On Writing

1. Writing is a craft that demands constant practice and reading

"If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things that I'm aware of, no shortcut."

Read voraciously. Aspiring writers must immerse themselves in the written word, consuming a wide variety of genres and styles. This exposure helps develop an ear for language, storytelling techniques, and the rhythms of good prose. Reading also provides inspiration and helps writers recognize both good and bad writing.

Write consistently. Like any skill, writing improves with practice. Set aside time each day to write, even if it's just for a short period. This habit builds discipline and helps overcome writer's block. Write about anything and everything – stories, essays, journal entries, or even practice exercises. The goal is to make writing a natural, ingrained part of your daily life.

• Aim to read 70-80 books per year
• Write at least 1,000 words per day
• Experiment with different genres and styles

2. Develop a writer's toolbox: vocabulary, grammar, and style

"Put your vocabulary on the top shelf of your toolbox, and don't make any conscious effort to improve it."

Build your vocabulary organically. A strong vocabulary is essential for precise and evocative writing. However, don't force big words into your writing. Instead, let your vocabulary grow naturally through reading and everyday experiences. Use simple, clear language that best expresses your ideas.

Master grammar basics. While you don't need to be a grammar expert, understanding the fundamental rules of language is crucial. This knowledge allows you to construct clear, effective sentences and helps you break the rules intentionally for stylistic effect when necessary.

Develop your own style. Your unique voice as a writer emerges from the combination of your vocabulary, grammar choices, and personal experiences. Read widely to expose yourself to different styles, but don't try to imitate others. Instead, focus on clarity and authenticity in your writing.

• Avoid using a thesaurus to find "fancy" words
• Study grammar guides like Strunk & White's "The Elements of Style"
• Practice writing in different voices to find your natural style

3. Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open

"Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open."

First draft: privacy and freedom. When writing your initial draft, isolate yourself from outside influences and criticism. This "closed door" approach allows you to write freely, without self-censorship or concern for others' opinions. Focus on getting your ideas down on paper without worrying about perfection.

Revision: consider your audience. Once you have a complete draft, open the metaphorical door and consider how readers will perceive your work. This is the time to refine your writing, clarify your ideas, and ensure your message comes across effectively. Be willing to make significant changes for the sake of improving your work.

• Set a goal (e.g., 1,000 words per day) for your first draft
• Let your first draft rest for at least six weeks before revising
• Seek feedback from trusted readers during the revision process

4. Create a dedicated writing space and routine

"The space can be humble (probably should be, as I think I have already suggested), and it really needs only one thing: a door which you are willing to shut."

Establish a writing sanctuary. Designate a specific area for your writing, whether it's a separate room, a corner of your bedroom, or even a particular seat at a coffee shop. This space should be free from distractions and associated with your writing practice.

Develop a consistent routine. Set regular writing hours and stick to them. This habit trains your mind to be creative on command and helps overcome writer's block. Treat writing as a job, showing up every day regardless of inspiration or mood.

• Eliminate distractions in your writing space (e.g., TV, phone)
• Aim for a daily writing goal (time or word count)
• Use rituals to signal the start of your writing time (e.g., brewing coffee, lighting a candle)

5. Tell the truth in your writing, even if it's uncomfortable

"If you intend to write as truthfully as you can, your days as a member of polite society are numbered, anyway."

Embrace honesty in your work. Authentic writing often requires confronting uncomfortable truths about yourself, others, and the world. Don't shy away from difficult topics or emotions. This raw honesty will resonate with readers and give your writing power and depth.

Use real-life experiences. Draw from your own life and observations to create authentic characters and situations. While you may need to change details to protect privacy or for legal reasons, the emotional truth of your experiences can inform your writing and make it more relatable.

• Write about topics that make you uncomfortable
• Use dialogue that reflects how people really speak, including profanity if appropriate
• Be prepared for potential backlash from friends, family, or society

6. Master the art of description and dialogue

"Description begins in the writer's imagination, but should finish in the reader's."

Paint vivid pictures with words. Effective description allows readers to see, hear, and feel the world you're creating. Focus on specific, concrete details that engage the senses. However, avoid over-describing – leave room for the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps.

Craft realistic dialogue. Good dialogue should sound natural while still serving the story. Listen to how people really talk and practice capturing their rhythms and patterns. Use dialogue to reveal character, advance the plot, and create tension.

