Eden James
Establish a rota: Read. Observe. Think. Ask.
Reading the works of others, whether in fiction, copy writing or newspapers is invaluable. There is always a tendency to write everything down and yes, there is certainly scope for that. Yet, very often reading a passage someone else has written can greatly assist in understanding and establishing a narrative style. Subsequently, I look back at my own words after reading a book and see the need for greater improvement of my own, yet that is where the art lies.
Observation is key. It sounds obvious, but much can be gained by walking around with our eyes open. Especially true in a world where we are increasingly drawn towards devices that 'connect' us through a myopic perspective. Just sit on a bench and watch the world amble by with our own eyes. Some things cannot, and must not be Googled. With observation comes description.
Thinking about our writing, yet not overthinking it either. Good writing cannot be forced. Like a fart. If we try to force it, the result could be ... We may have an idea where our writing will take us, yet something might compel us in a different direction. Follow it, see where it goes, we can always come back to where we were. If we don't return, we might find ourselves embarking on another adventure altogether, and be all the better for it. It is always good to think about what we want to convey and why. Sometimes it's too self-indulgent and can be dispensed with, at others its something we feel we need to express or explore. Thinking about the content and structure can help a narrative flow.
Asking others to read our works can be one of the most embarrassing and nerve-racking moments. Like admitting a guilty pleasure. Yet, the perspectives of others are vital. They are our future readers. Even if the work is not there thing, obtaining their view on it can be essential in shaping where we go with our writing. It's also good practice in receiving objective and often necessary criticism.
Reading the works of others, whether in fiction, copy writing or newspapers is invaluable. There is always a tendency to write everything down and yes, there is certainly scope for that. Yet, very often reading a passage someone else has written can greatly assist in understanding and establishing a narrative style. Subsequently, I look back at my own words after reading a book and see the need for greater improvement of my own, yet that is where the art lies.
Observation is key. It sounds obvious, but much can be gained by walking around with our eyes open. Especially true in a world where we are increasingly drawn towards devices that 'connect' us through a myopic perspective. Just sit on a bench and watch the world amble by with our own eyes. Some things cannot, and must not be Googled. With observation comes description.
Thinking about our writing, yet not overthinking it either. Good writing cannot be forced. Like a fart. If we try to force it, the result could be ... We may have an idea where our writing will take us, yet something might compel us in a different direction. Follow it, see where it goes, we can always come back to where we were. If we don't return, we might find ourselves embarking on another adventure altogether, and be all the better for it. It is always good to think about what we want to convey and why. Sometimes it's too self-indulgent and can be dispensed with, at others its something we feel we need to express or explore. Thinking about the content and structure can help a narrative flow.
Asking others to read our works can be one of the most embarrassing and nerve-racking moments. Like admitting a guilty pleasure. Yet, the perspectives of others are vital. They are our future readers. Even if the work is not there thing, obtaining their view on it can be essential in shaping where we go with our writing. It's also good practice in receiving objective and often necessary criticism.
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