S1E03: FINDING & DEFINING YOUR AUTHOR IDENTITY
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With everything going on in the world, it shouldn’t be a surprise that there has been an increase in the kind of conversations that lead to burnout.
I sweatergawd. I’m so sick of saying that word, but I can’t unsee the markers.
Let me first state the obvious - creatives are struggling right now. Authors and artists are struggling to get visibility and make enough money to feed and house ourselves. Inflation is outta control. No less than three genocides are happening as I speak. It’s an election year and our choices are that one old guy who is using loans made on American tax dollars to fund a genocide and that other old guy who is a goddamn crook. AI and machine learning is gonna take all the jobs they swore immigrants stole in 2004.
Times ain’t good, friends. To quote Mariah Carey: We’re all doing the best with what we got.
I said all that to say it’s understandable that creatives are spiraling a little bit. We’re looking left, right, and middle to find a fix to all of this or at least some fucking relief.
So, of course, the girlboss, hustle-babe verbiage has resurfaced again. Honestly, I know I’m unduly triggered by it because of my time in creative entrepreneur spaces, but it’s kinda disheartening to see that energy surface in the writing community — especially among romance authors who already produce and publish far more than any other genre. It’s hard for me to keep quiet about it because I’ve seen then the flames from afar and have been in them myself. But even more than that? Seeing newbie authors falling into the “write quick, publish fast” business model makes me want to throw myself on the grenade. Buying into a hustle-focused author business model so early in your career doesn’t leave much time for you to learn your true identity, nor does it allow your voice and style to develop in a natural way.
Exploring Your Unique Voice and Style:
Okay, so this is the third episode, so you've probably noticed that I'm more than a little bit woo, as the girlies say nowadays. While I'm definitely solutions-oriented and focused on giving practical advice, I do believe that writing, the actual act of creating a story, is an art form. And while I love being a creative entrepreneur, I've watched the girlbossification of romance writing flattens the types of stories we write and publish.
What does that mean? It means we get a lot of the same stories because authors are only looking to recreate the success of the most mainstream authors.
This is not a knock, but it does mean we don't get a lot of originality on our physical and digital shelves. Speaking of originality. Is that something you’re concerned with when it comes to your writing? Exploring your unique voice and style is the beating heart of your creative identity. It’s why we can sit, and people-watch for hours and come away with hundreds of ideas. It’s the thing that makes a line of our favorite song into that book everyone loves. It’s what brings us to the page. This identity is the signature that marks every word, every character, and every plot twist we create. It's what resonates with readers. It is what distinguishes your work from the vast sea of stories out there. Your voice is imbued with your personal experiences, perspectives, and emotional truths. It's how you choose to express humor, sorrow, passion, and suspense.
Your style is the vehicle for your voice. It’s in your choice of words, the flow of sentences, the pacing, and the structure. Your style might evolve over time, influenced by your growth as a writer and the genres you explore. Your style, your voice, your originality... these are the things getting flattened by hustle culture.
Finding and nurturing your unique voice and style is a process of self-discovery and experimentation. It involves peeling back the layers of your consciousness, listening to those inner whispers of your creativity, and daring to let them flow onto the page. It means embracing your idiosyncrasies—celebrating the qualities that make your writing distinctly yours. In my opinion, it’s an aspect of the creative process that often goes overlooked in the rush to meet market demands.
Comparatively, the "write fast, publish quick" approach, especially for newbie authors, clashes profoundly with the journey of discovering and nurturing one's unique voice and style and here’s why. There are several courses, groups, and books out there that tell you how to write a best-selling romance. I’m not knocking those books or the authors who wrote them. What I take issue with is the way it strips it down to best-selling tropes and character archetypes, which in turn leads to a market saturated with the same type of books. The emphasis on speed and productivity overlooks the importance of originality and personal expression in writing. Creativity thrives not on deadlines and output quotas but on freedom, reflection, and the space to explore different facets of one's experiences and imagination. When authors are constantly chasing the next release date, they may find themselves recycling themes, diluting their narratives, and straying further from their authentic voice.
