There is plenty of writing advice out there that might make you go, “duh.” But, honestly, even if it seems obvious, it is usually essential to writing a great story or non-fiction piece. Here are three “duh” rules for writers.
1. Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip. The point to this rule is to remove anything that detracts the reader from the actual story, such as extensive dialogue, flowery description, etc. Be clear and concise.
2. Write in a way that comes naturally to you. Duh, right? Well, unfortunately, many writers try to write in a way that is not comfortable for them. This isn’t to say never stretch yourself outside of your comfort zone, but don’t try to be a writer you’re not. Don’t try to be someone else to please editors and/or agents. This will only frustrate you and won’t be believable or natural-sounding to the reader.
3. The best way to become a better writer is to write. It’s such an obvious rule, so why don’t we writers do it? We say we want to be better writers, but then go days without writing a single word. In fact, I think I’ll change the rule to “The only way to become a better writer is to write.”
So what DUH rules for writers can you come up with?
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1. You have to “live” to write about your experiences. (Watch people, go on a trip, get involved.)
2. Writing is made of words. (Learn new vocabulary to make your writing “spicy.”)
3. Use your brain to write. (Put your mind to work on your writing project while doing mundane chores.)
Imagination.
A thought needs to be wrought . . . into dream
Motivation.
A dream needs to be seen . . . into word
Expression.
A word needs to be heard . . . into thought
Always have something to write WITH. I get ideas in my car,grocery store, the shower, odd places…mostly when I’m not at the computer. Since my pens seem to grow legs, I try to have several in my bag, and a notebook.
As a Christian, before I write I like to pray to God that my words bring glory to Him. It helps me as I come up with ideas and formulate those ideas into readable text. And once I think I’m done writing, I thank Him!
I read somewhere once that a writer needs to mingle and keep his or her pulse on people and their doings.
Often we hide and hole ourselves away for long periods of time and forget to come up for air and for renewed vision. It unclogs the pipes. Plan some outings for the pause that refreshes.
What’s worse that getting a great idea for an article while you’re in church and the only thing to write on are the offering envelopes in the wooden holder for hymnbooks, etc on the back of the pew in front of you? So you open them up for more mileage and then write a note to your friend at the other end of the pew to send you all the envelopes in her little box. So you worry that God will be displeased with you for destroying church property to your financial advantage. Is this a legitimate concern for anyone besides me?
LOL…can’t say I ever worried about that, Mariane.
1. Avoid exclamation marks – those are saved for poor preachers.
2. Remember the voice being written in, stick to a single POV.
3. Think out of the box.
I can say I’ve felt a little guilty about using an offering envelope to write some notes on. However, I don’t worry about it enough to stop it. You might want to keep a notebook handy (in your Bible or purse) in church so you’re ready when an idea comes to you.
Just a thought.