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Written by Rob Parnell   
Saturday, 10 January 2009

Becoming a Better Writer - A 10 Step Guide


The urge to write fiction seems God given for some, a learned skill for others.

One thing is certain - it requires practice and a particular mindset. But, if you're a beginner, where do you start?


The following 10 tips will help kick-start your writing habit, whether you're a complete novice, or perhaps a pro who has lost their way!

1. Step Away From the Car, Sir.

Slightly detach yourself from your surroundings. Stop participating and begin observing. In social situations, watch people, see how they act and - more importantly - interact.
Don't pass judgment. Take it all in - and draw on it later when you write.


2. Look Harder, Homer.


Stop and look around you. Consciously notice the buildings, what's underfoot, overhead, and what's right in front of you.
At home, look at something you take for granted. An iron, for instance. Find yours and study it.

3. Write Thinking Will Be Rewarded.


A simple technique. Your mother is making tea and you are chatting to her. Take a mental step back and describe the scene.
Similarly, when you're outside, describe your environment as though you were writing it down.

4. What Reasons Do You Need?


Don't wait for inspiration - just write!
Force yourself to write anything at all. A shopping list. An overheard conversation. Describe your bedroom.
It doesn't matter how personal it is, or how trivial, just get it down!

5. Wakey Wakey!


Set your alarm clock for an hour earlier than normal.
When the alarm goes off, get up. Don't dress, bathe or eat. Don't even make coffee. Just stagger to your writing space and write the first thing that comes into your head for five minutes.

6. Oh God - Not That!


Think of the most awful and embarrassing thing you've ever done - the more cringe-worthy the better. Now write about it. All of it, in all its gory, horrible detail.
Then hide it away for a year or so before you read it again!

7. Like Your Style, Baby.


Don't limit yourself. Write poems, songs, dialogue, fact, fiction, even practice writing advertising copy or horoscopes.
Your expertise improves in all areas - an improvement in one area can reap benefits in another.

8. The Sincerest Flattery.


Take out a classic book from your bookcase. Copy out a paragraph. Think about the words as you write them. Don't get intimidated!

9. Wanna See My Invention?


When you're not writing, string together stories in your mind. Think of plots, characters, settings, dénouements.
Ask yourself what you should do next to improve your writing.
Develop this technique into a habit.

10. It's A Goal!

When you start writing regularly, set yourself small goals. Anything from 200 words a day, or just a commitment to writing in your diary.
Later extend to finishing a short story, or an article or a poem. Perhaps one in a week.
The trick is to set goals you can achieve easily.
That way you'll get the writing habit - and you won't forget to enjoy it!

Best regards and keep writing!

Rob Parnell

http://www.easywaytowrite.com.
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Your Success is My Concern
The Easy Way to Write 

Comments
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Nollie Greer   |97.73.64.xxx |2009-01-13 16:49:35
I thank you for this advise. I am trying to write a book about my experiences
with pulmonary sarcoidosis and prednisone.
I have had great success with my
treatment and have created my own diet and exercise program to deal with the
weight gain of high dose long term prednisone. This is a book that is worth
writting and I would appreciate any and all help in doing so.
I know if I can
just put it all to paper, I can help others and myself.
Aaliyah Zakat  - Writer/Health Aide   |76.99.50.xxx |2009-01-25 00:34:25
Hello My name is Aaliyah. I am a 24 year old writer. I would like to know
more
about you and your situation. Please if you do not mind. Possibly I can be
very
helpful for you and what you are looking to achieve. Do not hesitate to
respond
back. Thank You

