Hi everyone! Happy November!
Today we have a guest blog by author Deborah A. Bailey. She's sharing some practical advice on how to be a better writer in three easy steps. These tips are perfect for anyone just starting out in their writing career and are also great 'refreshers' for those of us who have been writing for a while.
Be sure to check out Deborah's author bio at the end of the post to learn more about her. Visit Amazon to order a copy of her latest fiction novel, Hathor Legacy Outcast (available in Kindle and paperback).
Become
a Better Writer in THREE Simple Steps
Does it take you a long time to get the words on the page? There is an easier way to write and be more creative!
Step 1 - Write
It's hard to be creative if you're editing at the same time. When you begin your writing project don't think about word choices or punctuation. Just write. Don't read your work. Just write. It will be difficult at first because you will be tempted to make changes. Resist the temptation! Just write. You'll find that thoughts and ideas start flowing once you stop editing.
Step 2 - Edit
Read through your work, then mark the parts you want to change or revise. Focus in on the paragraphs, sentences and words that need revision. Get more specific with each round of edits. Read the piece again, then focus in on specific passages, sentences and paragraphs that you want to shape up. When you're finished, read the entire piece again.
Step 3 - Listen
Satisfied with your changes? Read your work out loud so that you'll be more likely to catch missing words, incorrect tenses or repetitive phrases. It will also allow you to catch places where perhaps a word can be changed to a more appropriate one, or a sentence can be reworked so that it flows better. Make additional revisions and read it again.
If time permits, put your work away for another day or two. Give yourself some distance from the work, so when you read it again you'll be less likely to be filling in words or meanings that aren't there. You'll be able to see it as though you were reading it for the first time. If possible have someone else read it and give you feedback.
Allow yourself to write whatever comes to mind without editing. Let your ideas flow and you'll see how easy it is to get your words on the page!
Does it take you a long time to get the words on the page? There is an easier way to write and be more creative!
Step 1 - Write
It's hard to be creative if you're editing at the same time. When you begin your writing project don't think about word choices or punctuation. Just write. Don't read your work. Just write. It will be difficult at first because you will be tempted to make changes. Resist the temptation! Just write. You'll find that thoughts and ideas start flowing once you stop editing.
Step 2 - Edit
Read through your work, then mark the parts you want to change or revise. Focus in on the paragraphs, sentences and words that need revision. Get more specific with each round of edits. Read the piece again, then focus in on specific passages, sentences and paragraphs that you want to shape up. When you're finished, read the entire piece again.
Step 3 - Listen
Satisfied with your changes? Read your work out loud so that you'll be more likely to catch missing words, incorrect tenses or repetitive phrases. It will also allow you to catch places where perhaps a word can be changed to a more appropriate one, or a sentence can be reworked so that it flows better. Make additional revisions and read it again.
If time permits, put your work away for another day or two. Give yourself some distance from the work, so when you read it again you'll be less likely to be filling in words or meanings that aren't there. You'll be able to see it as though you were reading it for the first time. If possible have someone else read it and give you feedback.
Allow yourself to write whatever comes to mind without editing. Let your ideas flow and you'll see how easy it is to get your words on the page!
About the Author:
In addition to her fiction work, Deborah A. Bailey is author of the
books, “Think Like an Entrepreneur: Transforming Your Career and Taking Charge
of Your Life” and “Think Like an Entrepreneur: What You Need to Consider Before
You Write a Business Plan.” She's also the creator and host of Women
Entrepreneurs Radio, a weekly internet talk show.
Her short stories have won awards from the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference and her work has been published in US1 Magazine and the Sun. She recently published a short story collection, Electric Dreams: Seven Futuristic Tales available on Amazon.com. Visit Deborah's book blog for tips on writing and book marketing. http://www.BrightStreetBooks.com.
Her short stories have won awards from the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference and her work has been published in US1 Magazine and the Sun. She recently published a short story collection, Electric Dreams: Seven Futuristic Tales available on Amazon.com. Visit Deborah's book blog for tips on writing and book marketing. http://www.BrightStreetBooks.com.
