Sly As A Fox will be my tenth published novel. Not the tenth I’ve written, mind you; I have a few in the bottom drawer of my desk that probably won’t see the light of day.
James V. Smith said in one of his books that you’re not really a writer until your 10th novel. Until then, you’re just practicing.
I’d argue that you’re always a writer, even from the very moment you first put pen to paper.
But, now that I’ve had my 10th published, I can feel a difference. But I think it has to do with a writer’s confidence and understanding of their own unique writing style.
I write two or three different series, plus the occasional stand alone. Each series main character has a different personality, a different writing voice. But all of them have the same style.
It’s like a water balloon with the word “Style” written across it. Nudge it a bit and it bulges on the opposite side. Nudge the writing style a bit, and the novel gets a different voice.
Example: Palamourah de la Croix (from the Sentient series) and Sylvia Wilson (from the Sylvia Wilson series). Pala is desperate. Her heart isn’t just broken, it’s been pretty much destroyed. But out of all that comes fierceness to do what need be done.
Sylvia is naturally fierce. She takes no prisoners. It’s all or nothing for her. And this makes her dangerous. But she’s also fragile because of the loss of her parents at a young age.
I truly wouldn’t want these two to get into a fight. The whole of the universe might be destroyed. Then again, they might become best friends.
Anyway, you see what I mean by nudging the style a bit to fit one or the other? Another writer, with the same characters, would have a completely different style.
Ten novels isn’t a magic number. But it’s indicative of how much practicing a writer will need. And until you’ve had enough practice, you don’t know, and aren’t able to follow, your own style.
Remember, you’re ALWAYS a writer, from the very beginning and every step of the way, with every practice piece you write.
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