Assuming the new writer truly had a talent/gift for writing, I'd advise them to swim in the deep end of the word pool...all things words; your basic palabras! Do crossword puzzles, anagrams, and other word puzzles, simply because words are your tools (and if you ask me, your friends!).
And, all that is on top of the recreational reading you do to envelope other tones, styles, and voices. For me, I've written all my life in every non-writing job I've had, working it in, somehow, to enrich my company, team, etc. If a newbie feels the need to read "technical" tomes on how to write, fine, but that wouldn't be at the top of my to-do list.
My early stylistic influences have come from disparate places: In the '70s, it was the rock press. I scoured all the rock mags, and the musical experts/critics who were writing about the musicians I was listening to....some of them currently live among us on the 'Stack....looking at YOU, Wayne Robins! Not only did I learn the art of musical critique, but a more informal writing style. You don't get more informal than Lester Bangs!
Another influence was Fran Lebowitz, who once (this'll date us both!) said that "your right to wear a lime green leisure suit ends where it meets my eye." Another clever and unusual style of expression...not to mention hilarious!
The point? Newbies, IMHO, should read a variety of sources for inspiration, not just "how-to-write" tomes or sites.
I was fortunate to have a mom who had writing in her veins, having worked for Reader's Digest out of college, and a dad who was incredibly literate, funny, and as a lifelong radio station employee, had a style of communication that was clear and effective. Would that our young writers are that blessed!
Now, if you'll excuse me, Ramona, I really DO have to get back to writing!😉
The most important thing is to write a lot more than you publish. All writing must not be for others, or it will remain shallow and performative. Every writer must have a private narrative that allows their most honest expression to develop.
In an age where our entire lives are on display to others, and often to strangers, it is in fact comforting to think that you could write something, and hit publish, and maybe no one would read it. That is freedom in its own way.
Feb 15, 2022·edited Feb 15, 2022Liked by Ramona Grigg
I’m not new to writing but am new in the sense of publishing work online. I have been fortunate to not envy others like I used to and appreciate their artistry and learn from it instead. I am taking a lot in: how to insert character traits, describing action, tightening dialogue, thinking about the practicality of plot elements… it is all learning and while I like most things I write to someday be in someone’s hands, I understand that writers must “sketch” too. We have to work out elements or try different techniques.
I would say I need to lean more on outlines to help with longer compositions. I tend to want to drive in the dark with headlights to see where things go. But you can write yourself into a corner quickly.
My advice would be to keep writing even if you knew what you was writing isn't that good. Your taste threshold might be much higher than your technique in the early days - but you can keep practising and get better. If you think of your day job, you're proficient in that but it might have taken you a year or two (or more) to reach that level of competency. So keep at it with your writing.
Assuming the new writer truly had a talent/gift for writing, I'd advise them to swim in the deep end of the word pool...all things words; your basic palabras! Do crossword puzzles, anagrams, and other word puzzles, simply because words are your tools (and if you ask me, your friends!).
And, all that is on top of the recreational reading you do to envelope other tones, styles, and voices. For me, I've written all my life in every non-writing job I've had, working it in, somehow, to enrich my company, team, etc. If a newbie feels the need to read "technical" tomes on how to write, fine, but that wouldn't be at the top of my to-do list.
My early stylistic influences have come from disparate places: In the '70s, it was the rock press. I scoured all the rock mags, and the musical experts/critics who were writing about the musicians I was listening to....some of them currently live among us on the 'Stack....looking at YOU, Wayne Robins! Not only did I learn the art of musical critique, but a more informal writing style. You don't get more informal than Lester Bangs!
Another influence was Fran Lebowitz, who once (this'll date us both!) said that "your right to wear a lime green leisure suit ends where it meets my eye." Another clever and unusual style of expression...not to mention hilarious!
The point? Newbies, IMHO, should read a variety of sources for inspiration, not just "how-to-write" tomes or sites.
I was fortunate to have a mom who had writing in her veins, having worked for Reader's Digest out of college, and a dad who was incredibly literate, funny, and as a lifelong radio station employee, had a style of communication that was clear and effective. Would that our young writers are that blessed!
Now, if you'll excuse me, Ramona, I really DO have to get back to writing!😉
The most important thing is to write a lot more than you publish. All writing must not be for others, or it will remain shallow and performative. Every writer must have a private narrative that allows their most honest expression to develop.
In an age where our entire lives are on display to others, and often to strangers, it is in fact comforting to think that you could write something, and hit publish, and maybe no one would read it. That is freedom in its own way.
I’m not new to writing but am new in the sense of publishing work online. I have been fortunate to not envy others like I used to and appreciate their artistry and learn from it instead. I am taking a lot in: how to insert character traits, describing action, tightening dialogue, thinking about the practicality of plot elements… it is all learning and while I like most things I write to someday be in someone’s hands, I understand that writers must “sketch” too. We have to work out elements or try different techniques.
I would say I need to lean more on outlines to help with longer compositions. I tend to want to drive in the dark with headlights to see where things go. But you can write yourself into a corner quickly.
My advice would be to keep writing even if you knew what you was writing isn't that good. Your taste threshold might be much higher than your technique in the early days - but you can keep practising and get better. If you think of your day job, you're proficient in that but it might have taken you a year or two (or more) to reach that level of competency. So keep at it with your writing.