Have you ever seen an actor or a dancer get up on stage and perform without hours and hours of rehearsals? Has a painter ever created a masterpiece without mastering technical skills? Like any artist, a writer needs to practice, practice, and practice. I don’t believe in coincidence when it comes to writing success. Like any talent, it needs constant honing and a focused mind. Sometimes a little inspiration and much caffeine go a long way.
Every writer has a unique voice and set of experiences that guide their pen. Write for you and no one else. And squelch that self-doubt ruining your creativity. Hone your craft through exercises such as Didi Oviatt suggests in her article, Six Step Improvement Exercises To Benefit Any Writer
One of my favorite authors, George Orwell once said, “A scrupulous writer, in every sentence he writes, will ask himself at least four questions:
- What am I trying to say?
- What words will express it?
- What image or idiom will make it clearer?
- Is this image fresh enough to have an effect?
And he will probably ask himself two more:
- Could I put it more shortly?
- Have I said anything that is avoidably ugly?”
So, the next time you’re writing, consider George Orwell’s six questions. Also, check out Didi Oviatt’s improvement exercises.
Related Article:
Writers come in all forms. From inexperienced to extraordinary, covering every topic or genre imaginable– plus some. No matter what the topic at hand, there is a person who can write it. Then there is a person who can write it better. https://conscioustalkmag.com/2017/08/23/six-step-improvement-exercises-to-benefit-any-writer/
Happy Writing!
Reblogged this on Didi Oviatt.
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Could have used those questions when I was in college, cause was never a fan of writing.
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Hahaha! Are you now?
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Well Orwell was right! Thanks for this post.
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🙂 Yes he was. Thanks Anne!
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Love the point…can I make it shorter!
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I do as well. Wordiness is something I’m guilty of. As, I perfect my writing, I’m writing more concisely. Thanks for the comment 🙂
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