SHARING SOME MISCELLANEOUS WRITING THOUGHTS by Craig Lock
# nice big word that, eh... but rather use a small one, when a
dimunitive will suffice! Now that is REAL bad writing, Craig!
They say that if enough chimpanzees were put in front of enough
word processors for enough time, eventually one of them would
write Hamlet.
"When you look into a mirror, you do not see your reflection -
your reflection sees you."
- anonymous
Here are some writing tips, that I'll pass on (don't end a
sentence with a "preppie" - bad grammar, Craig!)...
I never thought of writing as a career; though I thought
initially of becoming a sports journalist, like my grand-father,
Billy. Then landed up in insurance, like my dear dad, Ray! Too
many long years spent in that industry ("boring"), until my
creative spirit burst forth through force of circumstances here
in "Sleepy Hollow" (as it usually does).
Still... It's pretty lonesome being a writer, especially for a
"peopleperson", like me - well, it's meant to be the world's most
solitary occupation!
Here are a few suggestions, based on my writing experiences,
which I'll share...
THINK about your work and write for your target reader - your job
is to entice the reader. So let your writing be accurate, brief,
concise, clear and simple with short sentences. This makes it
easier for your reader...and after all, reading is a very
cerebral activity that demands high levels of concentration. For
me at least! Nice long word that 'cerebral'. No, it's not a
breakfast cereal.
When you stop writing, leave a note how you intend to restart
(next time, or the following day): Either a note on the subject
or the words you want to use. However, don't stop writing if your
words are flowing. When you're going well and have got your
momentum, it much easier keeping going.
I start work early in the morning: about 7:30 these days, when
I'm fresh. I work for about three hours, then go on a long walk
for exercise. It breaks the monotony of the day and refreshes me.
I get inspiration as I walk along alone. Many ideas shoot into my
head and I have to turn back before I forget them. Next time I'm
bring a small "dick"-ta-phone with me. Phone with a "dick". What
will the people on the beach say? Change the tone "sonny boy"! I
contemplate our lives: where we are going and so on. Who cares?
Usually I turn back in total shock!
Use plain, simple language and be brief with short words and
sentences. So said the great American writer Mark Twain. Another
great American writer, Ernest Hemingway said these wise words:
Use short sentences and paragraphs, use vigorous language, be
positive...and not negative."
"The prime ingredient of journalism is not intelligence, but
curiosity."
"I write because something inside myself, inner and unconscious
forces me to." That is the first compulsion. The second is one of
ethical and moral duty. I feel responsible to tell stories that
inspire readers to consider more deeply who they are.
"Having consulted a manual on suicide, a Taiwanese novelist whose
works had been rejected smashed up six luxury cars yesterday,
hoping their owners would kill him. They obliged and beat him to
a pulp but police intervened.
You really don't have to go to that kind of extreme!
To end off...
For me personally, the greatest satisfaction in my writing has
been in achieving something that I have wanted to do for years
(without knowing it, that is).
"Whatever you do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has
genius, power and magic in it".
The great German philosopher and writer Johan Wolfgang von Goethe
said those wise words. And this begs the question, "poor beggar":
Are all writer philosophers? Yes, I suppose they are in a
way...as we are "observers and reporters on life".
I hope the above information may be helpful to you in writing
creatively.
Happy writing and enjoy the journey.
Craig Lock
The "original" Online Creative Writing Course
http://www.craiglock.com/writer/index.html
Craig's FREE e-book Steps to Success is now available at:
http://www.bridgeniche.com/stepstosuccess/
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
What is Copyright and How Does One Protect It?
How to Write Creatively and Be Published
Some Writing Tips - 'A Simple Recipe for Writing Success'
Techniques, Tips and Advice for New Writers
'Write Rite' - How to Write Creatively and be published
Sharing some miscellaneous Writing Thoughts
Sharing some more Writing Tips
Sharing some thoughts in Writing the Novel
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