know what you're not

I'm not a very good writer, but I'm an excellent rewriter.  James A. Michener

I love this quote, especially considering the source.  It says a lot to those of us who write and it speaks to the fact that what comes out our pencils and pens and keyboards the first time around isn't ever usually our best work.  The real blood, sweat and tears of what we do is in the editing, the fixing, the rewording, the rewriting.  You've got to be willing and able to go more than one round with what you've written. A lot more than one round. 

I've spent some time experimenting with what I write about.  For me, sitting down to write fiction isn't something I do.  I currently don't read fiction, therefore it makes sense that I don't write fiction.  I admire, respect and hold highly those who do, because it's something that I wish I wanted to do.  And maybe someday I will.

Through trial and error, I've discovered where my best writing comes from.  For me it's in the retelling of an event that actually happened or something that I witnessed or experienced, and then putting my own spin on it in any number of ways. That's where I'm most comfortable; that's where I can go to town.  

I'm a non-fiction writer. 

So I would say that while I'm not a very good storyteller, I am a pretty good story reteller.

And sometimes in life, knowing what you're not is just as important as knowing what you are.

I'd love it if you'd leave me a comment and tell me about what you like to write. Fiction? Non-fiction? Fantasy? Humor? Sci fi?