What's Happening?
Author and college professor Erin Dionne recently shared her insights on character development, the importance of 'bad choices' in plot, and effective critique practices. Dionne, who writes middle grade novels, picture books, chapter books, and cozy mysteries,
advocates for a character-first approach to writing. She emphasizes extensive pre-writing, often spending months brainstorming in notebooks to deeply understand her characters' wants, needs, and dimensions beyond the immediate story. Dionne suggests that giving characters two 'bad choices' at a crossroads, rather than an easy and a hard one, significantly raises stakes and creates more compelling drama. She also discussed the art of giving and receiving critique, drawing from her 25-year-long critique group experience. Dionne advises writers to ask for specific feedback, identify their story's core, and disregard critiques that deviate from it. She highlighted the importance of creative confidence, advocating for writers to practice advocating for their work and to recognize when feedback is unhelpful. Additionally, Dionne touched upon her hybrid author career, balancing traditional and indie publishing, and her involvement in school visits and workshops.
Why It's Important?
Erin Dionne's perspectives offer valuable guidance for aspiring and established writers in the U.S. literary community. Her emphasis on deep character development and the strategic use of 'bad choices' provides a practical framework for crafting engaging narratives, which can lead to more compelling and successful books. This approach can help authors create stories that resonate more deeply with readers, fostering stronger connections and potentially increasing readership. Her insights into critique are particularly significant, as effective feedback is crucial for author growth but often a source of frustration. By teaching writers how to solicit specific feedback and protect their story's core, Dionne empowers them to navigate the critique process more constructively, leading to better revisions and stronger manuscripts. This can improve the overall quality of published works and reduce the emotional toll often associated with receiving criticism. Furthermore, her discussion of creative confidence and advocating for one's work addresses a common challenge for writers, especially those early in their careers, promoting resilience and self-belief in a competitive industry. Her hybrid publishing model also reflects a growing trend in the U.S., offering a blueprint for authors seeking greater control and diversification in their careers.
What's Next?
Dionne's continued advocacy for character-driven storytelling and mindful critique practices is likely to influence writing workshops, MFA programs, and individual authors. Her book, 'Bad Choices Make Good Stories: Conversations About Writing,' will serve as a resource for writers seeking to refine their craft. The principles she outlines, such as pre-writing extensively and strategically employing 'bad choices,' could become more widely adopted techniques in creative writing education. Her advice on navigating critique groups and developing creative confidence will empower more writers to engage with feedback constructively, fostering a more supportive and productive literary community. As a full-time professor, Dionne's teachings will directly impact future generations of writers. Her experience with an indie press formed with her critique group also points to a potential model for collaborative self-publishing, offering a pathway for authors to gain more control over their work and share resources. This collaborative approach could become more prevalent, especially for authors who find traditional publishing restrictive or who wish to explore niche markets. Her ongoing school visits and workshops will continue to connect her with readers and writers, reinforcing the importance of community and craft in the literary world.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the practical aspects of writing, Dionne's philosophy touches on deeper psychological and communal dimensions of the creative process. Her emphasis on understanding a character's 'wants and needs' reflects a fundamental human desire to explore motivation and consequence, both in fiction and in life. The concept of 'bad choices' as a narrative engine mirrors the complexities of real-life decision-making, where individuals often face dilemmas without clear-cut 'good' options, forcing them to confront their values and resilience. This approach to storytelling can help readers process their own experiences with difficult choices and moral ambiguities. The longevity and success of her 25-year critique group highlight the profound importance of sustained, respectful community in creative endeavors. In an often solitary profession, such groups provide not only critical feedback but also emotional support, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose, combating the isolation many writers face. This communal aspect underscores the idea that creativity flourishes best within a supportive ecosystem, challenging the romanticized notion of the lone genius. Furthermore, Dionne's journey as a hybrid author and her involvement in an indie press reflect a broader shift towards empowering creators, allowing them to reclaim agency and redefine success on their own terms in an evolving media landscape.
