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How to Become a Better Writer (Updated)
Copyright © 2004 Craig Lock
http://www.craiglock.com
By now you have decided what kind of writer
you'd like to be.
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To write for pleasure or for profit?
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To write articles or simply to write for
your own enjoyment?
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Or perhaps just start writing and see what
develops?
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To perhaps even one day write a book -
about your life or about the life of someone you know?
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To one day write the novel you
always dreamed of?
I believe everyone
has some tale to tell. We can all reach out and help others by sharing a
little of our little (don't repeat 'little' in such close proximity- "yes
sir, boss!") world. Somebody else said: "No one but a blockhead would write
not to be published"... but I don't agree with that one.
I believe writing is
for pleasure or profit, but it can be both. That's the ideal to aim (and
wish/hope) for. That was my ideal when I started out in my quest to do
something worthwhile with my life after being dropped out of the sky here in
"Sleepy Hollow:" try to have a bit of FUN with my writing, because life
(together with all the appendages, like mortgages, bills, wives, "hubbies,"
etc.) can be ever so serious.
We spoke about making
a writer out of you. Ask yourself: Where and when to write. Which room is
most comfortable and gives you peace and quiet? When are you most creative?
Are you a morning or evening person? When is your concentration at it's
highest level? My body rhythms work best in the early morning, so I'm in bed
with my teddy bear and hot "choccie" and pussy cat by 9 p.m. How utterly
boring!
When are you most
likely to be undisturbed? I have the strangest type of people dropping in to
visit "recluse" me. Must be the lot of an artist! Treat your writing
seriously. It is your work time, yet people don't seem to understand that.
"When are you going to get a proper job?" ask the locals, as they can't seem
to understand the strange writer. Nor even my good Aussie friend, Kaye who
is visiting at the moment!
WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT?
This is the writer's
principal dilemma. Write what the market wants, but draw on your world, your
unique experiences in life. Ask yourself this: How can I best inform,
entertain, help, or perhaps even inspire other people?
WHERE TO GET IDEAS?
The human mind has
the most incredible power and your imagination is your greatest asset. So
use the great powers of your IMAGINATION to the fullest by allowing your
creative juices to flow. Then once you have the idea, RESEARCH well, so you
are factually correct. Accuracy in writing is paramount for credibility--you
have to be seen to be an authority on your subject.
If you are writing
purely for money (nothing wrong with that), write what will sell. I only
write from the heart, either with serious messages in my novels or uplifting
material for the human spirit in my non-fiction "work". Always remember:
There are too many subjects to write about - not too few! Remember to
collect interesting items for later use.
* HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR WRITING STYLE
We all have a unique
style of writing, in addition to our unique experiences in life... because
each one of us is unique, thank God. So just be grateful for who you are,
your unique abilities and gifts and count your blessings. Enough on this
subject--this is not a new spiritual book!
Style is our natural
way of writing: it can be brief, long-winded, chatty, wacky, breezy, light,
heavy, and so on - like the way we talk. I try and write like I speak: very
much to the point, but with the odd "zany" bit thrown in to startle or get a
person thinking (or perhaps just wondering about me and where I'm coming
from. Mars!).
My advice...Build on
your own natural style of writing... and the best way to do that is to get
into the writing habit. Then just be you. Incidentally, a word of
seriousness for a change... Although this road I have chosen is very rocky
and financially uncertain, doing this type of work gives me more fulfillment
in my life than ever before, as well as feeling this is the real me. And
that's most important.
Write something
daily; because practice makes perfect. Be open to growth, to try new styles
or new directions in your writing. I find after I've done a serious book
(like a novel on South Africa), I try to write to inform and entertain in a
light breezy style. Probably just both sides of me coming out!
You could perhaps try
adding touches of humour, your natural humour, of course. This comes with
confidence and confidence comes with more writing. My confidence has
increased greatly after my tentative first steps down this track. I believe
the essence of good writing style lies in precision and accuracy. Omit
unnecessary words.
* HOW DABBLER WRITERS BECOME PROFESSIONALS
They do it regularly:
with self discipline and dedication. I may not be one of the best writers
around, but I've got dedication and self discipline which comes from
motivation, because I love what I do - although it's very hard work. I try
to have fun, whilst I try to earn a living.
Top writers WRITE AND
REWRITE - many times over, so the words flow better each time. They aim for
perfection - very, very hard to achieve; although one can always improve.
Every time I go through a manuscript, I change things like repetitive words,
incorrect grammar and punctuation to try to get the words to flow better...
but one has to draw a halt somewhere, otherwise books would never get
published.
I hope this
information has been helpful to you.
Happy writing
******************************
Craig Lock (Eagle Productions
http://www.craiglock.com
"Eagles may fly high, but weasels don't get
sucked into jet engines."
About the author: Craig is a writer who
believes in sharing information, as well as encouraging and helping others
to find their talents and gifts, to strive for and accomplish their dreams
in life - whatever they may be.
Writing Course:
http://www.craiglock.com/downloads/cwcourse.html
(the "original" online creative writing
course)
Books by Craig Lock are available at:
http://www.craiglock.com/books.html
http://www.bridgeniche.com/southern-african-experience/index.html
and
http://www.bridgeniche.com/get-motivated-now/index.html
* Hard copies and e-books - fiction and
non-fiction: self help, personal growth, inspiration, travel, humour, novels
and money books. |
