Creativity + Credibility Equals Writing Success

Growing up, I revered reading more than dolling up Barbie. In fact, I gained an appreciation for the traveling privileges books afforded without having to pack a bag early on. Following my first love affair with Dr. Seuss’ colorful series, J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” catapulted to my pre-collegiate favorite.

Of late, authors like Colson Whitehead, Jen Lancaster, Kathryn Stockett, and Sharifa Rhodes-Pitt have registered on my reading radar. Fast forward past the sterling credentials and Hollywood commercialization and their collective commitment to literary mastery is unmistakable. Still, I remain awed by the devices writers use to stamp their storytelling signatures since the creative writing process is exhaustive beyond pen, paper or keystrokes. 

Today, the ascension from aspiring writer to author is abbreviated in the digital age. While exposure to an array of new voices signals a reading bonanza, I have witnessed instances where some writers relegate quality to the back seat. Without fail, anyone who claims to wear the writing crown should extend the same attention to creativity to credibility. So, what’s credibility got to do with it? Everything, I’m afraid. If you’re serious about your craft, consider these suggestions for building credibility:

1.     What sets a good writer apart from a marginal one is adherence to grammatical and structural excellence, whether tweeting, posting to Facebook or blogging.   Your “A-Game,” inclusive of proofreading, should always be on.    

2.      Although some writers have been blessed with God-given talent, honing these skills via the scholastic route can produce polished results. If a full-fledged academic program is out of reach, seek instruction in a few specialized courses. You must continuously invest in your success to sharpen your storytelling weaknesses.    

3.     Like life, variety is writing’s spice. Make studying accomplished writers of different genres a habit. If you borrow from any author’s style, always emulate the best. 

4.      Join a book club. Because learning is not limited to the classroom, take advantage of opportunities to absorb the interpretations of fellow readers. Most readers are quite candid about their literary pluses and minuses. Furthermore, their insights are not only invaluable but often applicable to your work in terms of forging a strong audience connection.

5.     Do your research and never publish for byline’s sake alone. Sometimes it’s not advantageous, especially when the publication with which you align isn’t beholden to literary excellence.