BACKPAGES JOURNAL - WEDNESDAY, Nov 29, 2023 wk#48 - BLOG EDITION.
Do You Have a Writer’s Manifesto?
The Word May Have Fallen into Some Disrespect.
But it may describe something that we all should have.
It’s a statement of our beliefs and purpose.
Knowing that will help keep our next story from just saying, “Dear Diary,”
We often confuse our “niche” with our “voice,” both of which we start searching for early. But we are like TV news reporters.
Our voice is a part of us, like our accent and appearance. Our niche is where we are standing, the news story we are covering.
Our voice is the message inside us, how we get it out and communicate.
Our niche is the money part of us, like running for class president on your popularity.
We need to state who we are talking to, what we are trying to say or do, and why people need to hear what we are saying. People read your niche if they like your subject matter. People read your stories because they like to read your voice.
Therefore, I encourage new writers to feel no pressure to look for a popular niche. In the beginning, polish your voice and your style. Remember A.I. can write an article for your niche, but it probably won’t use the word “humdinger” like you do.
Our manifesto turns into a set of rules.
Our manifesto states those things so that we, ourselves, and the world can see them. If you draw on your cave wall not many will see it. Our manifesto turns into a set of rules or laws we use daily.
As in Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ 50 rules on NCIS.
As in the constitutions of Great Britain and America.
As in Amos Burke’s Law, the 1963 TV series.
My Manifesto is also beginning to form.
(Who) I write for new, or wannabe writers.
(What) find their inner writer or inner message and get it exposed.
(Why) they may have something important to say, and important that we hear.
Final Thoughts:
Don’t become discouraged. It’s not always easy. But, if you wish to be a writer, write.
Why is one person a builder, and another a fireman? Because that’s what they know how to do. You will be a writer if you keep on writing.
TODAY’S SONG IN MY HEAD
Please forward this to a friend.
Thanks,
-don, changing what I can change, laughing at what I can’t.