The Right Way

There is "the right way" -- and then there are all "the other ways".

This concept of a "right way" was taught to me by a journeyman carpenter in the mid 70's and although it took me a while to wrap my mind around it, it's proved itself invaluable countless times since - to the point that I've adopted it as one of my stable datums.

Some people have a hard time with this concept because they've been brainwashed by "modern" pop-psychology, which would have us believe there is no right or wrong. But just a little thought exposes that idea as completely unworkable.

What makes one way or methodology "right"? It’s right to the degree that it achieves the desired product in the quickest, most effective way.

By "quickest" -- is meant "in the shortest period of time". For example, all other things being equal, it would be better to produce a novel in 6 months rather than 6 years.

By "effective" -- is meant "its production consumed the least amount of resources". Again, all other things being equal, it would be better to print a book on paper rather than gold plates.

The right or correct way is not necessarily something that is achieved but more of a direction in which one is always trying to go. Every activity or action has then its, "right way" and the professional is constantly tweaking and adjusting to get closer to that absolute. This is one of the things that defines the professional - the constant pursuit of, the best way to do what he/she is doing.

The amateur, on the other hand, doesn't believe nor aspire towards "the right or best way" of doing anything because nothing makes any difference anyway - they are in apathy.

Which brings up the next point for discussion; Datums of Comparable Magnitude, which is discussed on another page.

Therefore my research and study in this subject of writing fiction has been and will continue to be in the direction of writing better fiction, faster with less stress and selling more work, for more money, quicker.

The best of what forwards that objective is considered "the right way" - anything else is considered "the other way".

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