Today’s blog:  Follow-the-Leader

In elementary school, I remember playing a game called Follow-the-Leader.  Our teacher required everyone in class to  line up behind one player who served as the leader.  Next,  s/he moved around to  music while  the rest of the class tried to copy every movement or action s/he made.  Anyone who did not follow along was taken out of the game.  The last player remaining became the new  leader.

Looking back, it’s apparent that a simple children’s game like Follow-the-Leader does more than entertain.  It  teaches a powerful lesson:  A good follower becomes a good leader.

Stepping Stones

Bottom line,  if you wanted to win, you had to focus.  You had to follow every step closely.  The same holds true for you (and me) as fiction writers. How?

First, writing is a craft – something you learn.  Learning entails study.  Study consists of instruction.  And instruction requires a mentor.  A mentor becomes a stepping stone to guide (or instruct) you on your journey as a writer.  It becomes necessary to  follow-the-leader if you want to master the craft.

In his book, Fiction Writing Masterclass, William Cane dissects the writing styles of twenty-one great novelists including Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway and Stephen King.

He explains:

“You cannot become a terrific writer just – poof! – out of thin air.  It takes something preexisting, some structural savvy, some foundation in technique…”

“And that’s the lesson of this book.  You too can imitate the greats, and in the process absorb elements of their style that will make your writing sing…”

“The ultimate goal of this book is not to make you become a clone of these other writers but to help you learn their secrets so that you can express yourself with confidence, style, and your own unique voice.”

History’s Greatest Authors

The lessons in William Cane’s book, Fiction Writing Masterclass, are invaluable – a must read.  They help you find “your own unique voice” by learning from history’s greatest authors.

In Part 2 of the blog series, “Stepping Stones”,  a novelist will be featured from Fiction Writing Masterclass.  Don’t miss out.  You’ll discover writing secrets and techniques to help you learn the fundamentals of your craft.

Fiction Writing Masterclass: Emulating the Work of Great Novelists to Master the Fundamental of the Craft by William Cane is available on Amazon.

Meanwhile, know your story matters.

Sunshine and rainbows!

S. Whitten