Tag: Writing Community

The Art of Writing

Writing Tips

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What is one of the most important things you need to do to improve your writing skills? You might think that’s easy, I just need to write a lot. While writing until it becomes an habit is important, I would encourage writers especially new ones, to read more. Like any other field, to be successful writers need to be knowledgeable about their craft. Reading is the most valuable source of acquiring knowledge. Reading the work of others can help you to improve your own writing style and creativity. Good luck and happy writing.

What is Your Reading Preference

Hard Copy, or Kindle?

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When I was growing up there was no kindle device or eBooks for that matter. All we had was the printed, hard copy form of a book. Times have evolved; we now have choices. These days we can read from our laptops, kindle devices, tablets, or cell phones. Most of these devices are perhaps more convenient when you want to read on the go. Despite modern technology a lot of people still love to have a physical copy of a book to read. So, what is your preference?

Writing Tips

The Art of Writing

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Few people make it big on the first published book. In fact many popular Authors today had a series of rejections before they got a chance to have their work published. Today’s Author have the advantage of self-publishing but it doesn’t make it any easier to make that best seller’s list.

Writing is an art that requires practice. Do not publish a book and think yea, I have made it, for you have only just begun the journey. Publishing is one thing but getting your book in front of readers is a painstaking task. The Authors that make it are the ones who know writing takes hard work, dedication and discipline. You will not get famous overnight, but with time you can make your mark as an Author.

The Art of Writing

What do you snack on when you write? For me it’s peanuts or mixed nuts that include almonds and cashew. I just love snacking on them. Unlike many Authors I am not a coffee drinker. The desire to write keeps me awake.

Be Creative

You may be at home unable to go to work, but do not despair. For those writers who usually work full time, take this opportunity to let those creative juices flow. That novel you couldn’t find the time to finish, do it now. Find the silver lining in the midst of this battle. Keep your mind occupied. It will ease some of the stress. Keep safe. Good luck and happy writing.

First Drafts

This quote from Bernard Malamud describes first drafts perfectly.

First drafts are for learning what your novel is about. Revision is working with that knowledge to enlarge and enhance an idea to re-form it. The first draft of a book is the most uncertain-where you need guts, the ability to accept the imperfect until it is better.

Bernard Malamud

Write First; Edit later

It doesn’t matter how bad your first draft is, or how many errors you make. No one will see it but you. When you have that burst of inspiration and the words flow faster than you can type or write them, don’t stop to correct a spelling or a punctuation, just write. Don’t try to make every sentence or ever paragraph perfect. As John Dufresne says, “The purpose of the first draft is not to get it right, but to get it written.“

Writing Dialogue

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When writing dialogue, keep it short and meaningful. Do not write long drawn out sentences that are unnecessary. Your dialogue should be consistent with your character’s voice. It should be clear to the reader who the person is speaking to. The words should flow naturally. When in doubt that your dialogue sounds natural, read it out load. Good luck and happy writing.

Vocabulary Corner

Today we will look at two more words that sounds the same but is slightly different in meaning . They are COMPLACENT and COMPLAISANT 

COMPLACENT: means showing smugness or uncritical satisfaction about one’s self. Self-satisfied or conceited.

COMPLAISANT: means the willingness to please others. Being obliging or agreeable

Everyday try to build your vocabulary. Good luck and happy writing.

Vocabulary Corner

As a writer vocabulary is  important. You need  to have a grasp on words, their meanings and how to use them to convey the message you want. Today words on vocabulary corner sound the same but have different meanings. They are COMPLIMENT and COMPLEMENT.

A Compliment is an expression of praise or admiration. For example: Susan your hair looks beautiful today.

Complement on the other hand means a thing that completes another. It enhances it or improves it. For example: The red jacket complements her dress.

Good luck and happy writing.