HOW TO BECOME A BETTER WRITER by Craig Lock
By now you have decided what kind of writer you'd like to be.
* To write for pleasure or for profit?
* To write articles or simply to write for your own enjoyment?
* Or perhaps just start writing and see what develops?
* To perhaps even one day write a book - about your life or about
the life of someone you know?
* 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Somebody else said: "No one but a blockhead would write not to be
published."...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".
I 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" target="www.craiglock.com">http://www.craiglock.com
======================
Craig Lock is an author of numerous books and
the creator of the "original" online creative writing course.
http://www.craiglock.com/writer/index.html
The various books that Craig "felt inspired to write" are
available at: http://www.craiglock.com and
http://www.bridgeniche.com
All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children - MINE
P.S: Don't worry about the world ending today... it's already
tomorrow in "little" scenic and tranquil New Zealand
More articles on WRITING
Nonsense, Fragments, Made Up Words: Heavenly Bonus
Writing for Publicity and Profit on the WWW
Twenty-Five Tips in Writing Articles for the WWW
How to Use and Write Press Releases as an Internet Marketing Strategy
Sharing Some More Thoughts on Writing Styles
How to Become a Better Writer
What is Copyright and How Does One Protect It
Making a Writer Out of You
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