Small aside: This isn't me talking shit about fast writers. You're a different breed and we love and sometimes idolize you for your ability to quickly crank out those stories for us. I'm speaking specifically to the authors who DON'T write fast and are looking for ways to write fast and publish quickly instead of learning their process, getting comfortable in it, and honing it until they can produce faster.
Understanding Why Authentic Expression Matters in Writing:
So why is it important to hone your voice and style? Let's do a little bit of girl math. Roughly 1 million books are published per year in the U.S.. That’s approximately 83,333 books published each month. If we’re to go by RWAs estimate around 20% to 40% of the market that’s between 16,667 and 33,333 romances published… A MONTH. The math gets a little wonky because the data and estimates only give you range but let’s say about 20k of those are contemporary romances.
That is a very loud, and very crowded market that is becoming increasingly more difficult to gain traction in.
The stories that stand out are the ones that speak truthfully about the human condition — even if the humans are getting it on with bears, aliens, and humanoid monsters. This authenticity builds trust between the writer and the reader, creating a foundation for a more immersive and impactful reading experience. When readers find an original story with a distinctive voice and style, a know/like/trust factor is built between them and that a writer. And they’ll be down to ride with them no matter what they write because their portrayal of characters, emotions, and events, keep them invested emotionally in the story.
I don’t know about you, but those are the kind of readers I want.
The truth is that your unique voice and style enhance storytelling by adding depth and richness to the narrative. It ensures that characters are multi-dimensional, situations are nuanced, and conflicts have real stakes. Authentic writing avoids clichés and stereotypes, instead presenting characters and situations that are complex and relatable. This complexity invites readers to think, question, and engage more deeply with the story. Moreover, authenticity in storytelling fosters a sense of universality, demonstrating how individual experiences can reflect broader truths about human nature.
Your voice and style also serve as a bridge to reader empathy, enabling readers to understand their motivations, and feel their joys and sorrows. By presenting characters and their experiences with honesty and sensitivity, writers open up spaces for empathy, encouraging readers to extend their understanding beyond their own lives. This empathetic connection is not only a testament to the power of authentic storytelling but also an opportunity for readers to grow in their understanding of others.
Discovering your unique way of expressing yourself on the page is not just an artistic choice; it's a conduit for connection, understanding, and empathy. It challenges both the writer and the reader to engage with the world in a more profound and meaningful way. In the realm of storytelling, authenticity is the key that unlocks the deepest levels of human experience, making it essential for writers aiming to leave a lasting impact on their readers. And I’m just going to say it out loud — hustle culture and everything that comes with it is actively destroying the genre. A month or so ago I remember someone saying that romance was undergoing a transformation. I disagreed with them then… but now? I realize they were right. And unlike other times I’ve witnessed shifts in romancelandia, I don’t think it’s going to be in a positive direction. If hustle culture has already flattened the narratives authors choose to write. AI is only going to flatten it even more.
I realize that I might be alone on this hill, beating my drum, and screaming maniacally about the end times. And honestly? I'm okay with that. Having been around the block, flipping from one strategy to the next, I've seen what works and what doesn't — at least for me. And it's something I really want to share with both the newbies just dipping their toes in the romance writing world and the seasoned pros who've been at it for years.
But let's keep it real – choosing this alternative route ain’t easy. Especially with AI poised to clog all of the distribution platforms with derivative content. It's like, just as you're getting used to the hustle, the game changes, making the publishing landscape even more crowded and competitive. It's enough to make anyone a bit apprehensive about the future.
Yet, despite the challenges and the ever-looming shadow of AI, I believe there's power in sticking to our guns and finding value in our unique voices. Carving out our niche, our little corner of the world where our stories resonate and find their audience. Sure, the road less traveled might come with its fair share of bumps and detours, but it's also where you'll find the most rewarding vistas and the deepest connections with your readers.
