How to Become a Better Writer
(from Eagle Productions Creative Writing Course)
By
Craig Lock,
Published Author and Writer,
New Zealand
clock@paradise.net.nz
www.craiglock.com
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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"No one but a blockhead would write not to be
published."...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.
Bring
contrasts into your writing. I try to mix a bit of
the light-hearted (my "funny" humour) with
serious subjects.
"My
writing mission is through my words to inform, illuminate,
entertain, uplift, delight, as well as hopefully even
inspiring people. I aim to do this by sharing my knowledge
and life experiences - through supporting, encouraging
and empowering others to be the best person they can
possibly be.
You
too can implement a plan, a purpose for your writings.
It may be to inform, impact, enchant, dazzle, enlighten,
or even uplift others spirits through the immense
power of your words. For example, as a contrast between
writing light-hearted words of entertainment, or ones
of suspense and maybe sadness. Otherwise you may use
the power of the pen to write incredibly moving words
of laughter and love."
It's
up to YOU!
I
hope this information has been helpful to you.
Happy
writing
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