avatarRob Janicke

Summary

The article discusses the importance of authenticity and originality in writing, urging writers to resist the temptation to imitate others and instead embrace their unique voice and perspective.

Abstract

In an era where the "copycat" approach to writing is prevalent, the article "When Writers Go Rogue" emphasizes the value of genuine self-expression. It argues that true success in writing comes from vulnerability and honesty, not from replicating the styles or topics that seem to bring others acclaim. The author suggests that writers should strive to contribute their own insights and experiences to the world, rather than simply echoing what has already been said. The piece reflects on the psychological motivations behind writing, quoting experts like Kelly Cherry and John Grisham, and posits that writing is an inherently human endeavor that allows individuals to share their innermost thoughts and emotions. The article encourages writers to be fearless in their craft, to write with conviction, and to share the unvarnished truth of their perspectives, even if it means deviating from popular trends or expectations.

Opinions

  • Writers often fall into the trap of imitating successful peers, which undermines their own creativity and individuality.
  • The urge to copy should be resisted, as it leads to a lack of original content and stifles personal growth in writing.
  • Writing is an art form that requires vulnerability, and it is through this openness that writers can truly connect with their readers.
  • The article suggests that the drive to write stems from a primal urge to communicate one's identity and experiences.
  • While there is a place for informative and instructional writing, the author advocates for writing that reflects the author's unique thoughts and emotions.
  • The piece criticizes the societal pressure to present only the positive aspects of life, particularly on social media, and encourages writers to

When Writers Go Rogue

Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ― Oscar Wilde

It’s a simple enough statement to both read and understand. At the same time, it seems harder and harder to practice.

Much of life seems to work on the “copycat” theory. If we see something is working for someone else, if someone is having the type of success in our chosen field, we tend to try it their way. We think their success can be ours. It can’t be.

“If nobody’s producing new information, and all you’re doing is copying, what you do is copy yourself out of existence, eventually.” — Bentley, O’Brien, Brock. (2014). Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

Writers, especially those who write mainly on social media, seem to fall into this trap often. They see articles with huge amounts of views, reads, comments, likes, hearts, claps (pick your symbol of adoration), etc. and human nature takes over. That’s when the copying begins. It’s not hard to understand why but we need to fight this urge at all costs.

Being a writer should mean being open and honest. Vulnerability is as important as the pen or the keyboard. Without it, you’re not unlike that photocopy machine that used to stand tall in every office in every building. Convenient as they may be, how often did you use them to learn or become inspired? You never did because simply copying something cannot offer such treasures.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

I realize there are many types of writing and writers out there. I’m aware there’s a need for information and sometimes repurposing something you’ve seen to hopefully further that message can be a noble thing to do.

Something else exists though. Something that I’ve likely fallen victim to as well, perhaps even within this article. Sometimes we mimic because we’re impressed with what we’ve read elsewhere and subconsciously dive in and repeat it. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, is it not?

That being said, the beauty of writing is that it’s about self-expression. It’s about who you are and what you can bring to the world’s table. We’re all hungry and I know I appreciate a different meal once in a while. Don’t you?

Art is something no one can truly define since it’s our individual and emotional response to what we read, hear and see that defines what art is to each one of us. Make no mistake, writing is art. I’m not a huge fan of listicles or piece after piece of “How To” articles, but even in those we can shine a light on who we are as writers if we try.

From the very first time a human being etched a symbol on a rock through this writing, thinkers of every level and discipline have tried to figure out why people do this. It’s not easy and at times, it’s wildly maddening. If read, our words open us up to potential ridicule and shame. Our minds exposed to all who know us.

What Do The Professionals Think?

Kelly Cherry, an award-winning novelist, poet, essayist, has discussed the psychology behind why people write with this question:

“Why does anyone consent to the emotional, financial, spiritual, and even physical contortions that are necessary in order to lead the writer’s life in America today?,”

“Cherry proposed that, despite all the reasons not to choose it as a career, writers are driven by a primal urge to tell people who they are. Readers necessarily have some sense of the identity of the writer whose work they choose to peruse, lending an existential dimension to the endeavor. Writing is thus a means of becoming more human, she posited, as good as any explanation for going down what is ordinarily a difficult path.” — Lawrence R. Samuel Ph.D./Psychology Today

If you’re looking for something a bit more succinct, author John Grisham once said:

“Don’t compromise yourself — you’re all you have.” ― John Grisham

What compels each one of us to write is unique to who we are as individuals. It’s a fluid proposition that’s shifting and evolving all the time. I’m sure I write for reasons now that I never dreamt of at 16. You probably do as well. Whatever the reasons were, and whatever they are now, doesn’t matter. As long as you’re writing and doing it honestly, that’s what counts.

I used the word “rogue” in the title in the sense of a tramp or vagabond, not the dishonest side of the definition. This is because I associate all great writers as tramps or vagabonds in some way. There’s always room for textbooks and clinical writing but I want to read words that have lost their way. I want to read the author’s mind once it’s off the reservation.

I know how my mind works (most of the time anyway), but I don’t know how yours does. I want to. Let me in so I can learn something about you. Introduce me to a way of thinking I may not know. I don’t want you to show me “5 Ways to Improve My Writing”, I’ll take care of that on my own. I want to know your thoughts in those moments right before you fall asleep which explain who you are as a person, but are usually afraid to share. Show me you!

We currently live in a world that begs us to display all the bright and shiny things. We want the wedding but not the divorce, we want the birthday party but never the punishments, we boast about the straight A’s and hide the F’s. Social media decided we can live in a fairytale and we bought in. Guess what folks, it’s a lie. Too harsh? Ok, it’s a partial truth. The point is, life is not our Facebook page. How boring would it be if it were?

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” ― Marilyn Monroe

Writing should be exciting because it’s supposed to come from someplace deep inside. We’re at our best when we let loose and stop worrying about being “proper”. You will never please everyone so why try? Let that same courage you used to hit “publish” the first time you did so and write about the things that matter most to you! Use those private thoughts as seeds to grow your voice. Give us a conviction!

“Follow your inner moonlight; don’t hide the madness.” ― Allen Ginsberg

Need a break once in a while from the confines of your mind? I get it. Want to write some “fluff” just to be lighthearted for a change, by all means, go ahead. Just don’t be someone you’re not because we can tell. Worst than that, you can tell. You know when you’re being less than authentic, and I know as well as you do, you don’t like it.

When you’re honest and vulnerable, you connect with readers. You connect with people. It’s the undeniable energy between one free thinker and another. I bet any comments or feedback you’ve gotten on your truly honest pieces have meant the most to you. They’re always so heartfelt and genuine. Try getting emotional over a response to your latest listicle, it probably never happens that way.

As I’ve stated earlier, at times I’m guilty as charged too. I’m trying though. More and more, I’m trying to let the insecurities go. I’m walking each one to the edge of a cliff and one by one, tossing them off. That type of murder I can live with. Can you?

Here are a couple of times when I’d taken a leap and loved the landing:

Writing
Honesty
Self
Inspire
Change
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