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 youre a beginner, where do you start
The following 10 tips will help kick-start your writing habit, whether youre 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.
Dont 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, whats underfoot, overhead, and whats 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 youre outside, describe your environment as though you were writing it down.
4. What Reasons Do You Need
Dont wait for inspiration just write!
Force yourself to write anything at all. A shopping list. An overheard conversation. Describe your bedroom.
It doesnt 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. Dont dress, bathe or eat. Dont 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 youve 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.
Dont 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. Dont get intimidated!
9. Wanna See My Invention
When youre not writing, string together stories in your mind. Think of plots, characters, settings, dénouements.
Ask yourself what you should do next to improve your writing.
Develop this technique into a habit.
10. Its 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 w |
| | Its 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 youll get the writing habit - and you wont forget to enjoy it!
About The Author
robparnell 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
rob@easywaytowrite.com
This article was posted on April 09, 2004 |
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