• Use similes and metaphors to make descriptions more vivid
• Read dialogue aloud to ensure it sounds natural
• Avoid excessive dialogue tags and adverbs (e.g., "he said angrily")

7. Understand the importance of theme and symbolism

"When you're writing a story, you're telling yourself the story. When you rewrite, your main job is taking out all the things that are not the story."

Discover your theme organically. Don't start with a predetermined message or moral. Instead, let the theme emerge naturally as you write and revise. Often, the deeper meaning of your work becomes clear only after you've finished the first draft.

Use symbolism judiciously. Symbolism can add depth and resonance to your writing, but it should arise naturally from the story. Don't force symbols or make them too obvious – subtle symbolism is often more effective and rewarding for readers.

• Ask yourself what your story is really about after completing the first draft
• Look for recurring motifs or images in your writing that could serve as symbols
• Avoid explaining your symbolism explicitly – trust readers to make connections

8. Revise and edit ruthlessly, cutting at least 10% in the second draft

"2nd Draft = 1st Draft - 10%. Good luck."

Be merciless in revision. Your first draft is about getting the story down; the second draft is about making it better. Be prepared to cut anything that doesn't serve the story, even if you're personally attached to it. Aim to reduce your word count by at least 10% during revision.

Focus on clarity and pacing. As you revise, ensure that your story flows smoothly and that each scene serves a purpose. Eliminate redundancies, tighten dialogue, and cut unnecessary description. Pay attention to the rhythm of your prose and vary sentence length for better readability.

• Use the "search and destroy" method for overused words and phrases
• Read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing and pacing issues
• Consider cutting entire scenes or characters if they don't advance the story

9. Research should enhance, not overwhelm, your story

"Remember that word back. That's where research belongs: as far in the background and the back story as you can get it."

Do your homework, but don't show it off. Research can add authenticity and depth to your writing, but it shouldn't overshadow the story. Use just enough detail to create a believable world without bogging down the narrative with excessive information.

Integrate research seamlessly. Weave factual information into your story naturally, through dialogue, character observations, or brief descriptions. Avoid long expository passages that feel like lectures.

• Research after writing your first draft to avoid getting sidetracked
• Use expert beta readers to catch factual errors in specialized areas
• Remember that storytelling trumps absolute accuracy in fiction

10. Seek honest feedback from trusted readers

"Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open."

Choose your first readers carefully. Select a small group of trusted individuals who can provide honest, constructive feedback. These readers should be familiar with your genre and able to articulate what works and what doesn't in your writing.

Listen to criticism with an open mind. It's natural to feel defensive about your work, but try to consider feedback objectively. Look for patterns in the responses – if multiple readers have the same issue, it likely needs addressing.

• Provide specific questions to guide your readers' feedback
• Wait until you've finished a complete draft before seeking opinions
• Be willing to make significant changes based on thoughtful criticism

11. Persevere through rejection and setbacks

"By the time I was fourteen the nail in my wall would no longer support the weight of the rejection slips impaled upon it. I replaced the nail with a spike and went on writing."

Expect rejection and learn from it. Rejection is a normal part of the writing process. Use it as motivation to improve your craft. Keep submitting your work, and don't let setbacks discourage you from pursuing your writing goals.

Develop a thick skin. Criticism and rejection can be painful, but they're essential for growth as a writer. Learn to separate your self-worth from the reception of your work. Remember that even successful authors face rejection and negative reviews.

• Set realistic goals for submissions and publications
• Keep track of rejections and celebrate them as signs of perseverance
• Use rejection as motivation to revise and improve your work

12. Write for the love of it, not for the money

"I did it for the buzz. I did it for the pure joy of the thing. And if you can do it for joy, you can do it forever."

Find intrinsic motivation. Write because you love the process, not because you're chasing fame or fortune. This passion will sustain you through the inevitable challenges and disappointments of a writing career.

Enjoy the creative process. Focus on the satisfaction of crafting a good story or expressing your ideas effectively. This joy in creation will come through in your writing and resonate with readers.

• Write the stories you want to read
• Experiment with different genres and forms to keep your passion alive
• Celebrate small victories and milestones in your writing journey

Last updated: July 21, 2024