I've decided to occasionally post some tips that have helped me out in my writing. I hope by presenting these, they might help others. I don't profess to have come up with these tips, but I feel they're important enough to pass along. Without further ado, here are my first few writing tips.
--Sit down and write. In theory, this is the simplest rule of all. Otherwise, how would you ever get any words down? How would you ever finish your story? This can be, though, one of the hardest things for some writers to do. It's daunting to realize you need to pour your soul out on the page. A writer needs to get over that, however, and get the words on the page. Sit down, pick up your pen (or open your word processor), and start writing. Whether you have an outline or not is irrelevant for this tip. Get the words down!
--Don't forget to freewrite liberally. Freewriting can be used in a number of different ways. If you need to get into a rhythm and flow before you start on your day's work, freewrite until you're ready. If you're stuck in a tricky scene, freewrite possible solutions. If you don't know what sort of story you want to start on next, freewrite ideas. In all of these exercises, and more, freewriting will help focus your writing.
--My last tip for today is a bit quirky. I've recently discovered this one works for me. If I'm writing a story or scene in my novel, I sometimes get stuck even though I know what comes next. How do I say it? Why doesn't it come out the way I want? If I pick up a pen with different color ink (I'm one of those strange people who still writes longhand), for some reason it jars my brain and the words flow again. You can try this in your word processor, too. Try writing the next few paragraphs in a different font or color. I'm guessing the change of appearance on the otherwise bland page (esthetically, of course, not your word choice) brings a feeling of fun to your brain. (Don't forget to go back and change the font and color to your story's default!) Whatever the reason, it works for me, and it just might work for you.
There you go, three tips on helping you write. I wouldn't share these with you if they didn't work for me, so I hope they help. I'll bring some more tips up in future posts. Until next time, keep reading and/or writing.
Great tips. I particularly like the different color for trouble spots, got a few to try it out on now.
ReplyDelete~tlbyford
It's funny how it works, at least for me. I hope it works its magic for you, too!
ReplyDeleteWhatever works! I find I work best when no one is home and usually in the afternoon. Just like you wrote--make up your mind to do and do it.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog a couple weeks ago and have really enjoyed reading it! I had to stop lurking today, though, to tell you that you are spot on with this post. For me, the hardest thing to learn has been the "plant butt in chair and write" lesson. Freewriting has worked wonders when I'm stuck, too. I write in long-hand myself to get a chapter down at first. I seem to be able to think better or the words flow better, or something. I don't try to analyze it - just go with it. I love color and using different colored pens really helps rev up the creative juices. Great post.
ReplyDeleteChris--Thanks for the comment! I almost always try to write when the house is empty, too. Easier to avoid distractions. Except when the dog decides it's walk time. :-)
ReplyDeleteekcarmel--I'm glad you enjoy my blog, and thanks for the comment! It's funny how the "plant butt in chair and write" thing is so difficult to figure out. It would seem to be such a simple thing, but I'm guessing most writers would say they have trouble with it. It's easy enough to do when the muse is singing in your ear, but when it's not, so many other things look more fun than writing. Gotta remember to just sit down and write.