Writing Tips

How to Begin?

Initially in the writing process, two distinct classifications of writers emerge:

Type #1:  begins writing from an inspired thought, or
Type #2:  1st generates an idea, or has a purpose and/or a pre-conceived plan, and then writes.

Type #1 writer (which I am), picks up his pen because something, some person, event, thought or idea strikes him.  He understands the importance of recording his initial thoughts.  These types of writers usually keep a notepad and pen near their bedside or on their person; for they do not know when inspiration will strike.  They do know however, it will strike, as it has always done so in the past.  Writer #1 listens closely to his thoughts and continues to record them as they present themselves, for they do recognize the gift they are being given.

Many Type #1 writers consider themselves as or having a Muse (noun).  In Greek mythology, we learn that a Muse is a goddess of art, one of the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne.  According to the Greeks, the Muses inspire and preside over the creative arts.  They are responsible for epic poetry, history, tragedy, comedy, sacred song, dance and even astronomy.  Many musicians also classify themselves in this category, such as the Beatles, Bach, Beethoven and Brahms.     

Each time this type of writer receives motivation to write, he expects to receive the ride of a lifetime, for he is carried away on the wings of inspiration, intuition and imagination. 

He begins his journey on faith, with no pre-conceived idea, goal or destination in mind.  Initially he is motivated only to scribe (write down) information.  Along the way, he is entertained by meeting new characters, venturing to far-away lands and increasing his own limited horizons.  He lives in the present and all is new to him.  His initial job is only to scribe or write down.  He does not know the ending of his story and need not worry, as each new chapter presents itself and eventually, the story reaches an end.  Here's an analogy by writer E.L. Doctorow:  "Writing a novel is like driving a car at night.  You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way." 

Type #2 writes to accomplish or complete a task at hand.  He has a subject and/or purpose for his writing.  He writes to inform, convince, describe or refute (disprove).  His subject(s) can include:  a belief, idea, person, place, thing or event. 

Brainstorming and recording what he initially knows about a subject may be the first step to his writing.  As important, he may also record what he does not know about the subject, but would like to learn in order to create an in-depth story, article or paper.

Interesting to note, the definition of the verb, muse is to think, ponder, consider, ruminate (yes, like cows) and to reflect on.   

Both Types of writers usually will pause in their writing either to:    

1.  Research their subject matter so that they may gain more information or insight necessary to develop their writing, or
2.  Contemplate one of the parts of their writing for development, or
3.  Re-write their text in order to improve their message.  

Even though Type #1 writer may be 'given' words, phrases, sentences or pictures in his mind, he usually does utilize the above steps & tools for his writing also.

Who Can Write?

Anyone can write and should, if they have something they would like to
record or share -- it's as simple as that!

How to Become the Best Possible Writer?

Read 

1.  Expressing ourselves becomes easier, the larger vocabulary we have.  The more words we know, the better description we can provide to others, and the more interesting and enjoyable our writing becomes to read. Our spelling also improves, which can allow us to write with fewer spell-checks. 

Tip: Remember words are one of the basic elements in writing.

 2.  Reading from different authors will provide an exposure to an array of writing styles, which we can incorporate in our own writing to provide more variety and increase our ability to communicate better.

3.  Reading provides a greater source for your knowledge base in just about any subject you read about.

Live   
1.  Gain knowledge from life experience, which will increase your ability to describe:
a.  different characters; people or cultures
b.  places
c.  situations
d.  events
2.  Provide greater:
a.  problem-solving skills for your characters
b.  twists and endings in a story
c.  experiences
3.  Help to consider:
a.  different ideas
b.  opinions
c.  judgments

Think
1.  Take time to contemplate about:
a.  people's diverse personalities, including your own, your family's, your teachers' and your schoolmates'
b.  your life, your purpose; or the mission, goal or career and those of others
c.  peoples of the world, their culture, which will include their eating habits, dress, music, art & world view      
d.  our earth & all of the inhabitants therein (including the animals)
e.  our way of life; our government
f.   climates of the world
g.  events of the world
g.  technology or machines (if that interests you)
h.  any subject that you would like

Listen
1.  Listening will provide:
a.  language & language arts diversity (new dialects)
b.  vocabulary & speaking styles
c.  knowledge & opinions

Observe
1.  Become a people watcher: observe their attitudes; notice their dress, speech & actions.  You will gain:
a.  a plethora of knowledge that can be used for your future creative writing

Tips: 
1. Remember to research beyond your own knowledge when you need to discover more about a subject -- you'll know when you need to!
2.  Stop & contemplate when you do not understand what you are writing, for readers won't understand you either. 

