In the Know: Pt. 3
Once we're on our way, it doesn't hurt to study our craft a bit.
Telling a story is an art, and every art has tricks to make it better. I took a painting class once and learned all sorts of cool stuff about how to mix paint to create certain colors, depths and light. And shadows. My teacher taught us the most interesting things about how to create a life-like shadow.
So it is with our writing.
There are tricks, rules, that make it better. Sometimes we know these things instinctively. Sometimes we don't.
It doesn't hurt to study the craft of writing and use all the tools available to forge the most awesome story in the world!
When did you first realize you needed to learn more about writing? What's your favorite technique?
Telling a story is an art, and every art has tricks to make it better. I took a painting class once and learned all sorts of cool stuff about how to mix paint to create certain colors, depths and light. And shadows. My teacher taught us the most interesting things about how to create a life-like shadow.
So it is with our writing.
There are tricks, rules, that make it better. Sometimes we know these things instinctively. Sometimes we don't.
It doesn't hurt to study the craft of writing and use all the tools available to forge the most awesome story in the world!
When did you first realize you needed to learn more about writing? What's your favorite technique?
Comments
But I know that I do, if I want to be the best I can.
Wouldn't it be nice if it all was inherent? Sigh. Even writers who "know" stuff without being told could probably still learn new stuff.
The painting class was really fun! It was in college and I got a couple of amateur paintings out of it. LOL I also learned that painting is not my artistic venue. :-)
I find reading writing articles/blogs much easier than sitting down with a book.
I sit down with fiction all the time. LOL!
Had you told me you'd taken paint classes? I think you did. I would love to try that some day. :-)
In a lot of ways, I was one of those "inherent" writers and didn't even know it until I started reading writing books. All of a sudden, I realized why I was doing the things I did. BUT, I still have learned and am learning so much! That's why I like writing. It's a constant challenge.
I learn mostly through "how to write" articles and books. But I truly believe that just as much can be learned through reading other fiction in the genre you want to write in, so I'm trying to read more fiction in my genre now.
Great post! I'm enjoying your series!
I first knew I needed to know more about writing when I wrote two novels in high school. So I went to college and majored in English and Creative Writing. :)
Funny, but I HATED writing when I was in school. Always wished I would write something "good enough" for the teacher to read as an example to the class. But I never did.
She always read DeAnna Heindel's papers.
Never mine.
*hmph*
I really believe it was when God got a hold of my heart and I finally had something of value to say that writing became something I wanted to pursue. I'm thinking HE put the desire in me.
And HE has allowed my path to cross with many people who have given me good advice in writing - for which I am thankful!
My favorite technique? Simply being REAL.
That said, my favorite quote is this:
"Craft is the trick you make up to let yourself write..." - Anne Sexton, poet
My favorite writing technique? Mmmm, maybe trying to write something that appeals to people. I write a lot about family (my blog is called Family Fountain), so I try to write things that help in building stronger families. For example, my current post is on marital faithfulness.
My writing is not primarily novel or story form, but I am trying to learn some of the creative techniques of this genre. That's one reason I'm following your blog! Thanks!
Reading books in your genre is pretty smart. I like to do that. Any sacrifice for research. LOL
I think we should never stop learning - it enriches our writing, art, music, whatever! :)
Hmm, what's my favorite - I don't know! I'd have to really think about it!
I hope I never get too prideful to stop learning. Life is such a wonderful, painful adventure. Learning the names for stuff...great way to put it!
I remember getting my first contest feedback from an RWA chapter and wondering what the judge meant by POV and GMC. I started my study of craft at that point and plan to be a student until I pen my last word.
You were smart to enter a contest. You must've been pretty nervous.
What great questions!
I first learned I needed help when I sent the ms. for what I thought was a delightful children's book to five publishers and one of them sent back a brochure entitled, "How to Write a Children's Book."
Ouch!
That was almost ten years ago...
My favorite way to improve my craft is reading great writing that stirs me.
Suggestions from others I trust are a close second. These help me more than reading books. Although I don't rule out books, I learn best from the human element of critiques and comments.
LOL on the publisher. I guess that editor made his/her point. :-)
The first time I went to a writing workshop, I knew I was in trouble. I'm glad the Lord didn't show me the extent of my ignorance all at once.
I'm learning line upon line, precept upon precept. Taking one step at a time gives me courage to continue the journey.
Blessings,
Susan :)