Every story needs a different level of attention and care. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

What I've Learned About Being A Writer From Jane Sloan On 'The Bold Type'

As writers, we're always getting inspiration from other stories and other writers.

378
What I've Learned About Being A Writer From Jane Sloan On 'The Bold Type'
@thekatiestevens on Instagram

Recently, I have been fascinated by the Freeform show "The Bold Type" and had a difficult time restraining myself from binging all the episodes available on Hulu. Not only does this show have a "feel-good" vibe, but it covers relevant issues throughout the episodes without taking away from the show itself. The friendship that Jane (Katie Stevens), Kat (Aisha Dee), and Sutton (Meghann Fahy) have is something special and would be a dream to have in the workplace in my own future. Additionally, each of their jobs (writing, social media, and fashion) are all ones that don't necessarily get legitimate attention or portrayal in many forms of media, but I feel that "The Bold Type" gives a realistic image to these professions while still being entertaining and essential to the plot of the show.

From watching this show the past couple of weeks, I have personally connected with Jane's character (which is probably not a surprise to many who know me and have seen the show). I've been relating to Jane through a lot of the episodes and, since catching up on seasons one and two on Hulu, I decided to make of list of things I learned about writing from Jane's experiences while I wait to start watching season three! I love learning from other writers, knowing about their challenges or lessons they value and remember when they write, so I thought I'd share what I've taken away from "The Bold Type" with all the other writers who may read this. Whether you're a fellow content creator on Odyssey or you write for fun or you're in a writing profession, these pieces of advice can relate to all of us and are always helpful to remember!

We all experience some kind of "writer's block."

Do what you got to do to find that inspiration. That could mean leaving the city you're in for a day, waiting for the stress of the deadline to inspire you, or discussing your topic with friends or a mentor to help you find a new angle.

Nothing stops a deadline.

Get the writing done. That could mean you get it out fast or you submit it last minute—either way it gets written.

Writing is isolating, so find a place where it doesn't always feel that way.

Go to a coffee shop. Have a writing buddy. Find a workplace you love. Maybe freelance isn't for you. Share your work!

Always portray both sides to every story.

As the writer, you should have the broadest understanding and knowledge about your subject. Especially if it's controversial and you don't necessarily agree with one view, you still have to give it the respect it deserves and right a thought-provoking piece that doesn't display one-sided bias.

Don't let anyone manipulate your story.

You, as the writer, control the intent of your story. Don't let an editor or friend or potential reader edit or mold or influence your story to be something that it's not.

The story always matters most—not the bylines or awards. 

"One voice can inspire others. One voice can start a movement." - Jane Sloan (Katie Stevens) in The Bold Type, Season 2, Episode 6.

We don't always feel inspired or get the pitch/idea we want, but that doesn't make the other story any less worthy of being written.

One week you may feel inspired to write a personal and moving piece while another day you may end up having to write a quiz. It is what you make of it.

As writers, we crave structure.

Freelancing can be fun and freeing, but it's also lonely, difficult, and lacks the structure and deadlines we crave.

Editors can be your best friend, your mentor, and confidant.

Jane Sloan's editor, Jacqueline Carlyle, in The Bold Type is everything I hope to have in a boss one day.

 You can always dig deeper into the story even when you think it's too painful. 

Embrace the emotions and personality in a story. Specifically, when a story is so personal, that gives you all the more reason to get it done well.

 Sometimes we need to take chances with our work and challenge ourselves.

Even if it's a risk and may not work out in the end, as writers we need to explore outside our comfort zones whether that is the type of pieces we are writing or the place we're writing in or for. Our safe place may not always be the safest place for our writing at that time in our lives.

 Every story needs a different level of attention and care.

We all need to figure out how to recognize this in a story and act upon it.

 Some stories are better left unwritten.

It may be a good story, but the effects on the people in it may be far graver than it's worth.

 If you can't connect with a story, do whatever you have to do to understand it before writing about it.

Don't write about something you don't know about or can't sympathize with or can't understand. These pieces could end up turning into rants instead of insightful perspectives on an issue.

 Everything's better with friends.

Whether that's working with your friends or having a fellow writer to call up at any moment.

 Always look for a new angle.

Most writers know the saying "No story is unique. It's been done before just in a different context." So make sure your story doesn't waste people's time. Put a new spin on the issue or topic, so that it intrigues your readers. Find a new or interesting perspective that will enlighten your readers.

 Ask the hard questions.

Ask them of your story, to the people you may be interviewing, to yourself as a writer. Ask them to be able to grow your story into something new and something that pushes expectations and what's been done before.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

3951
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

450303
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22132
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

45054
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments