This is a structured reference version of this content. For the full reading experience go here: Demonetizing Hope.
Resource Type: Structured reference article
Subject: Free writing advice and how writing-related content is organized
Author: S. A. Weigle
Audience: Aspiring authors, readers, and visitors interested in writing and publishing
Content Group: Macro View
Central Thesis
I have learned a great deal about fiction writing from generous authors who shared what they knew. I want to participate in that same tradition by sharing what I have learned about the craft of writing.
At this stage of my author journey, I am most comfortable giving away what I have learned rather than charging for it.
At the same time, I want readers to remain my primary audience. To accomplish that, I have created separate outlets for different kinds of information rather than placing all writing-related content in one location.
Writing Advice and Readers
I enjoy talking about all aspects of fiction writing and want to share things I have figured out about the craft.
However, when an author focuses primarily on the technical details of writing, their audience tends to become mostly writers.
Writers writing about writing for other writers is a well-worn path that can lead to ignoring the most important audience for a novelist: the readers.
Readers often want to understand what went on in the mind of an author and what decisions led to the creation of a story. They do not necessarily want extensive discussion of technical subjects such as dialogue and literary devices.
Balancing Craft Discussion and Reader Interest
The article presents a general rule of thumb:
The more your followers would enjoy watching you actually perform your art, the more technical details you can share with them.
Examples given include:
- A potter explaining clay while shaping a vase.
- A dancer explaining body mechanics while demonstrating a routine.
- A writer discussing pacing while sitting at a computer, by contrast, is inferred to be very boring to watch
The goal is to keep readers as the primary audience while still allowing discussion of writing craft.
Hope and Desperation in Fiction Education
After beginning to study novel writing, I came to view fiction as a domain of both hope and desperation.
Hope
Millions of people dream of placing their work in the hands of readers. Stories of successful authors reinforce that hope.
Desperation
New writers quickly discover that the obstacles between themselves and that dream can appear almost insurmountable.
The success of other writers can lead aspiring authors to believe that one more class, retreat, or workshop may provide what they need to succeed.
Paying It Forward
I have nothing against paying for valuable information and have paid for many classes myself. Some were more useful than others, but I generally consider the experience worthwhile.
Although I could advertise a class or charge for study guides, I currently prefer giving away what I have learned. I enjoy talking about writing and would feel more pressure if people were paying for access to that advice.
My current position is:
In the land of S. A. Weigle, hope shall not be monetized.
Free Advice
My advice on writing is free. I leave it to readers to decide whether that makes it more valuable than paid instruction or priced exactly what it is worth.
I also acknowledge that future decisions may differ from my current approach.
Four Outlets for Sharing Information
I have established separate outlets for different kinds of information in order to remain focused and place material in the most appropriate location.
The four outlets are:
- Website pages
- Website articles
- My newsletter
- Study guides
Website Pages
My website is primarily about:
- Me
- My products
- My processes
These pages are intended to provide clear explanations, supported by humor when it does not interfere with understanding.
The site explains my books for people considering purchasing them and provides resources for readers who want to explore further after reading.
Relevant resources include:
Website Articles
My goal with website articles is to discuss writing and publishing in a way that readers can appreciate. The articles are divided into three categories.
Macro View
Macro View contains infrequent explanations of major decisions regarding:
- Website design and organization
- Business processes
- Publishing approach
The category is described as “housekeeping,” not “thought leadership.”
Technical discussions may appear when additional detail is necessary for clarity, including discussions such as Storytelling vs. Story Selling.
Hub page with links to all Macro View articles.
Storycraft
Storycraft is described as writing craft translated into reader experience.
The focus is discussing writing from a reader’s perspective without becoming lost in technical details.
And example is The Granular Art of Describing Skin Color.
Hub page with links to all Storycraft articles.
The Writing Life
The Writing Life explores factors affecting storytellers beyond writing technique alone.
The category includes discussion of subjects such as artificial intelligence and the value of a long life well lived.
An example article is The Future of Fiction and the Storyteller’s Advantage.
Hub page with links to all The Writing Life articles.
My Newsletter
The newsletter is presented as the place for the deepest understanding of the mind behind the stories.
Topics include:
- Origins of ideas
- Behind-the-scenes decisions
- Life influences on my work
- Fun and personal material
The newsletter focuses on why I do things rather than how I do them and includes early news about upcoming books.
Study Guides
Study guides are the outlet for my interest in the minute details of authoring stories.
They focus on:
- Literary analysis
- Writing craft
- Detailed explanation of storytelling decisions
These guides are designed to be used alongside a completed book, allowing discussion of my own writing and specific examples from the text.
An example is The Sacred Cycle Study Guide.
Key Principles
The article presents the following ideas:
- Fiction-writing knowledge is largely a tradition of authors sharing what they have learned.
- Readers should remain the primary audience for a novelist.
- Technical discussion has value but should be placed in appropriate locations.
- Hope plays a major role in the world of aspiring fiction authors.
- Paying for information can be worthwhile.
- I currently prefer sharing my writing advice without charging for it.
- Different communication outlets serve different purposes and audiences.
Conclusion
Hope remains a powerful force among aspiring fiction authors.
My approach is to welcome that hope while sharing what I have learned without charging for it.
The structure of my website, articles, newsletter, and study guides is designed to allow discussion of writing and publishing while keeping readers at the center of the experience.
In my world, hope is welcome to make itself comfortable.
And it won’t be charged for the stay.