Read across the spectrum: poetry, essays, sort stories, nonfiction, fictional novels, newspapers, magazines, advertisements, blog posts, flyers and letters. Each genre and media venue has something special to teach you about style, tone, voice and so on. Mix it up by reading the classics and experimental literature. Keep learning from your peers and from people who have likely learned something that you have not yet learned about writing. I try to read at least one or two books on writing a year. I have included a few of my favorites in the reference section at the end of this book.
Finally, before you start working on a writing project in a particular genre, it is a good idea to read at least five or six quality published works in that genre every month for a period of about six months to a year. Then take a break. Don’t read at all for a month or two before starting to work on your own writing project. If you are like me, you absorb words like a sponge absorbs water. You do not want to start a new writing project while you are still under the influence of another author’s style.
A Final Reflection
I am embarrassed to confess that during my first year teaching English I never read a newspaper or a book that was not related to the curriculum. I ordered books that I wanted to read and then put them on the shelf and glanced longingly over at them from time to time. I will not suffer through a drought like that again. There are audio books that can be listened to while cleaning or driving and eReaders that download books in an instant.
A former English professor of mine said that you do not have to love an author’s work to appreciate his or her talent or the story that he or she is trying to communicate. She said that you could still appreciate what is unique and special about his or her writing style even if it is not a style that resonates with you.
On a final note, I’m wrapping up with the best writing advice that I’d ever been given. Scribbled on the bottom of a rejection letter, an editor had written, “Keep writing.”
I did.
RESOURCES:
Books
On Writing by Stephen King
You do not have to be a fan of King’s novels to benefit from reading this immensely interesting and useful autobiographical guide to the writing life.
Zen in the Art of Writing
By Ray Bradbury
Entertaining and informative, this book is filled with gold standard writing advice
Imaginative Writing: The Elements of Craft by Janet Burroway
If you want to hone your craft and take it to a higher level, this book is a great starting point for aspiring to intermediate level writers.
Confessions of a Freelance Penmonkey by Chuck Wendig
This book is a great read. I could not help laughing aloud at some of the passages. Chuck dishes out the raw truth about the freelance writing life along with priceless hardcore writing advice. There are patches of rough language in this book— be warned!
Motivational Books
I highly recommend Positive Energy by Judith Orloff, MD, because of its holistic approach to increasing creative energy.
Videos
Burning Man: Beyond Black Rock
Atlantic Studios. Directed by Damon Brown.
This is a close-up examination of a unique annual arts festival held in Black Rock City, Nevada. Observing the enduring, passionate and tenacious creative spirit of The Burning Man festival’s featured artists and participants is a uniquely entertaining and inspiring experience.
Websites and Organizations
Check your writing for grammar, spelling and originality on Paperrater's free website: www.paperrater.com.
The Center for Writing Excellence is a wonderful resource offering webcasts, contests, a newsletter and online resources for creative writers: http://janiewrites.com.
A useful organization for writers seeking to publish a book is the Small Business and Writer’s Network: www.spawn.org.
Research Organizer
Zotero is a handy free application that works with Firefox to save and organize your research in folders that are accessible by clicking on your Firefox browser. Visit: www.zotero.org.
Reference Books
Better Grammar in 30 Minutes a Day
Constance Immel and Florence Sacks
Harper Collins College Publishers
Career Press, Franklin Lakes, NJ
Championship Writing: 50 Ways to Improve your Writing.
Paula LaRocque
Marion Street Press
Oak Park, Illinois
If you have always pronounced the word forte as forTAY when you are discussing a person’s particular area of strength, you are making the common mistake of using the Italian pronunciation and usage of the word when you really should be using the French pronunciation FORT because the Italian forTAY pertains to music. This useful information and other things that writers really ought to know can be found in this valuable guide.
About the Author
Rachelle Nones’ poetry, articles and essays have appeared in print and online. She’s taught writing at Bethel University and contributes regularly to Halogen TV.
Getting in Touch
To contact Rachelle, visit her website: www.rachellenonesmultimedia.com.
Email: [email protected]
Table of Contents
Introduction 7
The Greatest Writing Challenge 10
Is It Nature, Nurture or Delusion? 13
Birds of a Feather? 15
A Typical Day: What Is That? 17
Writer Beware 18
TAP, TAP, TAP 19
Timing Is Almost Everything 23
What Doesn’t Kill You Can Make You Bitter or Better 24
Acceptance Letters Are Not Created Equal 25
Reflect and Review 25
Playing with Words 30
Unblocking the Block 31
Speedwriting at 80-Miles Per Hour 33
Breaking Up 34
Circle the Wagons 36
Books 39
Motivational Books 40
Videos 40
Research Organizer 41
Reference Books 41
41
About the Author 42
Getting in Touch 42
Wrestling a Tornado: Overcoming Writing Challenges Page 3
