Head vs. Heart Story: Part 2
When Writing What You Know Keeps You From Sharing the Story of Your Soul
Welcome to Part 2 of the Head vs. Heart Story workshop series. This workshop will be presented in three parts and includes slide graphics. The full slide presentation will be available for download at the conclusion of the series.
Workshop content is available exclusively to paid subscribers. Free subscribers will have access to a brief preview above the paywall. Thank you to all my subscribers for your continued support!
If you haven’t read Part 1 of this series yet, start here.
Workshop Description
“Write what you know.” This is advice we’re consistently told as writers, whether our first novel is about to debut or we have a hefty stack of manuscripts under our belts. But what if writing what you know keeps you from penning the soul-story you were meant to tell?
In this workshop series, we’ll take a look at what happens when focusing too much on perfecting your craft becomes crippling. We’ll also explore why following market trends isn’t always the best path, and how going against the crowd’s flow actually helps you stand out in more ways than one.
If you’ve been struggling with being “too much in your head” while trying to pour your heart onto the page, this workshop series is for you.
Where we left off . . .
In Part 1 we ended with a writing exercise to get those creative gears turning. Whether you’ve completed that exercise or you’re still mulling over some thoughts and ideas, feel free to continue with this workshop at your own pace. Here’s what we covered in Part 1:
Understanding why your heart story matters.
Exercising discernment when it comes to implementing well-meaning (but not always helpful) writing advice.
Pros and cons of only writing what you know and are familiar with.
In Part 2 we will dive a little deeper into the heart of this workshop (play on words 100% intended). In this part we will cover:
The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone.
The problems that arise when you stay within that comfort zone.
Why fear is never the answer.
Just imagine . . .
What if some of our favorite authors and creators only stuck with what they knew or had personally experienced?
J.K. Rowling never would have taken us to Hogwarts.
J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis wouldn’t have sent us on a journey across Middle Earth with Hobbits or through the wardrobe to Narnia.
Suzanne Collins wouldn’t have hooked us with The Hunger Games.
Brandon Mull would never have introduced us to Fablehaven.
Walt Disney would not have built a legacy of storytelling that has brought magic to millions.
And the list goes on!
Every author who has inspired you has most likely broken the barrier of what they knew and stepped into a world they only dreamed of knowing. This applies to every genre setting—contemporary ones too. Even stories set in the real world often explore experiences and places the author wanted to learn more about.
Start with what’s familiar, lay the foundation, and then build your story up and out from there. The sky’s the limit!
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