just because we can. When authors write mediocre books because they’re popular and their readers will buy anything they write.

My desire is to be a true artist—to never be satisfied—but to always seek opportunities and counsel in how I can do better. What does that mean for me? 

• I read books on the craft of writing
• I participate in a critique group of writers I trust
• I read blogs that pertain to writing and the publishing industry
• I attend writers conferences—like the ACFW conference in September

How about you? Are you a true artist? What are you doing today that will help you become a better writer tomorrow? 

Dawn