The urge to write fiction seems God given for some, a learned skill for others.
One thing is certain ? it requires practice and a particular mindset. But, if you're a beginner, where do you start?
The following 10 tips will help kick-start your writing habit, whether you're a complete novice, or perhaps a pro who has lost their way!
1. Step Away From the Car, Sir.
Slightly detach yourself from your surroundings. Stop participating and begin observing. In social situations, watch people, see how they act and ? more importantly - interact.
Don't pass judgment. Take it all in ? and draw on it later when you write.
2. Look Harder, Homer
Stop and look around you. Consciously notice the buildings, what's underfoot, overhead, and what's right in front of you.
At home, look at something you take for granted. An iron, for instance. Find yours and study it.
3. Write Thinking Will Be Rewarded.
A simple technique. Your mother is making tea and you are chatting to her. Take a mental step back and describe the scene.
Similarly, when you're outside, describe your environment as though you were writing it down.
4. What Reasons Do You Need?
Don't wait for inspiration ? just write!
Force yourself to write anything at all. A shopping list. An overheard conversation. Describe your bedroom.
It doesn't matter how personal it is, or how trivial, just get it down!
5. Wakey Wakey!
Set your alarm clock for an hour earlier than normal.
When the alarm goes off, get up. Don't dress, bathe or eat. Don't even make coffee. Just stagger to your writing space and write the first thing that comes into your head for five minutes.
6. Oh God ? Not That!
Think of the most awful and embarrassing thing you've ever done - the more cringe-worthy the better. Now write about it. All of it, in all its gory, horrible detail.
Then hide it away for a year or so before you read it again!
7. Like Your Style, Baby.
Don't limit yourself. Write poems, songs, dialogue, fact, fiction, even practice writing advertising copy or horoscopes.
Your expertise improves in all areas ? an improvement in one area can reap benefits in another.
8. The Sincerest Flattery
Take out a classic book from your bookcase. Copy out a paragraph. Think about the words as you write them. Don't get intimidated!
9. Wanna See My Invention?
When you're not writing, string together stories in your mind. Think of plots, characters, settings, d?nouements.
Ask yourself what you should do next to improve your writing.
Develop this technique into a habit.
10. It's A Goal!
When you start writing regularly, set yourself small goals. Anything from 200 words a day, or just a commitment to writing in your diary.
Later extend to finishing a short story, or an article or a poem. Perhaps one in a week.
The trick is to set goals you can achieve easily.
That way you'll get the writing habit - and you won't forget to enjoy it!
About The Author
Rob Parnell is founder of the Easy Way to Write, a young Internet company committed to giving excellent writing resources to novice and seasoned writers. For free writing lessons and much more visit: http://easywaytowrite.com
Airbnb cleaning service Glenview ..The process of developing a working title for your nonfiction... Read More
As a child, I loved to write. I can't remember... Read More
I've been in the communications business a long time?over 25... Read More
Next time you're tempted to use italics for emphasis... STOP!"Why?"... Read More
Do you love someone very deeply? A spouse, son, daughter,... Read More
Every writer expends a great deal of creative energy developing... Read More
9 out of 10 professionals and small business owners have... Read More
Interesting characters that readers care about are the most important... Read More
Complaint letters aren't always fun, but sometimes they need to... Read More
I have added a new word to my vocabulary. Logorrhea.... Read More
Do you want to publish something? An article, a non-fiction... Read More
Our Image-Driven SocietyWe live in a new image-driven society. It... Read More
About two weeks ago I received an article submissionthat immediately... Read More
We've all been told that we need to use all... Read More
ESSAYS ON AUTOBIOGRAPHY: NUMBER 1Preamble:Nearly seven years ago I wrote... Read More
Punctuation, when used creatively, is powerful. Note, however, that when... Read More
Many experts recommend reading as a way to get ideas,... Read More
When you write for international audiences, mainly directly in English,... Read More
FIVE MINUTES ... Is All You Need ........to phone a... Read More
I???ve spoken to hundreds of editors, employers, and project managers... Read More
Human beings seem to be born with a gene for... Read More
Your struggling to sell just a few copies of your... Read More
Congratulations on writing your first book. That is quite an... Read More
As you set out to create your first niche non-fiction... Read More
Okay. So I'm not David Letterman. But I doubt if... Read More
efficient cleaning crew Highland Park ..Think you can't write a book that will sell? You... Read More
A frequent conversation I have with my writing clients is... Read More
I've just come back to work after nine glorious, sun-drenched... Read More
The decision to publish a book is very exciting! It... Read More
Want to write an article or book, but are stuck... Read More
Plotting a book can seem an overwhelming task when you're... Read More
Writing better is critical for students. But it's even more... Read More
Ever wonder why we refer to convincing an editor a... Read More
How do you describe a scene without slowing down the... Read More
The dash--that curious mark of punctuation people use in their... Read More
A few months ago, I wrote a guide entitled: 101... Read More
You know, I really hate it when someone catches me... Read More
What's the best way to plot?Quick answer: the best way... Read More
These 8 tips on using characters in your stories will... Read More
You have just completed a draft of an article. It... Read More
We've all heard a politician on their soapbox, pushing for... Read More
The Scanning ReaderWriting for the Web is different than writing... Read More
FIVE MINUTES ... Is All You Need ........to phone a... Read More
No matter what you are writing, the first priority is... Read More
As a child, I loved to write. I can't remember... Read More
A certified proofreader is one that has taken a few... Read More
Recently, I was hunting for a book that would simply... Read More
Bookcoaching clients come to me at different stages of writing... Read More
Have you ever written a letter to a friend? Ever... Read More
Our Image-Driven SocietyWe live in a new image-driven society. It... Read More
Writing |