Its a Good Idea To Avoid Bad Writing
Its a Good Idea To Avoid Bad Writing
08-27-2012 | 04:36 PM | Book Writing News
There exist two kinds of writers. First, those still learning the craft of writing who need to learn foundational skills (whether they know it or not). Secondly, those who know writing, yet lapse into small mistakes or old patterns. The latter is actually a much smaller percentage of writers than you may think, since there is so much to learn!
Just putting words on paper is no more writing than slapping bright blue paint on a wall is decorating. I know, I tried it. Many years ago, I painted a room with bright blue paint and stark white trim. Proud as could be, I called a few ladies (known to have taste) over to marvel at my masterpiece. Oddly, they only grimaced—putting daggers in my excitement balloon. What I thought was wonderful had glaring problems I could not identify.
How to Avoid Bad Writing
Have you ever experienced that in your writing? You felt great about something, only to find out later it lacked? Many writers find themselves in the same situation, proud of their manuscript, but do not realize the weaknesses because they lack experience to pinpoint them.
Looking back on my blue room, I realized there are core techniques that work in any endeavor. Why reinvent what others have studied? Learn the techniques for your writing discipline (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc.). Lots of great books exist, as well as writers’ groups and writing coaches. WinePress Publishing has a Coaching program for fiction or non-fiction. Spend the time to understand what good writing looks like, so you can identify your own weaknesses and improve.
Beyond that, follow some core guidelines to strong writing:
Active – Use passive writing sparingly. Study active and passive voice so you understand how to properly wield these wordsmith brushes.
Write Tight – Look for ways to tighten sentences in both fiction and non-fiction.
Fiction – Craft your fiction manuscript using correct perspective, structure, and word choice.
Non-fiction – Ensure what you write includes techniques that make it interesting: similes and metaphors, personal stories, and descriptive phrases (just as in fiction).
Critique: Have your manuscript critiqued 1-2 times before pursuing either traditional or self-publishing. Paid services exist, or writers can take advantage of the WinePress Publishing free Manuscript Evaluation service here.
Rewrite: As you learn, and as your manuscript is critiqued, be willing to rewrite it. You may be emotionally tied to your first draft, but your reader is not. They want the strongest story, or the most interesting text.
Avoid the blue room syndrome of writing. Learn, apply, seek outside advice, and rewrite. Put the time and practice in, and you will begin to hone and refine subtle things rather than stumble over unknown weaknesses while thinking all is well. Strong writing is not an overnight process, though your final manuscript will inspire your readers on a level draft-one never will!
Just putting words on paper is no more writing than slapping bright blue paint on a wall is decorating. I know, I tried it. Many years ago, I painted a room with bright blue paint and stark white trim. Proud as could be, I called a few ladies (known to have taste) over to marvel at my masterpiece. Oddly, they only grimaced—putting daggers in my excitement balloon. What I thought was wonderful had glaring problems I could not identify.
How to Avoid Bad Writing
Have you ever experienced that in your writing? You felt great about something, only to find out later it lacked? Many writers find themselves in the same situation, proud of their manuscript, but do not realize the weaknesses because they lack experience to pinpoint them.
Looking back on my blue room, I realized there are core techniques that work in any endeavor. Why reinvent what others have studied? Learn the techniques for your writing discipline (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc.). Lots of great books exist, as well as writers’ groups and writing coaches. WinePress Publishing has a Coaching program for fiction or non-fiction. Spend the time to understand what good writing looks like, so you can identify your own weaknesses and improve.
Beyond that, follow some core guidelines to strong writing:
Active – Use passive writing sparingly. Study active and passive voice so you understand how to properly wield these wordsmith brushes.
Write Tight – Look for ways to tighten sentences in both fiction and non-fiction.
Fiction – Craft your fiction manuscript using correct perspective, structure, and word choice.
Non-fiction – Ensure what you write includes techniques that make it interesting: similes and metaphors, personal stories, and descriptive phrases (just as in fiction).
Critique: Have your manuscript critiqued 1-2 times before pursuing either traditional or self-publishing. Paid services exist, or writers can take advantage of the WinePress Publishing free Manuscript Evaluation service here.
Rewrite: As you learn, and as your manuscript is critiqued, be willing to rewrite it. You may be emotionally tied to your first draft, but your reader is not. They want the strongest story, or the most interesting text.
Avoid the blue room syndrome of writing. Learn, apply, seek outside advice, and rewrite. Put the time and practice in, and you will begin to hone and refine subtle things rather than stumble over unknown weaknesses while thinking all is well. Strong writing is not an overnight process, though your final manuscript will inspire your readers on a level draft-one never will!
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