Validation

Having shifted my brain and career from the left to the right, I am dealing in new territory. Working in research, I pretty much new if I had done something right or wrong. There were always measurements, statistics and outcomes by which to gauge my performance. Not so in the world of creative writing. Grammatically, of course, there is right and wrong but my editor saw to it that I got those things correct. It's the content that is hard to quantify. How do you determine if a story is good except by getting feedback from your audience - subjective feedback. It comes down to what people like and if enough of them like what you write, you have a modicum of success or like J.K. Rowling you roll in it.

I took a risk with my first novel and deviated from the predictable and traditional style of storytelling. My novel "Threads" tells the story of Margaret Mary Casey through the eyes of her "threads", the people who impacted her path and taught her valuable lessons about herself and life. Each chapter starts with a color and it is the color of the thread this person left behind in Maggie's life. The novel combines, storytelling, philosophy and poetry. It chronicles the many lessons we all learn in life and hopefully readers will see their own threads in the pages of this novel. Many people have loved it, some have been a bit confused and some just didn't get it. I wouldn't change my approach to writing. I let the book write the book and the story tell itself. I just try to get out of the way and let the words come pouring out. I will continue this way as it has a zen-like feel and works for me.

So how do I know if "Threads" is any good? Does popularity alone dictate quality? I don't know. I recently found out that "Threads" has been chosen as a finalist in the fiction category for the Colorado Book Awards. Does this validate my abilities as a literary writer? Again, I don't know. No doubt, I was elated at hearing the news.

I am working on a new novel and will just have to trust that this is what I am supposed to be doing and if I stay focused and allow the words from the universe to flow through me onto the page it will be enough. It's that darned ego that gets in the way. Some days, I just need to hear a good word to stoke my engine. Much as I would like to rely solely on self-confidence, a kind word from a reader can send me skyward. I want to thank all of the people who have taken the time to write a review or send me feedback about my book. You have been great and have helped me through some tough days. You have plastered a grin on my face for which I am eternally grateful.

I would love to hear from other writers about the need for validation, the necessary evils of the ego and objectively assessing your talents. Readers too, are welcome - how do you determine if a book is "good"? What criteria do you use?

Happy Thoughts

Patrice St. Onge