By 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 Somebody else said: "No one but a blockhead would write not to be
published."...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 its 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
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
You could perhaps try adding
touches of humour, your natural humor,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 my books would never get published. Copyright 2002
Craig Lock
Craig Lock
http://www.craiglock.com is an author of numerous books. He believes in
encouraging and helping others to strive for and accomplish their dreams. Craig
truly believes people can overcome obstacles, rise to any occasion, and
accomplish their entire dream with enough faith.
Craig's various books are
available at: http://www.bridgeniche.com/CLOCK/zaniestbooks.htm Creative Writing
Course http://www.nzenterprise.com/writer/creative.html