Monday, September 27, 2004
A few writing tips
Over the years, several people have asked me for my advice on writing. I'm always kind of surprised when it happen. Sure, I've been doing this for a long time. But that doesn't mean I know what I'm doing ...
Anyway, here is the advice I give people who want to write (and not just be writers):
Learn the basics. I'm talking about proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. But there's more to the basics, things like how structure what you're writing, how to do basic research, how to write a query letter, and manuscript mechanics. These are the basis of solid writing.
Read and analyze. No matter what kind of writing you do, read as much as you can. Look at good and bad examples of the genre to learn what works and what doesn't. Also, think about why it doesn't work.
Write. Just as you can't become a good basketball player by only watching NBA games, you can't learn to write well simply by reading. Take the time to write -- even if it's only a few paragraphs or sentences. Everything you put down on paper or on the screen will aid in your development. Which leads us to ...
Be critical of your own work. Re-read what you've written. Look for the flaws in your writing. This could be poorly-formed sentences, bad turns of phrase, weak characters, or shaky arguments.
Edit and re-write. Do as many drafts as necessary. Within reason, of course -- going through 10 drafts of a 500-word article makes no sense. But take the time re-shape your work. Chances are it will be better for it.
Learn to write tightly. This is an especially useful skill for people involved in writing general non-fiction, as well as business and technical writers. Get rid of unnecessary words. If you can give readers the same information in six words rather than 10, you and they will be better off for it.
Reading, redux. Read books for writers. Start with books like The Elements of Style and On Writing Well. Then, look for books on the particular genre of writing you're interested in. As a writer of non-fiction, I can recommend anything by Robert Bly, Hot Text, Writing in Bullets, and Basic Magazine Writing. Also, read writers magazines and Web sites.
And, finally, write. Keep writing, keep striving to improve.
Anyway, here is the advice I give people who want to write (and not just be writers):
Learn the basics. I'm talking about proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. But there's more to the basics, things like how structure what you're writing, how to do basic research, how to write a query letter, and manuscript mechanics. These are the basis of solid writing.
Read and analyze. No matter what kind of writing you do, read as much as you can. Look at good and bad examples of the genre to learn what works and what doesn't. Also, think about why it doesn't work.
Write. Just as you can't become a good basketball player by only watching NBA games, you can't learn to write well simply by reading. Take the time to write -- even if it's only a few paragraphs or sentences. Everything you put down on paper or on the screen will aid in your development. Which leads us to ...
Be critical of your own work. Re-read what you've written. Look for the flaws in your writing. This could be poorly-formed sentences, bad turns of phrase, weak characters, or shaky arguments.
Edit and re-write. Do as many drafts as necessary. Within reason, of course -- going through 10 drafts of a 500-word article makes no sense. But take the time re-shape your work. Chances are it will be better for it.
Learn to write tightly. This is an especially useful skill for people involved in writing general non-fiction, as well as business and technical writers. Get rid of unnecessary words. If you can give readers the same information in six words rather than 10, you and they will be better off for it.
Reading, redux. Read books for writers. Start with books like The Elements of Style and On Writing Well. Then, look for books on the particular genre of writing you're interested in. As a writer of non-fiction, I can recommend anything by Robert Bly, Hot Text, Writing in Bullets, and Basic Magazine Writing. Also, read writers magazines and Web sites.
And, finally, write. Keep writing, keep striving to improve.
