Frankenstein’s Manuscript: When Too Much Writing Advice Creates a Monster

From Edie: Learn how writers can avoid creating a Frankenstein manuscript by evaluating feedback, protecting their unique voice, and knowing which writing advice to use.

Frankenstein’s Manuscript: When Too Much Writing Advice Creates a Monster

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

As writers, everywhere we turn we’re told we need to seek out feedback.

Feedback is vital to help us grow. We need critique partners who will tell us when a scene isn’t working. We need editors who catch the things we’re too close to see. We need beta readers, contest judges, mentors, agents, and trusted writing friends who can help us grow.

But there’s another side to feedback and advice—a danger no one talks about quite as often.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read something from a writer that has fallen into this trap. They take a little advice from this critique partner, stitch on a suggestion from that contest judge, bolt on something we heard at a writers conference, and add a shiny new technique we learned in a workshop.

They’ve worked so hard to incorporate all they learn, they’ve destroyed their voice and ended up with what I call a Frankenstein manuscript.

Not All Good Advice Is Right for Your Manuscript

I've found there are two general types of writers:

• those who are too stubborn to take anyone’s advice.
• and those who take everyone’s advice.

I think we hear a lot about the stubborn writers. But we don’t often hear about those who—in genuinely trying to improve—fall into that second group. 

It’s not that the people advising these writers are giving bad advice. And it certainly doesn’t mean any of us should ignore criticism. What it does mean is that we need to develop discernment and learn to guard the ideas given to us. God gave each of us this gift of writing. He puts the words in our hearts—not the final versions—but the ones that reflect the voice God has given us. 

Early in our writing journey, most of us desperately want someone to tell us what to do. We’re learning the rules, trying to understand the industry, and hoping we’re not making some terrible mistake everyone else can see.

So when someone with more experience tells us to change something, we change it.

Then another experienced writer suggests something different.

So we change it again.

A contest judge tells us the opening needs more action, so we add action.

A critique partner says we need more backstory, so we add backstory.

An editor tells us the pacing is slow, so we cut some of that backstory.

Someone at a conference says readers need to connect emotionally with our character sooner, so we add an internal monologue.

And suddenly our poor manuscript has bolts sticking out of its neck.

Feedback Is Information, Not a Command

One of the most important things we can learn as writers is this:

Feedback is information. It is not automatically an instruction.

When someone tells me a scene or a chapter isn’t working, I pay attention. But I don’t necessarily make the change they suggest. Instead, I look at why they gave that advice. Did they stumble or misunderstand? Looking at the root of the suggestion is where the value lies.

For example, a critique partner may tell us, “I think you need to explain more about why she’s afraid of him.”

The temptation is to immediately add three paragraphs of explanation.

But the real problem might not be missing explanation at all. Perhaps we haven’t shown enough evidence earlier in the story to make her fear believable.

Same problem.

Very different fix.

That distinction matters.

Look for Patterns

One of my personal rules is to pay special attention when several people stumble over what I’ve written in the same place.

If one reader doesn’t like something, I make a note. If three readers have trouble with the same thing, I start digging. They may suggest three completely different solutions, but their confusion is telling me something important.

There’s probably a problem there.

Our job as writers isn’t necessarily to choose one of their solutions. Our job is to identify what’s causing readers to stumble and find the solution that fits our story. That keeps us from sewing someone else’s arm onto our manuscript just because they offered it.

Consider the Source

We also need to consider who is giving us advice. Not every reader is our reader. Not every writer understands our genre. Not every contest judge is equally experienced. And not every published author knows what’s best for our particular story.

That doesn't mean we become defensive and dismiss anyone who says something we don't like. That's just as dangerous as accepting every suggestion. Instead, we weigh the advice and ask ourselves some questions:

• Does this person understand my genre?
• Do they understand what I’m trying to accomplish?
• Is this an issue of craft, or is it personal preference?
• Does their suggestion strengthen the story I’m trying to tell—or turn it into the story they would tell?

That last question has saved me more than once.

Know What Your Story Is About

The better we understand what we’re trying to say in our writing, the easier it becomes to evaluate advice. We need to know the heart of what we're writing.

• Who is this manuscript for?
• What promise are we making to the reader?
• What is the focus of the journey we’re taking the reader on?
• What do we want readers to carry with them when they reach the end of the book?
• Those things become our compass.

Without that compass, every new suggestion can send us racing in a different direction.

Sometimes We Have to Take the Monster Apart

Maybe some of you are reading this and realizing you’ve already created Frankenstein’s manuscript. You’ve revised it so many times for so many people that you don’t recognize your own writing anymore. That doesn't mean the manuscript is ruined. It may just mean it's time to stop tinkering.

Put it away for a little while if you can. Then come back and read it—not as a critique partner, editor, contest judge, or marketing expert. Read it as the writer who first fell in love with the idea. Spend some time in prayer and ask yourself what belongs. Ask what doesn't. Look for places where your voice disappeared beneath everyone else's suggestions. Then be brave enough to take out the stitches.

Because the goal of critique isn't to create a manuscript everyone else would have written. The goal is to help us write our manuscript better. There’s a huge difference. We need good critique partners. We need editors. We need mentors and teachers and people who will tell us the truth when something isn't working. But ultimately, we’re the ones responsible to God for the words on the page—for shepherding the ideas God has laid on our hearts.

• So we listen.
• We learn.
• We pay attention when readers stumble.
• Most of all, we stay teachable.
• And we do NOT hand everyone who reads your manuscript a needle and thread.

Otherwise, we may look up one dark and stormy night and discover we've created a monster.

Now it's your turn. Have you ever made a change to a manuscript because someone suggested it—only to realize later you should have trusted your instincts? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Frankenstein’s Manuscript: When Too Much Writing Advice Creates a Monster from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie uses the truths God has taught her as an author, photographer, and blogger to encourage others. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As a sought-after speaker, she’s empowered and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others call on God’s strength during challenging times, often using creativity to empower this connection. Edie is also the executive director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

She and husband Kirk have been married 44+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found with their big black dog hiking the mountains. Connect with her at www.EdieMelson.com and through social media.