Writing is a process. One which we must work at and will never master. Even the greatest of dancers will feel they have to keep training to perfect their skills. They also practice to maintain their skills. So, why do people think they can just sit down and write a masterpiece at any given time without practice? The truth is they cannot. Free Writing is practice. The more words we put on paper does not mean we are better writers, it just keeps us current with our writing abilities. When we develop the stories that come out of free writing then our skills will improve. Either way, we must write everyday.
The next thing writers need is someone to help bring out the good in our writing. This person does not need to be a professional editor or a famous author. Anyone who reads will let you know if your writing is clear and understandable. Remember, good writing is subjective, but if they cannot understand what you are saying, then it probably is bad writing.
Writing can be perfect in all senses of grammar and still be horrible. When you are first writing do not concern yourself with every comma and spelling error. Just write, get the ideas on paper before you forget them trying to remember where the comma is supposed to go. Editing is the last thing to do. If you edit as you write you are wasting time because you do not know if you are going to keep every sentence, so why edit all of them?
So, put down the red pen and practice writing everyday. No matter how much we think are writing does not need help, the more we lie to ourselves.
Lately I have been working on my writing skills trying to open my mind and experiences. I look at different magazines and think about stories from my life to see if I could write them. I have been astounded at how many simple essays or stories I could be writing.
The more I write, the more stories I have noticed are coming to the surface. The junk and clutter have moved aside to let ideas flow and words to be typed. I am no longer staring at a white screen on Word trying to figure out what to say.
The next thing writers need is someone to help bring out the good in our writing. This person does not need to be a professional editor or a famous author. Anyone who reads will let you know if your writing is clear and understandable. Remember, good writing is subjective, but if they cannot understand what you are saying, then it probably is bad writing.
Writing can be perfect in all senses of grammar and still be horrible. When you are first writing do not concern yourself with every comma and spelling error. Just write, get the ideas on paper before you forget them trying to remember where the comma is supposed to go. Editing is the last thing to do. If you edit as you write you are wasting time because you do not know if you are going to keep every sentence, so why edit all of them?
So, put down the red pen and practice writing everyday. No matter how much we think are writing does not need help, the more we lie to ourselves.
Lately I have been working on my writing skills trying to open my mind and experiences. I look at different magazines and think about stories from my life to see if I could write them. I have been astounded at how many simple essays or stories I could be writing.
The more I write, the more stories I have noticed are coming to the surface. The junk and clutter have moved aside to let ideas flow and words to be typed. I am no longer staring at a white screen on Word trying to figure out what to say.