Becoming a Writer

Four Important Practices Guaranteed to Develop Writing Skills

Feb 26, 2008 Catherine Owen

Writing is not just accomplished through inspiration. Writers create at their peak when they follow regular practices that strengthen their connection to their art form.

Many people, including writers themselves, believe that writing is only accomplished in a fortuitous moment of inspiration. They feel that to begin their poem, novel or play they must be struck by the lightning rod of excitement before pen can be put to page. While a work of art is always improved by the presence of obsession, enchantment and a depth of involvement, one must often write to find this state, not wait for it. These four practices can assist the writer to make the creation of art part of their life, not a special occasion activity.

Write Every Day

For a creative writer, it is crucial to establish a schedule. If the writer procrastinates, then the manuscript will probably never get written. Writing early in the morning, or first thing in the day, is often best. That way, the writing is prioritized.

Whether one writes for a half an hour or three, do so on a regular basis. In the morning, one's mind is fresh. Waiting until the evening can often cause frustration; one may be tired or other plans may have appeared to interrupt one's routine. Once the writing session is done, the rest of the day can be filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Alternating between manuscripts or genres, instead of working on the same piece every day, can also keep the writing invigorated. Don't forget to take time to revise the work too!

Keep a Writing Journal

Wherever the writer goes, they should take a notebook with them. Whether plain or fancy, lined or blank, it doesn't matter as long as it's large enough to write ideas down in and small enough to be portable. Some writers use their journal to express their feelings about the writing life. Others make lists of new words, quotes, dreams they had, conversations they overheard or any other source of stimuli for their writing.

The important thing is to be aware of the world and write down lines or ideas when they enter the mind. If one waits, they will likely be forgotten. Everything is a potential source for a project or manuscript. Process is at least as significant as the end result.

Read Regularly

There's a fear among some creative writers that reading has a negative effect on their writing. They think that they will be influenced, overwhelmed or distracted by reading other writers. The truth is the opposite, however. Reading is one's main source of education as a writer; other authors are one's deepest teachers.

If one reads a wide range of genres and styles, one won't be overly influenced by any one in particular. Instead, the fusion of sources will combine to create a new way of writing. Study books for ways that the authors incorporate dialogue, sketch out descriptions or evolve character. One's writing will grow under this tutelage. In the process, one will join a community of authors and begin to comprehend the connections between one's work and the work of other creators across centuries, genders and countries.

Attend Literary Events and Writers' Groups

Writers can spend a lot of time at home, chained to their desks. Important in developing your skills as a writer is attending poetry readings, author launches and signings and other mediums for artistic expression, such as plays, dances and concerts.

With poetry especially, it's important to hear the genre read aloud. The writer will gain confidence in their own rhythms, pacing and breath work when they listen to proficient artists perform. Opportunities for developing a unique performance style will also be available. Through such events one will come into contact with other writers.

Join a writer's group where one can critique other's poems or stories. The work will grow stronger and so will the sense of lived artistic communities. Inspiration is wonderful, but rare. Establishing writing practices will make art essential to your daily life. The writer's productivity has no excuse but to rise!

The copyright of the article Becoming a Writer in Resources for Writers is owned by Catherine Owen. Permission to republish Becoming a Writer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Art Rarely Arrives Via a Lightning Bolt