Reply
rosalind t  - trying to figure out how to get on the right page   |24.56.126.xxx |2009-02-06 00:14:45
well im just trying to start to be a writer but i dont know how to put the words
on paper i would love it if you could give me some advise thank you
isaac  - how I started   |32.161.59.xxx |2009-04-09 17:36:34
I think the best way to start writing is watch slot of different movies and
alot of different books I started writing two weeks ago and love it. discribe
what you see in your head and compare it use similies and metaphors etc. I've
been told since I am a teen I am too young but with your imagination and great
grammer you can write a story.
meliah wilson  - my friends     |24.32.125.xxx |2009-05-12 21:45:16
i want write a book to my friends
Caitlyn  - Wow   |72.200.13.xxx |2009-03-12 01:24:59
Hello! I'm 12 years old and I'm also trying to start my writing career. My
mother had been diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 2003 and has been on prednisone
ever since. After reading your little article, we both plan on supporting your
writing career. Please e-mail me when you finish publishing your book and feel
good to know that you have eager fans!
Caitlyn   |72.200.13.xxx |2009-03-12 01:27:27
My e-mail address is maplecait@yahoo.com
Deborah Owen     |24.13.31.xxx |2009-03-27 01:59:14
Hello Caitlyn

I saw your post and I wanted to tell you that I will pray for
your mother. Illness is a burden that the whole family must bear and I know you
have a tough time with this, too.

My granddaughter had her story printed in a
magazine and she was 15 at the time. I started writing at the age of 13. This is
something you can do! Let me know if I can help. I own a writing school. Oh - be
sure to sign up for the newsletter. It will give you a lot of
tips:
http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com

God bless.
shilpi  - hello     |116.74.7.xxx |2009-06-19 05:29:46
hello dear caitlyn i am a also kid as you
i am 13 years old.I ALSO LOVE WRITING
I HAVE WRITTEN MANY POEMS AND STORIES AND NOW I AM PREPARING TO WRITE A BOOK.

I
WANT TO GIVE YOU A TIP

CARRY A NOTEPAD WITH YOU ALL THE TIME,ETHER IN SCHOOL
OR THE SCHOOL BUS WRITE WHATEVER YOU SEE INTRESTING INCIDENCE, IT WILL OPEN YOUR
IDEAS

REPLY ME SOON
I WILL GIVE YOU MORE TIPS
SHILPI     |116.74.7.xxx |2009-06-19 05:32:32
I HAVE A TRUE BELIEVE THAT YOUR MOTHER WILL GET WELL SOON
ALL THE BEST
GOD
BLESS YOU
Deborah Owen  - http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com     |24.13.31.xxx |2009-03-27 02:03:31
Hi Nollie

It sounds like you have a lot to tell. You have good sentence
structure and in all probability, you can pick up writing instruction pretty
quickly. You're halfway home before you start.

Learn to write 2,000 word short
stories before you tackle a book. A chapter is the equivalent of a short story,
and it's much better to learn on something small. It will save you tons of work
in the long run.

I have writing courses that are on sale right now, if you are
interested. And you may also want to sign up for the Writer's Choice Newsletter
at:
http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com

Let me know if I can help in any
way.
Aaliyah Zakat  - Writer/ Health Aide   |76.99.50.xxx |2009-01-25 00:28:16
Hello My name is Aaliyah. I am a 24 year old writer. I would like to know more
about you and your situation. Please if you do not mind. Possibly I can be very
helpful for you and what you are looking to achieve. Do not hesitate to respond
back. Thank You
buck  - i want to write about life as a retiree at 67 rais     |208.99.238.xxx |2009-02-19 20:59:27
ive never wrote a book and would appreciate some help...i am retired and have
time and i need to do this...maybe someone will read it..thanks tim
Deborah Owen  - CEO & Founder     |24.13.31.xxx |2009-03-27 01:53:34
Hello Buck

I saw your post and I had to answer. You are at such a wonderful
time of life. I'm retired, too, and I own a writing school, so I'll be happy to
help you.

Learn to write short stories first, as a chapter in a book is the
equivalent of a short story. When you can write a 2,000 word short story and
follow all the writing rules, you will be ready to tackle a book.

Writing
classes are on sale now, if you are interested. Check them out
at:
http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com
And you might want to sign up for
the writer's newsletter, also. It gives a lot of tips.

