How To Write Better
April 2nd 2009 00:18
Quite possibly the scariest of all subjects for a writer is how to write better. Few are the authors who are satisfied with their work: you can be sure that even the greatest novelists of our time spend far too many hours wondering whether their latest tale will be a success, whether their readers will like it and - above all - whether their editor will shred it into tiny little pieces and force them to rewrite the whole thing!
There are, however, some basic tips from which everyone can learn, whether they're a beginner or expert, novelist or journalist. Here's a short list of those which I've picked up over the past few months (whether they suck or not!):
Learn basic grammar, punctuation and spelling. While it's not absolutely essential to know all the obscure grammatical structures and every word's correct usage, it is vital that your words convey your message. Your style may be literary or conversational: either way, getting sentence structures within acceptable limits of readability ensures your audience spends most of their time enjoying the content instead of trying to figure out what each phrase actually means.
That leads nicely on to the second tip, which is to be true to your personal style. We all write differently, just as we all speak differently. Given the size of the Internet, it's unlikely that any particular content will be unique, so style is why authors have fans, newspapers have readerships and blogs have subscribers. The readers like the author's style as much as the content and come back for more.
On the same subject, but specifically for bloggers, be ready for a rough ride. Someone out there will hate your style. They'll direct vehement remarks and irrational criticism at your poor little web page. Such is life. Constructive criticism is one thing, pettiness and nastiness are quite another and are not worth your time.
Regardless of your style, it's important to be succinct, direct and focussed. Concentration spans are significantly shorter than they were a hundred years ago and few readers want to dig through a thousand words to get to the point. If you can say something in two sentences, don't use two paragraphs. Waffling is a sign of insecurity and encourages your readers to skip; being bold and direct compels them to read.
Increase your vocabulary, whether literally - by increasing the number of different words you use - or metaphorically - by increasing your knowledge in your subject areas.
Finally, let your humour run around a bit. There are very few subjects that are not funny in some way. Being a writer is supposed to be fun, so let the laughs flow and enjoy yourself!
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Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Business News
good advice!
theres just no pleasing some people . . .
Comment by samaritan
Samaritan's Stories
Samaritan
Comment by Carolyn Cordon
How do You Express Your Creativity?
Food Leaf
The best advice is to write as much as you can, and find the style that works for you!
Comment by Postmodern Critic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
I guess these days I'm not analysing how much I rely on the 'conversational' style, because I've reached a point where I can get too self-conscious about my writing (in a bad way, as opposed to a good). Am I post-conversational?
Comment by Spike 2
Qwerk
Peanut Butter
Carolyn: Amen to that. I'd make it "read and write" if I may, since reading helps lots too!
PmC: Dungeons and Dragons. That's where I realised I was rubbish at writing conversations. They always came out stilted and unrealistic. Writing conversationally is a bit easier, but you're right - best not analyse too closely for fear of sounding weird!!
Comment by Carolyn Cordon
How do You Express Your Creativity?
Food Leaf
I say, read as widely as you can, and write, write, write.
Comment by samaritan
Samaritan's Stories
Sometimes I read things and it actually has a negative impact on my writing because I think I could never write like that. So I suffer a complete lack of confidence in my writing ability. But it's weird, because then at other times I read stuff (just as good) and seem to be really inspired to try and write better. I think perhaps it's good to find the things to read that do improve your writing and inspire you.
Samaritan
Comment by Spike 2
Qwerk
Peanut Butter
Comment by Carolyn Cordon
How do You Express Your Creativity?
Food Leaf
It was very exciting. Then I showed it to another friend yesterday, and she like it too, except for one line. I agree with her on the line, but I know how to improve it.
All I have to do now is actually send some of my good poems out to magazines. They don't do any good sitting on my computer. I've made a commitment this month to write a new poem every day. I finished my poem for today ten minutes ago. It's nowhere near as good as Monday's but I'll have lots to work with in May, which is exciting, there's nothing worse than having nothing new to work on, and not being able to think of anything to write.
This month will teach me how to get over that problem, and if I really get stuck, I have a gadget on one of my Blogger blogs that posts a new work of art everyday. Today was one of Monet's Water Lily paintings. It is absolutely gorgeous. I've copied it and with any luck I'll have written about it by the end of April.
Comment by Spike 2
Qwerk
Peanut Butter
Comment by Carolyn Cordon
How do You Express Your Creativity?
Food Leaf
Comment by Carolyn Cordon
How do You Express Your Creativity?
Food Leaf
Comment by Spike 2
Qwerk
Peanut Butter