IWSG August - Where Does Form Come From?

This month’s IWSG August optional question was to do with : Where does form come from?

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!

August 5 question – Quote: “Although I have written a short story collection, the form found me and not the other way around. Don’t write short stories, novels or poems. Just write your truth and your stories will mold into the shapes they need to be.”
Have you ever written a piece that became a form, or even a genre, you hadn’t planned on writing in? Or do you choose a form/genre in advance?

So where does form come from?

It’s fair to say that my form found me. As a lover of the fantasy genre, it was a natural transition for me to start out by writing fantasy. I’m a firm believer that if you enjoy the subject you are working on, it will show in your craft. This principle probably applies to most vocations, but certainly to writing.

Also, writing about what one enjoys makes it less of a task, and more of a pleasure. As a part-time author working around a full-time day-job, it is much less of a chore writing about what I enjoy during my own time.

That said, I have recently had an idea for a non-fantasy short story. This will be all new to me, as I have never written anything other than fantasy. Nor have I ever written a short story, so the results may be interetsing!

At some point in the future, I would like to try a different genre. Possibly a thriller or a horror – my latest project is a dark fantasy so elements of horror occur naturally within it.

The possibilities are endless! So many good things to write about, and so little time!

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9 Comments

Heather Musk

August 5, 2020 at 11:41 am Reply

Hi Chris. I completely agree, if you’re enjoying what you’re writing, both content and form, then it feels less work-like and will be clear to see in the writing. If a writer can get that feeling and enjoyment across then the chances are that the reader will feel it too.
I’ve been branching out from my initial writing genre, and I find that different genres often seep into a story when I’m not looking. As long as it’s not too many, a small mix of genres can add interest and intrigue to the tale.

soniadogra

August 5, 2020 at 12:11 pm Reply

You said it Chris. It’s about having fun doing what you do. And when it comes to writing, putting your honest feelings on paper makes it easy. I’ve been trying to experiment, not too successfully though. Wish you luck with your experience.