What NOT to Write: Get an "ELNORA-STYLE" Writing Makeover with Guest Blogger Lenora Worth!

Hello, darling Speedbo people. When I was asked to do this blog during Speedbo Week, I looked at it wrong and thought "Speedo." And I said, "Oh, no." I didn't want to wear a bathing suit to this blog party. 

But Ruthie explained what y'all are doing and of course, I thought of shoes. Only because I thought of what not to write and that lead to what not to wear and then back to what not to write. 

So I thought I'd go through a list of things you do and don't want in your manuscript. These are things you can go back and fix, of course, by adding in or taking out. So don't panic right now if you've just done it exactly the way I'm telling you not to do it. It will all be pretty by the end of your edits. Oh, I brought alone some strong Louisiana coffee and some rich chocolate. And of course, now that I'm living in Florida, some Key Lime Pie.

Sit and back and get ready for some fun makeover talk:

First, let's take a good long look at your story as is--How do you feel about it? If a friend read it right now, would she love it or would she call in the Speedbo Police right away? Is it too long, too short? Does it have enough goal, motivation and conflict to hold everything together? Always go over your first draft with a fine-toothed comb, because, darling, it will not be your last draft.  Your first draft is the skeleton for what will become a book. (Just like a new outfit involves layering and fluffing and ironing out some wrinkles.) Don't go with the first dress you try on.

Second, decide what you style will be--this is your voice. Serious and buttoned up like a Brooks Brother suit? Carefree and free-spirited like a Betsy Johnson jumpsuit? Humorous and colorful like a Wal-Mart nightgown? There are many different styles of telling the same story, right? Just like shoes, each story has something unique that only you as a writer can create. Learn from others, but don't try to be the next .......... somebody. Be the first YOU!

Third, Just like bell-bottoms 

and mullet haircuts, human nature will never change. 


Both of the afore mentioned styles are still around in one shape or another. Just go to any mall and watch the people--you'll spot something old and it's new again. In writing, that's called a new twist on an old plot. And any old or new plot involves human nature. Human nature never goes out of style but it does add an interesting component to life. And to our stories--use it, but make it fresh. And make it work, as Tim Gunn would say. Human Nature is like classic clothing. It's always there in the back of the closet but it might need a good cleaning and airing before you can throw it on and go out the door.

Fourth, think outside the box.


 If your story feels drab and dull (or if people are telling you it feels that way) you might want to be a bit more daring. Try something you wouldn't normally do. This doesn't mean if you're a t-shirt and jeans type writer, you decide to step out in a glitzy tub top and stilettos. But it does mean that you might need a trim or a tweak, some new color thrown in there, and a slightly higher heel--as in a slightly different twist.

 If you get feedback that says "this is too traditional" or "not enough conflict" or "this is not for us but we wish you well elsewhere" then you might need to try something different. You don't have to throw out your whole drawer of manuscripts, but you might want to give them all an updated style. You can learn to do this by reading current writers--especially those you admire. You're not copying; you're shopping for something stylish and up-to-date.

And fifth and finally, please remember Elnora's Number One Rule for What Not To Write. 

Don't forget the enchantment. In the fashion world, we'd call this bling. In the writing world, we call this the one extra accessory that makes your story shine. 

I've always believed in this rule but when I heard David O. Russell, the director of "The Silver-Lining Playbook" tell someone "Without enchantment, you can't get through the tough parts" it hit me that that's how I write. I always want to add that little bit of enchantment (but steeped in reality) to make the story shine brightly and grab the reader. This is not the Harry Potter kind of enchantment. It's all about Cinderella and the shoe that changed her life, but it's also about how a real-world Cinderella would be capable of wearing the pumps, pumping the gas, feeding the kids, nurturing her own soul through her faith and yes, feeding the forest animals while she cleans the house. Her prince will understand her, accept her flaws and will try to be a better man because he loves her. And she will do the same in return.

So there, my lovelies. Let's recap (while wearing our dashing berets). We don't want boring. We don't want average. We need style and flare and daring. We need something attention-getting but in a good way. And we need that little bit of style, voice, and real world charm to get the attention of an editor, an agent and hopefully, lots of readers. There is no magic wand for this. You really just need to look, listen, learn, practice and oh, yes, wear fabulous shoes! And carry a big notebook!

Lenora :)