Energy & Enthusiasm Does Not Replace Skill

Over the last couple of days, I have seen and heard numerous people talking about elements of this concept. The first came from...wait for it...a podcast on cooking. The second came from the news. Essentially, the idea is that there are a lot of people out there jumping into professions and business opportunities with a ton of enthusiasm. While they have some skills in the area, their big claim is "the new excitement and energy they would bring to the field."

Over the years in education, I have seen a lot of administrators hire instructors on just this. They are fresh out of grad school and are ready to "take on the world." They have the excitement to take on every project the administrator wants to throw at them. They will take on numerous committee positions or extra-curricular activities. They have NEW and FRESH ideas. Wow! Who can beat that? The answer is simple. Those people who can actually do the job they are being hired to do - in this case teaching.

In politics, we see the same thing. Candidates arguing that a "fresh voice" is their strongest skill. (That is all I am going to say on this because this is not going to turn into a political debate. This is just an example)

Publishing is no different. You get those hot, break-out authors. They have been recognized for a single major award and suddenly, this is all they need to be that award winning author all of the time. They are living off of that excitement and enthusiasm of that first sale or recognition. Now, don't get me wrong, these are great accomplishments and need to be celebrated! But on the other side of the coin, until things are established, these authors have to still be put in there with the other "one-hit wonders." That is, until they become established and show they know the skill.

I have joked about this in the past when I talk to authors who get frustrated after reading a new series from a debut author. I hear the same thing every time. "Their first series was awesome but I don't know what happened to this one?" The answer is simple. That first story was the result of that enthusiasm and energy. That second series started to show that the author either still has a long way to go, or was simply one of those one hit wonders.

Writing, like every other profession takes time to develop the skills necessary to be great. One book or one series DOES NOT make you a great author. What gets you to that level is the ability to take those craft skills you have and move those skills to an intuitive level.  Like those chefs that talk about new emerging chefs. They may have a great initial concept, but the skills they would they gained from moving through the ranks in a kitchen are simply not there.