Not Suave

Authenticity first

I don't want to be fake. I'm just being me. And I have the power to break stereotypes and whatever useless rules that society puts on us. -Bad Bunny

What a great Super Bowl halftime!!! That was just what I needed! Love will always win over hate.

Dear Writers,

This week, a young reader asked me what I was like as a kid, and if I ever imagined that I would become a writer.

The short answer was no. As a kid, I did not believe I could ever be a writer. I thought writers were people who were MUCH smarter than I was. They did well in school. They were not antsy, distractible girls who wanted to interrupt the teacher.

The long answer is a little more complicated.

If you’ve read anything I’ve written, you could probably guess this. I have never felt like I measure up. I’ve never been a cool kid. Or an it girl. I am officially NOT suave. I was the girl looking in from the outside. The girl with the big goals and dreams. The girl who wished for more, but didn’t always know how to get there. Lucky for me, I have also been a determined worker, no matter what I did. Maybe feeling a bit unworthy is exactly what I need to be to keep on reaching and trying and writing.

Like Bad Bunny, I don’t want to be fake. Actually, I don’t have the energy to be fake. I don’t know how anyone does.

I know I’m not alone.

When writers talk about why they became writers, the conversation almost always turns to social media. They are afraid of bragging. They don’t want to make a mistake. Or say something that will bring on haters. They want to do the right thing. They fear being too loud/too much/too desperate. They usually ask, “Does it really matter?”

Here’s the answer: When it comes to craft, I say: write what makes you happy.

When it comes to publicity and messaging, my rule is pretty much the same.

Do what makes you feel good. Have FUN with it.

A few years ago, when I was feeling completely overwhelmed about my lack of coolness, I made a deal with myself: to do one thing a day for my forward facing career. In other words, I can post a review of my book. Or someone else’s book. Or share something interesting. The only rule: be myself. Be honest. And vulnerable. Ask big questions. Messy questions. Uncomfortable questions. And in the process, maybe help someone out. And give people hope.

This is why we write.

This is what we do in our books.

This is who we are. Suave or not suave.

Last week, I had the honor of working with some AWESOME fourth and fifth graders at The Main Street School in Irvington, NY. These kids and teachers and administrators understood the power of books, Rube, inclusion, and play. The library was MAGNIFICENT. I could not have felt more welcome. Or myself.

The kids I met reminded me about the power of story and art. They reinforced our purpose: that together, our words and images inspire imagination. And creativity. And curiosity. And community. These kids, talking and writing and laughing together, reminded me that what we do matters.

Sometimes, we all need to hear that.

(Here’s me being a goofball next to some amazing teacher-made art!)

Are you ready to reach???

Yesterday, in the virtual retreat I hosted with Chris Tebbetts, I offered this prompt and a chance to play with POV. Give it a try. Playing with POV is one of the most important steps in your process. It can help you remember your promise to the reader and what your main character is facing.

Your characters are in an escape room. They have five minutes to get out.

Write the scene from three POVs:

The leader’s: (maybe use second person)

A follower: (try using first person)

An objective voice: try third!

Have a great writing week!

Sarah