Sometimes researching & contemplating (re-thinking) will make you feel like you're descending down, down, down through a large dark cavern, but don't despair. You are going in the right direction.  Collect what you need from the source, (whether from within or without), and return promptly to the surface just in time to seize that much-needed gasp of fresh air. Then, and only then, will you be ready to proceed forward on your journey. Thomas Mann reminds us that, "A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people."

You may be needing a little encouragement about now; treacherous grounds are often encountered on this writing journey -- so here goes:

Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember a lone amateur built the ark;
a large group of professionals built the Titanic.
--- Author Unknown

You cannot plough a field by
turning it over in your mind.
--- Author Unknown   

He who has the desire finds a way.
He who lacks desire finds an excuse.
--- Yota School, African Coast, Cape Verde Islands

And here's a favorite of mine:
Work well-done is rewarded by more work.
--- an Ancient Sage (no doubt!)

Meat of the Story (to be added)

The Re-Write (meant to be read dramatically!)

You may have heard other terms for the re-write, such as revision or 2nd, 3rd or 4th draft, but here's my term for you novices -- initiation.  Yes, this step will make or break a writer.  Successful writers must be strong enough to bear & sustain the pressure of this last step in their journey, or else, their work will never be completed, let alone published.

I have promised not to leave you stranded, so I hope you have read those quotes (words of wisdom) from the previous section on How to Become the Best Possible Writer.  If you haven't, I would strongly recommend that you: TURN BACK NOW!  Read them each a few times. 

These quotes should have the ability to buoy you up for the duration of this next, most-important section of your journey.  Between you & me, you'll find that both the experienced and inexperienced writer begins to groan at their work at this point in time.  But don't give up!  Look for that ray of sunlight and feel the weight of your completed manuscript -- this should provide some hope and assurance that you are venturing in the right direction. 
  
You thought you were honestly done.  You have recorded your inspired words.  You've worked hard & for long hours.  You've developed your characters, your setting, your plot, solved the problem and have written a great conclusion.  Now you would like to say, "Done!"  But wait, you are only back at the beginning, well, loop 2 of the beginning of this process.  What you have accomplished thus far is simply the rough draft.  You have laid out your story or novel, but you are by no means done!

Your revisions and refinement to your work reflects the difference between receiving an 'A' or 'F' grade at school, or if you are a professional writer, the difference between receiving an offer or receiving a rejection notice.

Don't despair -- this part can actually be fun, with the right attitude.  After all, isn't a masterpiece what you are working towards?

Steps that Work for Me

I may re-read a paragraph or section a dozen or more times; I re-read my work as many times as I feel is necessary to produce the quality of work I am seeking to create.

3. The most difficult of all revisions may be deleting what is unnecessary.  After all, you've put your heart and soul into your work,  and the removal could shrink the size of your piece.  Here's an option -- rather than simply tossing them into the round file (trash can), save them in either a new document, or slip them into your Writing Ideas folder, which I highly suggest you create. 

I am personally amazed when I discover that I've already written the perfect part for some other chapter in a book.  Sometimes these segments can also be used in new or other projects too.  So, be courageous and do what is necessary to move forward.

6. After the time has passed, pick up your work once again, and re-read it, slowly as you've done before in Step 1.  You may be surprised to find additional errors that you'll need to correct; by all means correct them.  Or, you may be inspired to insert a word, sentence or paragraph -- include them.

I have experienced writing a children's book and filing it, only to discover years later, it was better used as an actual chapter in a young adult novel.
Now, I am not advocating procrastination... however, I am recommending you view your work as a puzzle, and complete the pieces only that you're ready to complete.