Why Novice Writers Understand What Experienced Writers Don’t

Novice writers often possess a unique spark that experienced writers sometimes overlook. The initial burst of creativity, the raw emotion, and the authentic voice are elements that seasoned writers might neglect as they become more polished and adept. In this article, we’ll explore why those who are just beginning to craft their stories bring a fresh perspective that can revolutionize readers’ experiences—details, emotions, and style that seasoned writers might skip over. Let's dive into the magic of storytelling and why novices bring a sparkle to the narrative world.

When new writers dive into the world of crafting narratives, they tend to approach it with a pure and unfiltered passion. Their stories often feel raw and unadorned, sometimes bordering on the simplistic. Consider this example:

In the morning Jordan took his pills. After he went to cook and eat. Jordan went to work after and he finded someone behind the door. It was weird.
He went to see and the person was a monster that killed him.

While this might be a simple, accurate account of a morning, the writing appears unpolished and lacking in nuance. Readers might be inclined to advise, "Come on! You can do better!" This criticism may lead the writer to inject more sophisticated language and correct errors, which can improve the readability:

In the forenoon Jordan took his pills. After he went to cook and nourish himself. Jordan went to work after and he found someone behind the door. It was bizarre.
He went to see and the person was a monster that assassinated him.

While this revision is certainly more refined and less jarring, it still feels like a straightforward recounting of events. Novice writers, on the other hand, have a tendency to bring in more vivid and sensory details, making the story come alive in a way that seasoned writers sometimes neglect.

Novice Writers: Adding Emotion and Sensory Details

Novice writers often connect more deeply with the characters, pouring their own emotions and experiences into the narrative. They describe scenes through the lens of raw, unfiltered emotions, which can create a deeper emotional connection with the reader. Here’s a transformed version of the previous story:

Dring dring.

The alarm clock unpleasantly woke Jordan up, pulling him out of his profound sleep as he forces his eyes open. His eyelids didn’t seem to agree but soon cooperated. The young man grimaced as the glass of water took the dust and warmed up during his sleep. Moreover, the sun was now piercing through his window and dazzling rays were blinding his barely awakened pupils.

He stepped on the first stair almost tripping over some sponge. What was a mere sponge doing there anyway? Such minuscule detail couldn’t bother him at the moment as he had to go to work. He took a brief glance at his wristwatch before his eyes got wide open now aware of the situation he put himself in by watching "Love by Chance" so late last night. He dragged himself as fast as he could to the kitchen, reached for a saucepan to sauté some vegetables. He grabbed a piece of bread and dumped his half-cooked goods inside it. The poor newly employed man couldn’t arrive late and knew it. After dressing up at light speed that is, Jordan ran to his car and quickly reached for the keys. Reassured he calmly drove to his office.

When there, he settled up after saying the usual “oh hello, hi dear’s” and such. Things felt like a happy glitch until his picture-perfect work got interrupted by the sight of a strange macabre silhouette behind his door. The morbid figure would not move even for the slightest, thus creating a lugubrious atmosphere. He decided to be courageous and rational and stood up in the middle of it all. The air he was breathing was now bleak and the office looked dreary. When placing a hand on the door handle, some bravery shot invaded his veins, and he slammed the door open to his own fright.

Sweet dreams, may he ever try having after seeing what hid behind that door. Something he had never seen before, a scabby, horrific thing.

Linus, the fish statue, had entered the scene uninvited this morning, bought by the boss. While I admit having a good time with this rewrite, I believe it captures the essence of adding sensory and emotional details that new writers bring to the table.

Embrace the Authentic Voice

Novice writers often have an authentic voice that is unburdened by the conventions or ego that can sometimes hinder more experienced writers. This rawness and unfiltered passion can make their narratives incredibly compelling. Experienced writers can sometimes fall into the trap of submitting their stories to the pursuit of perfection, overlooking the unique and immediate appeal of a raw, unedited story. Add your unique touch; don’t just say “and then this happened.” Make it your text.

No detail is too small or too large. Describe the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings in a way that brings your story to life. Emphasize authenticity by infusing your story with genuine emotion and sensory detail. This is where the magic happens, making your words resonate with your readers.

And when you edit, keep that authentic, novice writer’s voice close to your heart. Let the story pop out from the page, and let the reader feel the emotions alongside your characters.

Conclusion

Novice writers understand the importance of bringing their unique voice and authentic emotions to their narratives. They offer a fresh perspective that can transform a straightforward story into a vivid, engaging experience. Embrace the raw emotion, add detailed sensory descriptions, and make your story pop. It’s not just about perfect grammar or correct punctuation; it’s about creating a connection that resonates with your readers.