The Importance of Aiming for Sustainable Success
When we talk about making it big in self-publishing, it's not just about racking up massive sales or being the talk of TikTok for a hot minute. It's more about laying down the foundations for a career that's not only rewarding but also one that you can sustain and grow over time. It's about finding that sweet spot where you're happy with what you create, you're growing as a writer, and you're not stressing yourself into oblivion. With the way things are going nowadays, with everyone pushing to churn out content faster than ever, it's super easy to fall into that trap of overworking yourself to the bone.
Here are some reasons why aiming for sustainable success will benefit you in the long run:
1. Longevity: Embracing sustainable practices lays the groundwork for a career that isn't just a flash in the pan but a long-term journey of growth and evolution. Seeing beyond the next release to a future where you're still writing, innovating, and enjoying the process decades down the line. This perspective encourages planning, pacing, and the development of a resilient mindset that can withstand the challenges of a fluctuating market.
2. Authenticity Over Quantity: In a market saturated with content, the temptation to prioritize output can be high. Yet, sustainable success is rooted in the belief that the stories you tell are worth the time they take to craft. This approach not only enhances the depth and richness of your work but also helps in cultivating a readership that trusts and eagerly anticipates your publications for their substance, not just their frequency.
3. Well-being: The creative process is inherently tied to the creator's mental and emotional state. A sustainable approach ensures that you maintain a healthy balance between your passion for writing and the other aspects of your life, safeguarding against the burnout that can come from relentless production schedules. It's about finding joy in your work every day, without letting it consume you.
4. Adaptability: Markets evolve, trends shift, and reader preferences change. A sustainable career is one that can pivot and adapt without losing its core. It allows you to experiment with new genres or subgenres, integrate fresh ideas, and grow alongside your audience, ensuring that your writing remains relevant and engaging over time.
Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Success:
So, diving into the big question: How exactly do we snag that elusive prize of sustainable success? It's a phrase that's been tossed around so much, it's kind of lost in the echo chamber of advice out there. But here's the thing - it really is about recognizing that we're in it for the long haul. It's a marathon, not a sprint. This isn't about instant gratification or quick wins. Nope. It's about pacing yourself, keeping your eyes on the horizon, and understanding that the real magic happens in those steady, persistent strides forward. Let's unpack how to make this journey work for us, step by step, with our creativity and sanity intact.
1. Slow and Steady Audience Building: Focus on organically growing your audience through consistent, high-quality releases. This method might take longer, but it fosters a genuine connection with readers who value your work and are more likely to stay loyal over time.
2. Niche Specialization: Carving out a niche within the broad spectrum of romance allows you to become a recognized voice in a specific area. Whether it's contemporary, historical, paranormal, or another subgenre, specializing can help you attract a dedicated audience that is specifically interested in what you have to offer.
3. Direct Engagement: Cultivating a direct relationship with your readers through social media, newsletters, and interactive platforms can turn casual readers into dedicated fans. This engagement is crucial for building a community that supports and evangelizes your work.
4. Continuous Learning and Improvement: The landscape of writing and publishing is always changing. By committing to lifelong learning—whether through workshops, reading widely, or staying on top of industry trends—you ensure your writing stays fresh and your business strategies remain effective.
5. Diversification of Income and Platforms: Relying on a single income stream or platform can be risky. Exploring various distribution channels, writing in multiple subgenres, or branching into related areas like teaching or merchandise can provide financial stability and creative variety.
6. Collaborative Ventures: Working with other authors on joint projects or promotions can open up new opportunities and introduce you to broader audiences. It's also a great way to share knowledge and resources, making the publishing journey less isolating.
7. Sustainable Marketing Practices: Developing a long-term marketing strategy that is both effective and manageable is key. Prioritize activities that offer the highest return on investment of time and money, such as email marketing, strategic use of social media, and SEO for your book listings.
8. Selling Your Backlist: One of the unique advantages of book publishing, especially in the digital age, is that your backlist can continue to earn revenue long after the initial publication date. Actively promoting your earlier titles, bundling them, or leveraging them in deals can provide a steady income stream and introduce new readers to your work.
