Characteristics of a Lazy Writer

by Edie Melson

With this title, many of you might think I’m going to be blogging about time management.

And you’d be wrong. 

The kind of laziness I’m referring to has to do with the use of your brain—not your time.

If you’ve known me for long, you know I’m passionate about excellence in writing. And I don’t mind helping those who are willing to work to achieve it. I’ll patiently spend hours helping beginners learn the craft, but I have very little tolerance for those who insist on shortcuts and shoddy work . . . and then whine because they’ve been rejected.

Why bring this up? Because I wish someone had pointed out these pitfalls when I was just starting out.

So what are some habits of lazy writers?

First. is the use of clichés.

Dictionary.com defines clichés this way: 

• A trite, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, impact by long overuse, such as – older by wiser, or – strong as an ox.
• A trite or hackneyed plot, character development, use of color, musical expression, etc.
• Anything that has become trite or commonplace through overuse.
• A cliché encourages your reader to skim over what you’ve written. Clichés usually start out as a clever or wise saying. Because of this, many writers are tempted to use them as is. Instead take a few extra moments and consider the idea behind the cliché—and come up with an original and creative way to say the same thing. 

Second, the habit of turning something in without proofing it.

I’ve been a member of many critique groups during my time as a writer and I’ve spent more years than I care to name as an editor. I can assure you, no one can write something perfectly the first time, I don’t care who they are or how long they’ve been writing. We all need to take a few extra minutes to check our work and weed out mistakes.

By not proofing your work—even if it’s just going to a critique partner—you are saying your time is too valuable and theirs too worthless to bother. That’s just plain rude.

Third, not staying on top of current trends.

English is a living language, unlike, say Latin. Because of that, it is continuing to grow and change. This is applicable to grammar, as well as to industry trends. The usage of commas, semi-colons and colons have changed, as have popular genres. That’s why we’re on the 16^th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style. Just ten years ago, one of the easiest genres to sell was the Cozy Mystery, and one of the hardest was the Personal Memoir.

Today that's no longer true.

I completely understand not being happy about the changing rules (I happen to miss the maligned semi-colon), but it’s part of the industry, and not liking it is no excuse for ignoring it. 

Finally, fourth is the unwillingness to continue to learn and grow.

This industry is exciting and challenging, and no matter how long you've been a part of it, you still need to continue your education. I teach at a lot of conferences around the country and I’m frequently amused by writers who think they know it all—or at least all they need to know. 

That kind of attitude will sound the death knell on your writing career.

I know this post may read like a diatribe on ignorance, but I mean it as a warning. I want each and every one of you to succeed as writers—whatever that looks like to you. And I’ve made so many of the mistakes above. 

Yes, I’m still guilty of being a lazy writer at times. But I can assure you I’ll be much less likely to slip into bad habits now that I’ve written this post!

Now I’d like to hear from you. What are some things you wish you’d known sooner?

Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, and has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. She’s also the social media columnist for Southern Writers Magazine and social media coach for My Book Therapy. Connect with her through Twitter andFacebook.

To make reservations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference, call 1.800.588.7222.

To register online click here.

 

Comments

[Sandy Quandt]

Thanks for the reminders, Edie. I think continuing to learn and grow is so important. That helps me see how off the mark my beginning writing was, and see how far I've come in the process.

[Edie Melson]

Sandy, we all feel that way. Thanks so much for stopping by! Blessings, E

[Ellen Andersen]

Good reminders that I've heard from you before, Edie. Staying on topof current trends seems like the most challenging one. Changes are so frequent that keeping up with it all is hard work.

[Vonda Skelton]

Another great reminder, Edie. Thank you!