Suzy Davies's Blog: Book News - Posts Tagged "skills-development"

This is an answer I gave in response to a question on Quora.

I often crack the joke,”I was born in Reading.” This has a dual meaning. I was born in Reading, Berkshire, in England. I was also “born” as a would-be writer from reading books! In this answer, I talk about how to cultivate writing skills for Fiction only.

Reading and writing are “opposites” in a sense, but doing a great deal of reading will cultivate your knowledge of writing.

First of all, read books that teach you English Grammar basics, how to write sentences and paragraphs that work. They are, after all, the building blocks of good chapters, and good books. There is no short cut to this, but it is a crucial part of being a writer. I like “The Elements of Style,” by Strunk and White, and “English Grammar in Use,” by Raymond Murphy.

Next, choose some books to read (or revisit the ones you already have,) which have stood the test of time, and are regarded by the literary world as good books.

I don’t mean reading in the casual sense. I mean being selective about what you read, and a close analysis of why you admire and like a particular book. You may even dislike some books that are highly esteemed by the critics. However, you need to know what doesn’t work for you, and why.

Read a book quickly on your first read to get an overall feel of the writing. Then, scan the book on the second read, paying very close attention to how things work. A third read, and you will be very familiar with the book.

You need to scrutinize things such as the style of writing - is it simple and pared down, as in the style of Raymond Chandler? Is it poetic, as in the style of James Joyce or Dylan Thomas? Is it cinematic, as in the style of Truman Capote? Is it atmospheric, as in the style of Daphne Du Maurier? Whatever the writing style, every word must count.

Read books on the writing devices which are used by famous writers, and do close reading to analyse the ways in which these writers use their “methods.”

O.K, this may take some of the spontaneity out of your read, but the rewards you reap will be bountiful.

Read each book you select with a purpose. Some writers are known for the brilliance of characterisation and dialogue, others for their plot devices, and others the atmosphere of scenes and settings.

All good writers are good observers, with an eye for detail, and the big picture.

What kinds of details do they leave to the readers’ imaginations? As illogical as this may sound, what do they “not say.” Gaps, silences and absences in a writer’s text speak volumes.

What are the “grand themes” of their books? What kinds of themes are they, and what makes these themes important to their readers?

Some writers are inventive, and they break conventional rules of genre and language. You may be tempted to do the same yourself. But, a cautionary word here! You need to be a seasoned writer to get away with breaking rules or being unconventional. When you have mastery, that is the time to burn the rule books if you so wish!

Another important aspect of being a writer is development of good observational skills. Certain hobbies may help you develop “the eye” for detail, such as Photography, Watching Films, Drawing or Painting, Sewing, being an umpire at football matches, Fly Fishing, Bird Watching, and so-on.

Try to cultivate an ear for language, too. Listening to songs or studying languages can help with this.

Nurture your memory! I am not just talking about visual memory. I mean memory in all the senses - visual, auditory, touch, olfactory.

People-watching in everyday life is the best way to sharpen your memory, strengthen your observational skills, and develop a good ear for language.

Whenever you go anywhere, jot down anything that strikes you as interesting - scenes, people, situations, and so on. Pay close attention to the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings, scenes and situations evoke. Notice people’s idiosyncrasies and not just what they do, but how they do things. Eavesdrop on conversations. Try to imagine the context of what you hear. Be nosy! Take the question words Why, Who, What, When, Where, Which, How, How many, and so on, with you wherever you go, and use them to ask yourself about what you are witnessing. Write down quirky names of people and places to add flesh to what you write.

Another method for developing your skills is to watch T.V. I watch T.V with the sound turned off. No, I am not an expert lip-reader! I create dialogue in my head, and try to make it fit the film I am watching. Watch the action for a while, make some jottings, and then turn on the sound to see if you had the right idea. The answer, of course, is that there is no right and wrong, unless you completely misunderstood what you saw!

You can also listen to drama on the radio. Now, your task is to visualise people and places from what you hear!

Some people have better imaginations than others, but you can still cultivate your imagination and ability to think creatively. I find dreamwork and meditation useful for this. Keep a dream diary, and make a note of the archetypes you meet in your dreams. If you don’t remember your dreams, visit a meditation practioner, and go on a guided meditation - a kind of journey that will help you tap into your subconscious. Strange as this may sound, if you want to write fiction, you will need to tap into this primitive, often hidden side of your personality.

If you develop your imagination, you will be able to write your own stories from a simple stimulus such as an everyday object, a souvenir, a work of art or a piece of music.

Another piece of advice is “Writer know thyself.” Have an idea of your own strengths and weaknesses, and write what you are familiar with, and know. Remember you are a unique individual and bring your unique self and life experiences to your work as a writer! This is what will interest your readers. Show them what you want to say - don’t tell them! Readers like to feel they have discovered things for themselves.

Be self-aware. Ask yourself “What kind of writer am I?” Your authorial voice will be quite distinct from that of other writers. You need to know where your boundaries are - what is you, and what is not you, to create your characters. The paradox is that through writing, you will get to know yourself better than you ever did before!

Being a writer will develop you, and it may change you. As you practise your skills, you will discover that being a writer is a process, not a goal.

If you are serious about writing, write every day, and spend time reflecting on what you have written, so you go from strength to strength. Always take time out to reenergise! You will revisit what you have written, with a fresh mind! Writing can be hard work, so when you need it, request feedback from beta readers, and take their advice.

Above all else, find your own voice, and do not be a poor imitation of anyone else.

Writing buddies and writing coaches will help you when you are stuck, and can be a wonderful source of inspiration to encourage and inspire you on your journey as a writer.