Writing Tip Wednesday: Write from the Heart

My son told me about some girls at school who wear Birkenstock shoes. “You probably don’t know what those are, Mom,” he said. I laughed and proceeded to tell him Birkenstock’s were popular when I was in college. They disappeared then made a comeback about two years ago. It was a fun conversation about fads and styles coming in and out of popularity.

Writing is much the same. There are fads or trends that come in and out as quickly as the ocean tides. What readers and publishers want today is different than what they wanted three years ago. Changing themes keep books selling.

I had a conversation with a fellow writer that struggles with writing what she believes verses what is popular in the writing industry. She wondered if she should include certain themes in her book because “that’s what publishers want”. I encouraged her to write from her heart. Certain themes may be popular, but if you don’t agree with them, don’t include them. Instead, focus on the message you want to convey. Ask yourself, what theme has God put on my heart? Write that and write it well.

If publishers don’t want it now, they will later because a trendy themed book is a fad while a well-written book is timeless.

A trendy themed book is a fad while a well-written book is timeless.

Take for example the classic novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, which has been adapted for stage, film, and television multiple times since 1912, with the most recent adaptation in 2018. The novel, originally published in 1868, continues to wow audiences for its timeless themes of hard work, individual identity, and true love.

No matter what the current trend, write what you believe. Write what inspires you. And most importantly, write from the heart.