HOW CAN I WRITE WELL?

 ---  A young girl also an online friend who regularly visits the blog asked me this question .   She was quite persistent in her request. Oh boy! But I like her.. wonderful person and friend.  Well, I think she meant creative writing. Defined as... 

"Creative writing is writing that expresses the writer’s thoughts and feelings in an imaginative, often unique, and poetic way." (Sil.org – What is Creative Writing?)

"Creative writing is anything where the purpose is to express thoughts, feelings and emotions rather than to simply convey information."  (Creative Writing 101)

To answer it better, let me put down things I have learned as far as my writing experience is concerned and if it be of service to young girls and boys (have been asked the same question through the writing years I can hear it still :-) ..) wanting to pursue this passion and god-given gift. Although still not a complete list because the learning continues as the writing does.  We should remember that there certainly is so much more to learn and that speaks not only of the writing but as well as life is concerned too. Learning is a life-long experience and activity. When you stop learning, everything else in your life stops growing.... you stop growing!

Here it goes.......

-- USE SIMPLE WORDS. Using big words unnecessarily doesn't really impress your readers. It will only muddle up their brains trying to figure out what you mean. And people don't really bother to look it up, as a rule. If they can't understand you, they won't read you.

-- PAY ATTENTION TO CORRECT GRAMMAR. Simple does not mean being sloppy. If you are in doubt about a certain word or its usage, consult Mr. Webster.

-- DON'T CRAMP IN A LOT OF IDEAS IN ONE SITTING. If the piece is about i.e. 'how to fix a lawn mower',  then write about fixing lawn mowers; no need to include anything else about fixing the washing machine or the dryer or about installing a car battery. Stick to one subject, focus on it, develop it, finish it.

-- WRITE SHORT. Unless you have to explain or need to include research on the topic you are writing about. Organize your material, organize your thoughts, and don't write more just to lengthen the piece to make an impression. If you have to write long there must be a point - goal - reason to the length. Essence, not form, is what matters.

-- KNOW YOUR SUBJECT. I have come across a quote which in essence goes this way ..  'If you want to write about a garden.....  be in one or have one."  'Don't remember who wrote that but it sure makes good sense. There is no excuse for not knowing. You can always find out in ways accessible to you online or in real time. Write about what you know.

-- BE GUIDED BY CLARITY AND CONSISTENCY. Inconsistent and erratic writing reflects a sloppy thought process. Respect your readers so take the time to make yourself clear and easily understood. That would make your readers enjoy your writing more.

-- HAVE OR DEVELOP YOUR OWN WRITING STYLE. People are unique in each respective way or ways. Show that uniqueness in the writing. Your readers will appreciate you more for that.

-- CARRY A NOTEBOOK WITH YOU. Make it a habit to carry a notebook with you everywhere. There are many things to write about. But can be seen only by the observant eye, mind, heart, and soul. Write down your observations.

-- MIND WHAT YOU SAY AND HOW YOU WRITE IT.  Be appropriate at all times whatever the subject you are writing on. There is no excuse for bad behavior, bad language, bad writing.

-- REMEMBER THAT YOU HAVE AN AUDIENCE. Whether it be one, ten, or a hundred.. consider them in every writing you do. Understand that there is a diversity of interests, opinions, beliefs, differences out there but these are the very things which lend color and interest to the writing, for or against. Write and handle with care.

Well, that's all for now. There will be more as the writing continues and I will make sure to keep you posted. To my young friends and budding writers at that, keep writing ---- keep the talent and passion alive. I look forward to reading your work soon.

Blessings to you all!