Focusing on these strategies can help establish a career that not only thrives in the present but is also primed for future growth and success. Sustainable success in romance self-publishing is about crafting a journey that is as rewarding and fulfilling in its process as it is in its outcomes. It’s about creating work that resonates, building relationships that last, and developing a career that sustains not just financially, but creatively and emotionally as well.
And don’t worry, I’m going to circle back around to these next weeks go more into detail about how to get this done.
Exercises for Self-Discovery and Defining Your Writing Identity:
As I wrap up this episode, I want to leave you with some exercises you could do to help you discover and define your writing identity. Let's dive into some exercises aimed at both newbies and veterans alike, designed to help you navigate this exploration and carve out your unique writing identity:
Journaling for Self-Reflection: Y’all are gonna eventually get tired of hearing this but journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection that allows you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a private, unfiltered way. When journaling for self-discovery in writing, consider focusing on topics such as your reactions to the world around you, your deepest fears and desires, or the moments that have profoundly affected you. Reflect on what themes, genres, or characters you're drawn to and why. Journaling about the books that have impacted you and exploring the reasons behind their influence can also offer insights into your own writing preferences and inclinations.
Exploring Personal Experiences and Emotions: Your personal experiences and the emotions they evoke are fertile ground for developing your writing identity. Consider the stories that have shaped you—the triumphs, the challenges, the pivotal moments—and reflect on how these experiences color your narrative choices. Do you find certain themes recurring in your work? Are there specific character traits or story arcs that resonate with you more deeply because of your experiences? Connecting your life stories to your writing helps to infuse your work with authenticity and depth, making your voice distinct and relatable.
Experimentation with Different Writing Styles: Experimenting with different writing styles is like trying on new clothes to see what fits best. It allows you to explore various narrative techniques, voices, and genres. Write a short story in a genre outside your comfort zone, adopt a writing style opposite to your natural inclination, or experiment with different points of view. This process of experimentation can reveal unexpected facets of your writing identity, helping you discover what truly resonates with you and your audience.
Seeking Feedback from Trusted Peers: Feedback is a crucial element in defining and refining your writing identity. Share your work with trusted peers—writers and readers who understand and respect your journey. Seek out constructive criticism that not only highlights areas for improvement but also points out the strengths and unique qualities of your writing. This external perspective can help you see your work through fresh eyes, affirming aspects of your writing identity that you may have overlooked or undervalued.
Crafting a Personal Mission Statement for Your Writing Journey: A personal mission statement for your writing journey is a declaration of your goals, values, and the impact you wish to have through your work. This statement should reflect what you hope to achieve with your writing, the themes or messages you want to explore, and the audience you wish to reach. Crafting this statement can help you maintain focus and motivation, serving as a guiding light when you encounter challenges or crossroads in your writing career.
Each of these exercises offers a pathway to deeper self-awareness and a clearer understanding of your unique voice as a writer. By engaging in self-reflection, exploration, experimentation, and seeking feedback, you can define a writing identity that is authentically yours, resonating with sincerity and power in the vast landscape of literature.
As I wrap up this episode on defining and honing your author identity, I need to acknowledge something. I previously marketed my writing community and this podcast as content that will serve the wider writing community. I’m now realizing that’s was well intentioned but a bit pointless when the bulk of my knowledge is in romance and all of it’s subgenres. So, instead of reframing my choice of topics into broader writing terms, I’m going to focus on romance because that is what my ADHD brain likes, and for better or worse, it’s a large part of my author identity. While this podcast will no doubt highlight all the ways that I change and grow as an author and an editor, sharing my knowledge in this specific way is what makes my brain happy. See? It’s just that easy!
And there you have it!
Thank you for listening to Making Words with Tasha L. Harrison. If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe and share it with your fellow authors! Your support helps us reach more wordmakers like you. If you have any topics you'd like us to explore or questions you want answered, hit me up on social media channels at makingthewords on the app formerly known as Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you! Next week, we’re going to do a deep dive into Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Success!
Until next time, keep nurturing your creativity, keep challenging yourself, and above all, keep making those words, you writing ass writer!
xo, Tasha
