Forte – definition: 1) a special skill, an ability of special worth or utility; 2) the stronger part of a sword blade between the hilt and the foible
I believe we all have a special quality. One that should be shared. By sharing it we enhance/improve another person’s life. It may not be a mind blowing ability – but worth its weight in gold all the same to someone else. A listening ear, the ability to explain something simply or show compassion where others do not.
Within my writing group, there are several individuals who freely give their expertise. The reward? Knowing they have helped ‘solve’ a problem or enlightened another person to a process that had given them trouble. Seeing these individuals generosity encourages others to do the same. It is an awesome snowball effect.
What is your forte?
In regard to the other meaning of forte, I know details are key in most story writing. If our readers can ‘picture’ our characters or the scene, we have accomplished our goal. In Life in Slake Patch, I had to decide on what type of weapony was used. It is set several generations after a world war with devastating loss of life and destruction of ‘modern’ environments. Under matriarchal rule, arsenals of modern weapons were destroyed, leaving utilitarian objects as a resort. I needed to have something better than sickles and clubs so did enable knives to be used.
Have you manufactured weaponry in a story?
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 