Be a zebra in the midst of horses.

Yet another quote from Dr. Freeman’s presentation at Write!Canada… and yet another sentiment that’s easier said than done! How on earth are we supposed to be a zebra amidst horses? And how do we know when we’ve actually achieved that coveted zebra-ness? Maybe it’s something you know innately… or maybe it’s something we have to wait and hear from critique groups, agents, readers…

I’m not entirely sure how to be a zebra. There are no “original” story ideas anymore, it’s just a matter of how the story is told, so maybe that’s where we need to focus.

Then there’s how we market ourselves, how we use social media, how we adapt to new & changing technology and industry trends, and finding our unique voice. All things which, I think, contribute to our zebra-ness… unless we want to be horses, that is.

Do you know how you’re earning your stripes? I have yet to figure out how to get mine. Then again, would I know I’m a zebra unless someone else told me? As far as I know, horses & zebras don’t look in the mirror that often… but that’s another matter entirely.