Mumblings

The self-indulgent writer listens only to the mumblings of sycophants, toadies, and flatterers, thus failing to heed the valid criticisms of editors, critiquers, and reviewers.

Since improvement involves the time to review, to edit, to revise, and to rewrite, the self-indulgent writer avoids or neglects to do this. All writing can be enhanced by revision and review: a change in viewpoint, a change in syntax, a change in sentence structure, or a change in design. Most flourishing writers take the time and effort to appraise their work before submission to an editor, a publisher, or a broadcaster.

Those writers that do not assess their work abandon themselves to self-pity and blame their lack of success on unreceptive editors, publishers, the publishing industry, the media, and to a general misunderstanding of them as authors. They fail to realize that their self-indulgence is the reason for their failure. They fail to understand that success is more hard work than talent or genius. It is easier to blame others than it is to strive, to develop, and to improve their talents.

Often these writers depend on the obsequiousness of friends and relatives to justify their worth as an author, novelist, playwright, poet, journalist, essayist, or even a critic. Friends are usually poor judges of writing or they refuse to be honest for fear of alienating, disappointing, or denigrating that person. Relatives also make poor sounding boards from the same reason, but also through envy and belief that they can do as well or better. Generally their commendation is unsound and of little use to the serious writer who hopes for an effective evaluation of the composition.

Thus, the self-indulgent writer eliminates any review or criticism, and even neglects to evaluate his or her own work by taking the time to even use a grammar and spellchecker that are part of most, if not all, word processors. Submissions are sent with typos, spelling mistakes, and gross grammar errors. Then they wonder why their work is rejected, thus the mumbling of self-indulgent writers.

Charles O. Goulet has a BA in history and a BEd in English literature. He has written several novels based on Canadian history that are available from Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble and many other book stores.

---

A Quick Guide to ISBNs for Self-Publishers

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a... Read More

Business Writing: 10 Great Authors

Great business writers combine narrative skills with sound judgment to... Read More

Proofreading for Profits

How to avoid mistakes that undermine your credibilityYou're probably already... Read More

Tell the World About You

You have a new website, or a new business, or... Read More

A Writers Inner Battle

There is a psychological nuisance so powerful that can deflate... Read More

Dont Make This Huge Writing Mistake!

You can create a great headline, a dynamic first sentence,... Read More

Make Your Mark Upon Humanity

The greatest gift you have to give to yourself and... Read More

Get Creative In The Great Outdoors

Summer's here and the time is write for dancing in... Read More

Freelance or Staff

There is no doubt that a staff writer enjoys advantages... Read More

Generating Nonfiction Book Titles Without a Hassle

The process of developing a working title for your nonfiction... Read More

Writers can Grow to be Comfortable with Criticism

On my first newspaper assignment as a critic, I was... Read More

Open a Vein

If you want to be a writer, you must write... Read More

Have You Tested Your Theme Against Your Plot?

Creative Writing Tips ?How we usually begin the preparation stage... Read More

Looking For Good Copywriter Books?

If you are looking for copywriter books, you'll want to... Read More

Blank Mind, Blank Screen: Need Ideas!

Q. I'm staring at a blank screen with an equally... Read More

Hero?s Journey ? The Herald

Beyond three and four act story structure, lies the Hero's... Read More

Making The Time To Write That Novel

Finding the time to write a novel is one of... Read More

Memories Dont Fade Like Hair Does: Memoir Writing Help for You, Our Elders, to Tell Your Story

~~~Old age, to the unlearned, is winter; to the learned,... Read More

Top Seven Ways to Select a Book Topic That Sells

Authors need to write their book according to their target... Read More

Apostrophe Usage Made Simple

According to one of my previous articles, whenever a Southerner... Read More

Common Writing Mistakes

Most books aren't rejected because the stories are "bad." They're... Read More

Got an Idea? Turn it into a Novel in Thirty Days or Less!

People can't believe I did it, but I did. I... Read More

Learning How To Write

As a student of Spanish, my goal was to think... Read More

Interview with Suspense Author Peter Abrahams

Peter Abrahams is the author of thirteen novels, including "The... Read More

How To Identify Your Own Style Of Writing

This article is to help identify which style, technique or... Read More

Writing as a Gift

What am I supposed to give Anthony as a wedding... Read More

Turbo-Charging Your Writing Career - 6 High-Yield Strategies

Hands up all those who'd like to have a successful... Read More

Your Words Will Determine Your Business!

Be careful when you write.Words you use, sentences you phrase... Read More

Basic Writing Tips ? Some Controversial, All Correct

As a previous article ("Making Better Word Choices ? 4... Read More

Using Metaphor Effectively

We've all heard a politician on their soapbox, pushing for... Read More

Create A Dream Diary

How many times have you forced yourself to sit in... Read More

Realize Your Book Dream In 2005!

If you haven't realized the success you wanted last year,... Read More

Is Your Title Compelling?

Short Story Writing Tips:Your title is your selling tool. It's... Read More