Feel free to write if
you wish. Best wishes.
buck     |208.99.238.xxx |2009-02-19 21:00:41
notify me if you can..thanks!
Heidi  - Nothing Ventured     |72.224.217.xxx |2009-01-26 19:16:30
I am hoping to write a book soon, i'm in the starting points of my goal and a
promise i made to myself that this would be the definite year to get this
project going. any ideas to get started in the "brainstorming" phase?
thank you
Deborah Owen  - CEO & Founder     |24.13.31.xxx |2009-03-27 01:49:43
Hello Heidi

I hope you're working on that book. But what I really advise is for
you to learn to write short stories first, as a chapter in a book is the near
equivalent of a short story. When you learn the writing rules and can apply them
to a 2,000 word story, you will be ready to start your book.

You asked how to
brainstorm. There is something called clustering, and that would help you. Draw
a circle in the middle of a piece of paper and write any word in it. Pretend
that is the hub of a wheel. Then draw "spokes" for the wheel, and at the
end of each spoke, draw a circle. Look at the word in the center and see what it
makes you think of. Let's say the center word is "ship". Other words
might be shipwreck, survivor, lifeboat, life preserver, food, water, greed - and
on and on you go, making more spokes and writing more words in the
circles.

When you hit on a word that lights your writing fire, make that word<...
jenne  - confuse girl     |72.27.131.xxx |2009-01-28 16:19:45
i am jenne me and my sister is writting some story about alo of story we are 20
and 14 year but i need help can you
kinya  - new writter   |173.48.244.xxx |2009-02-07 01:55:34
hi,
thanks for the few advice.
it has been my dream to write books esp. about
my life experiences and broad ideas i have.

regards
kinya
mechelle  - hmmm paper   |68.8.145.xxx |2009-02-17 02:19:21
Hi my name is mechelle and as far as elementry I can remember loving the smell
of a book I would have to sneak a sniff of paper in class hmmmm I think writing
is theraputic and I would love to be able to write a book about my life......
mr.chavez  - door opened   |66.143.243.xxx |2009-02-26 14:01:11
you've helped me greatly. im not sure i could ever give what i just
received. thanks.
Rachel  - Just who knows   |210.49.204.xxx |2009-02-26 21:36:41
I don't know if I am writer. I have subject matter swirling around in my mind
regularly. To the point that I get annoyed that I dont get it down. I have
just started putting thoughts to paper. Thank you for the information. It has
made me recognise that maybe, just maybe it will be possible to tell my story
and have it down on paper.
Deborah Owen  - CEO & Founder     |24.13.31.xxx |2009-03-27 01:39:38
Hi Rachel

I would definitely say you are writer material. Ideas swirling in
your head and the need to jot them down is what tells me that. You have good
sentence structure and you should be able to learn writing pretty easily.

I own
a writing school, and at the moment, all of my writing courses are on
sale. Drop
by and take a peek, and you also may way to sign up for the newsletter which
gives lots of writing tips.
http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com

Bes t
wishes.
Sarah   |205.188.116.xxx |2009-03-08 19:57:21
I am only 12 but i really LOVE to write. i have written many books and can't
wait until i'm old enough to publish them. so you have to be at a certain age to
publish a book? and if you do, how old?
Deborah Owen  - Becoming a Better Writer     |24.13.31.xxx |2009-04-09 22:11:00
No, you don't have to be a certain age to publish a book, but you do have to
either study how to sell a book or have the money to publish it yourself. Be
patient. You'll grow up soon enough.
SHILPI  - HELLO     |116.74.7.xxx |2009-06-19 05:37:21
ITS GREAT TO KNOW SARAH THAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN MANY BOOKS
I AM A 13YEARS OLD
WRITER
I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR BOOKS IF YOU DON'T MIND.

PLEASE REPLY ME SOON
ayan  - ayan   |61.0.124.xxx |2009-03-09 16:34:49
i think that these ways are very close to the best shortest possible ways to
demonstrate a book writer psychology.it helped me to realise that "to be
alone forever is not a big deal but to accept that u r alone positively brings
the biggest transformation of your life" and my transformation is a book
which today is more than a book because it's a medicine for somebody very
close..
Deborah Owen  - Becoming a Better Writer     |24.13.31.xxx |2009-04-09 22:13:16
I'm sorry, but I can't agree with you. No one is totally alone unless it is by
choice. Those who think they are alone are usually centered on their own lives.
The easiest way to find a friend is to a be a friend.
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