How to Become a Better Writer (from Online Creative Writing Course - Updated)

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We hope that the following article, which is annextract from our online creative writing course (formatted to 65ncharacters) may be informative and helpful to your e-zinenreaders, or on your web site. If it helps others "out there" innany way, then we're happy. This article (as with all my articles)nmay be freely published, electronically or in print.

"We share what we know, so that we all may grow."n n *
How to Become a Better Writer (from Online Creative Writing Course):

By now you have decided what kind of writer you'd like to be.n n* To write for pleasure or for profit?n n* To write articles or simply to write for your own enjoyment?n n* Or perhaps just start writing and see what develops?n n* To perhaps even one day write a book - about your life or aboutnthe life of someone you know?n n* To one day write the novel you always dreamed of?

I believe everyone has some tale to tell. We can all reach outnand help others by sharing a little of our little (don't repeatn'little' in such close proximity- "yes sir, boss"!) world.
Somebody else said: "No one but a blockhead would write not to benpublished."... but I don't agree with that one.

I believe writing is for pleasure or profit, but it can be both.
That's the ideal to aim (and wish/hope) for. That was my idealnwhen I started out in my quest to do something worthwhile with mynlife after being dropped out of the sky here in "Sleepy Hollow".
I try to have a bit of FUN with my writing, because lifen(together with all the appendages, like mortgages, bills, wives,
"hubbies", etc) can be ever so serious.

We spoke about making a writer out of you. Ask yourself: Wherenand when to write. Which room is most comfortable and gives younpeace and quiet? When are you most creative? Are you a morningnor evening"person? When is your concentration at it's highestnlevel? My body rhythms work best in the early morning, so I'm innbed with my teddy bear and hot "choccie" and pussy cat by 9 p.m.
How utterly boring!

When are you most likely to be undisturbed? I have the strangestntype of people dropping in to visit "recluse" me. Must be the lotnof an artist! Treat your writing seriously. It is your work time,nyet people don't seem to understand that. "When are you going tonget a proper job?" ask the locals, as they can't seem tonunderstand the strange writer. Nor even my good Aussie friend,
Kaye who is visiting at the moment!n *
WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT?

This is the writer's principal dilemma. Write what the marketnwants, but draw on your world, your unique experiences in life.
Ask yourself this: How can I best inform, entertain, help, ornperhaps even inspire other people?

WHERE TO GET IDEAS?

The human mind has the most incredible power and your imaginationnis your greatest asset. So use the great powers of your
IMAGINATION to the fullest by allowing your creative juices tonflow. Then once you have the idea, RESEARCH well, so you arenfactually correct. Accuracy in writing is paramount forncredibility--you have to be seen to be an authority on you
subject.

If you are writing purely for money (nothing wrong with that),nwrite what will sell. I only write from the heart, either withnserious messages in my novels or uplifting material for the humannspirit in my non-fiction "work". Always remember: There are toonmany subjects to write about - not too few! Remember to collectninteresting items for later use.n *
HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR WRITING STYLEn
We all have a unique style of writing, in addition to our uniquenexperiences in life... because each one of us is unique, thank
God. So just be grateful for who you are, your unique abilitiesnand gifts and count your blessings. Enough on this subject--thisnis not a new spiritual book!

Style is our natural way of writing: it can be brief,nlong-winded, chatty, wacky, breezy, light, heavy, and so on -nlike the way we talk. I try and write like I speak: very much tonthe point, but with the odd "zany" bit thrown in to startle ornget a person thinking (or perhaps just wondering about me andnwhere I'm coming from. Mars!).

My advice...Build on your own natural style of writing... and thenbest way to do that is to get into the writing habit. Then justnbe you. Incidentally, a word of seriousness for a change...
Although this road I have chosen is very rocky and financiallynuncertain, doing this type of work gives me more fulfillment innmy life than ever before, as well as feeling this is the real me.
And that's most important.

Write something daily; because practice makes perfect. Be open tongrowth, to try new styles or new directions in your writing. Infind after I've done a serious book (like a novel on SouthnAfrica), I try to write to inform and entertain in a light breezynstyle. Probably just both sides of me coming out!

You could perhaps try adding touches of humour, your naturalnhumour, of course. This comes with confidence and confidencencomes with more writing. My confidence has increased greatlynafter my tentative first steps down this track. I believe thenessence of good writing style lies in precision and accuracy.
Omit unnecessary words.n *
HOW DABBLER WRITERS BECOME PROFESSIONALSn
They do it regularly: with self discipline and dedication. I maynnot be one of the best writers around, but I've got dedicationnand self discipline which comes from motivation, because I lovenwhat I do - although it's very hard work. I try to have fun,nwhilst I try to earn a living.

Top writers WRITE AND REWRITE - many times over, so the wordsnflow better each time. They aim for perfection - very, very hardnto achieve; although one can always improve. Every time I gonthrough a manuscript, I change things like repetitive words,nincorrect grammar and punctuation to try to get the words to flownbetter... but one has to draw a halt somewhere, otherwise booksnwould never get published.

Bring contrasts into your writing. I try to mix a bit of the light-heartedn(my "funny" humour) with serious subjects.

"My writing mission is through my words to inform,nilluminate, entertain, uplift, delight, as well asnhopefully even inspiring people. I aim to do this bynsharing my knowledge and life experiences - throughnsupporting, encouraging and empowering others to be the nbest person they can possibly be."

"I truly want to let the light shine through my words tonimpact and help others...to inspire people throughout ourn(sometimes happy and sometimes dark and sad, yet alwaysnbeautiful and magical) world."

You too can implement a plan, a purpose for your writings. It may be to inform, nimpact, enchant, dazzle, enlighten, or even uplift others spirits through nthe immense power of your words. For example, as a contrast betweennwriting light-hearted words of entertainment, or ones of suspense and maybe sadness. Otherwise you may use the power of the pen to write incredibly moving words of laughter and love." *

It's up to YOU!

I hope this information has been helpful to you.

Happy writingn
Craig Lock (Eagle Productions)nn* Robert Ingersol suggests this great truth:
"In the night of death, hope sees a star and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing."

I think this is one of the most beautiful lines in all of English literature,nso sharing with you.

About the author:
Craig is a writer, who believes innsharing information, as well as encouraging and helping others tonfind their talents and gifts, to strive for and accomplish thei
dreams in life - whatever they may be.nhttp://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.htmlnhttp://www.craiglockbooks.com

The various books that "Craig felt inspired to write" are available at:nhttp://www.myspace.com/writercraig www.lulu.com/craiglock and http://www2.webng.com/write
z/books.html n
All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children - MINE

What's the definition of an aspiring author?
A waiter!

What's the difference between a writer and a family pizza?
The pizza can feed a family of four!

THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

"A book is small enough to hold in your hand; but when you read it, nthe walls fall away and you're in a room as big as the world."

"They say that if enough chimpanzees were put in front of enough word processors for enough time, eventually one of them would write Hamlet."nnnn