Writing toward a consensus is a tricky undertaking. You can do it, provided the consensus is narrow enough to set useful boundaries. Otherwise, it becomes waffling and psychological transference. Many new writers seem to have a fixation on getting permission for their writing. Trust me, forgiveness is easier than permission.
Don't be Flowered Shirt.
Many years ago when I attended more SFF conventions than I do now, I noticed one woman showing up to ALL of the local cons, and nigh-religiously attending as many of the writing and publishing panels as she could. She always wore a loud floral-print Hawaiian shirt, and she always carried a clipboard stuffed with a fresh college-ruled notebook.
She always asked the attending professionals the same series of good but basic questions.
Away from her presence, the local con volunteers and some of the pros started referring to her as 'Flowered Shirt', usually with some eye-rolling involved.
After a couple of years, I asked her about her questions. After ascertaining that I was a complete newbie, and not someone worthwhile or important, she confided that this was her system for figuring out the foolproof formula for writing a best-selling fantasy novel. She thought she was almost there, another couple of years and a few dozen more 'interviews' and she'd get it right. And no, I couldn't see any of her notebooks, or use her questions.
Yeah. I drifted away from the local con scene, so I have no idea whatever happened to her.
Don't be Flowered Shirt.
Many years ago when I attended more SFF conventions than I do now, I noticed one woman showing up to ALL of the local cons, and nigh-religiously attending as many of the writing and publishing panels as she could. She always wore a loud floral-print Hawaiian shirt, and she always carried a clipboard stuffed with a fresh college-ruled notebook.
She always asked the attending professionals the same series of good but basic questions.
Away from her presence, the local con volunteers and some of the pros started referring to her as 'Flowered Shirt', usually with some eye-rolling involved.
After a couple of years, I asked her about her questions. After ascertaining that I was a complete newbie, and not someone worthwhile or important, she confided that this was her system for figuring out the foolproof formula for writing a best-selling fantasy novel. She thought she was almost there, another couple of years and a few dozen more 'interviews' and she'd get it right. And no, I couldn't see any of her notebooks, or use her questions.
Yeah. I drifted away from the local con scene, so I have no idea whatever happened to her.