The Valuable Writerly Lesson I Learned from Makeup Artistry

Have you ever read a book so well-written that you wished your style could mirror the author’s? And, once you finished the book, you felt equal parts love and jealousy for the story that seemed to effortlessly float off the page and into your mind, drenching you in their world almost instantly from the start. Then later felt almost inadequate looking at your work, which has none of the same alluring finesse as the book you just put down.

I’m looking at you, The Night Circus (affiliate link).

But that’s the power of books. The ones that resonate with us give our writerly selves both inspiration and trepidation for our own novels. And sometimes, we feel the need to mimic our favorite author’s style and to hide our weaknesses in the name of craftsmanship. Or is that just me?

While going through several cycles of attempting to cover up my imperfections, I came across Ingrid Nilsen and Michelle Phan on YouTube. And their underlying message through makeup artistry hit home.

Our flaws are not meant to be hidden. Rather than focusing on what’s “wrong” with our craft, we should highlight our strengths.

Those rad character quirks you’re so good at creating? Showcase ’em! Don’t waste energy on hiding the awkward setting descriptions that seem to get worse with every revision.

Maybe you suck at have a hard time with writing dialogue. Include quotes as necessary, but focus on writing in those fight scenes you know you rock at. Do it, I dare you.

Our goal as writers is not to outdo others but to let you shine through.

Heather Sellers mentions in Chapter after Chapter (affiliate link):

In order to deal with the fear of the unknown that accompanies us every time we take on a new activity, we often suit up. We muscle up a new self: Serious Writer Man. It’s really fake.

And with that fakeness, the literary community, our readers, will see it. Smell it. Feel the weird vibe. That they aren’t experiencing our words.

Of course, we should still continue to venture into new territory. Walk outside our comfort zones. And we definitely should pick up techniques from writers we admire along the way.

But if you give something different a chance and notice it’s clashing with the rest of your work, sounding like someone else altogether, then be okay with letting it go.

Heather Sellers also quotes Henry David Thoreau while sharing her own wisdom:

‘Beware of all enterprises that require a new set of clothes.’ . . . Trust the comfy clothes you reach for day after day, your plain, regular essential self.

Just like with makeup, you don’t have to conceal all the “blemishes,” caking on the fancy stuff. Instead show off the amazing skills you’ve already got, darling. Bring attention to the techniques you do well, embracing your signature.

Find what you enjoy writing and write it. Show it for the world to see. Bring YOU into the spotlight because that’s what the world is waiting for.

To hear from you.