Writing Tips
Why do you want to be a writer, at the height of it an author? Have you considered being something else? A fashion designer, a movie star, a politician, a lawyer, just consider something else than being a writer?
You have a burning desire to write because you think you are an excellent talker, maybe there is a difference in the way you talk or not. Maybe being a good talker also help in being a good writer, whatever, you sure need to know that writing it just more than just a desire for you, that you really want to do. Well if you have really made up your mind to be a writer and, then an author, let’s consider some tips that may be helpful in this career.
- Keep a journal.
Write down anything that comes into your mind. Putting your thoughts into written words is the first great step. So go ahead get a journal and a pen and put down something.
- Be discipline.
Don’t get enthusiastic in the first week and throw away your journal in the second week. Your journal should be very personal, don’t go about showing it to people and allowing them read it. If possible keep it in your handbag.
- Give yourself time.
Now you have to really be discipline here, set a weekly writing schedule for yourself and stick to it. You must have read some writes say they write everyday. Do not be intimated, they didn’t attain writing everyday just at once. But if you have time you can write as frequently as more than once a week, it will gradually become a daily affair.
- Get trained.
Whether it's a one-day workshop from a friend on a one-on-one discussion or a Masters program, having someone else help you with the fundamentals can tame raw talent into publishable prose.
- Read.
I have seen a writer who didn’t read other people’s work. Most authors are inspired by others they read their works. You must know what good literature is before you can hope to create it. Read the classics, current bestsellers, The New Yorker, the daily paper.
- Hook up with another author or writer.
It’s okay to lock yourself up for hours putting your thoughts to written words but it will be useless if you don’t get to allow others critique your work. This helps to check how you are growing in writing. The truth id you are never going to be able to tell who is going to read your work so as much as possible you want to have a good work. So have someone you know can evaluate your work objectively and give you valuable advice but be careful not to give in to those who will discourage you.
- Jealously guard your time.
If you're serious about becoming a good--no--great writer, there is one fact you cannot dispute: the more time you put into the practice of writing, the more chance you have of achieving excellence. This means eliminating other distractions that waste your time and sap your energy.
- Learn to take criticism without becoming defensive.
One of the toughest challenges of being a writer is learning who to listen to and who to tune out. Seek the opinion of colleagues whose work you respect, and those who seem to have your best interests at heart.
- Protect your dream by avoiding negative people.
You know, that friend who always cackles when she asks, "So when is your bestseller coming out?" Stay away from her. And that blouse you bought for her birthday? You can go in the bedroom and put that on right now.
- Submit your work for publication.
It's important to begin to build a body of published work--whether it's your neighborhood paper or The Atlantic Monthly. Be brave. Send your darlings out into the world and see what happens.
- Rejection is part of the game.
It happened to James Joyce and it will happen to you. If you hear the same reason for rejection over and over, pay attention. Otherwise, forge ahead and like Joyce, let literary history vindicate you. Oh, and be sure to send an autographed copy of your bestseller to that friend for her birthday.
Some part of this article was sourced from
www.wildwritingwomen.com
|
