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| Found this re-shared so much on Facebook, I have no idea of it's origin. |
Check out rule 1. I've learned something about the writing process recently. I know we've all heard the saying, 'writers write' and we're told to just keep the hand moving across the page. But this is more. My writing workshops often sing the praises of free writing. 15 minutes every day. But what do I write about? And I'm told not to think, just write.
What a waste of time, I have a novel to write, I can't be dithering away notes about my dreams and what I need to pick up for dinner. Honestly, for about the first week, that's what I came up with. Random nonsensical stuff that did not contribute to my fiction at all. But then I started noticing changes. Now when I free write (every day, like a good little author) I find new plot ideas for my story emerge, or a deeper understanding of a character's motivation.
Practice writing and you'll become better at practicing.
Of course you need to actually work on your novel too, otherwise you'll only become better at practicing.
Excellent tip. That's what I'm going to do until I get to really go back to my next book.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great tip! I like that whole poster!
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. I wondered for a long time what the point of free writing was, then I started doing it. Once I get started, it's hard to stop!
ReplyDeleteYour dogged diligence floors me Charmaine. Great tips! Now if I could just work out how many 15 min blocks I have up my sleeve each day...hmmm.
ReplyDeleteI love this and your poster! One of my goals this year is just to write every day and I'm gonna try my best to do it!
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! I write 100-word pieces each morning--usually just freewriting--and since I started doing so, I've noticed a definite improvement in the work I'm doing on my bigger projects. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips not to just remember, live by. I try to write a little each day, but I have to admit, I don't always make it.
ReplyDeletepoetry does so not have to rhyme--great stuff
ReplyDeleteYeah, I pretty much hate these rules. Let me explain. http://magickless.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/twelve-and-half-writing-rules-to-break.html
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty of not writing regularly, however I read every day. I can't sleep if I don't!
ReplyDeleteLove this list!!!
ReplyDeleteI KNOW I need to do this!!! Now I have 12 more!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. :)
Hi Charmaine! I enjoyed your post. I like to free write. It clears up the mind for the actually story writing.
ReplyDeleteI only learned how important it is to write everyday after I stopped. I found it so difficult to get back into it and to write anything semi ok. Of course, having learned the lesson doesn't necessarily mean I put in into practice...cough. I better go write something...
ReplyDeleteLove the poster. Free writing is so cool. With practice you end up with lots of stories. Then you wonder, where did that come from!
ReplyDeleteSee you tomorrow!
Denise
You know... it's been ages since I freewrote, but that is a great idea for a good practice. I wonder if that would help keep things fresher--my instinct is it would--keep your true voice more front and center, too. might even make it so I don't lose touch with the writing when I am immersed in editing.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it seems silly sometimes to be jotting down random things and yet I've gone back through my little scraps of paper time and again and found an idea for a character or a scene. My favorites from the poster are #2 and #11. #2 - I've trashed many a story simply because I lost the thread and/or the excitement of an idea. I strongly believe that what a writer is feeling always makes its way into the story. If you don't care, I think the writer will perceive it. #11 is the scariest - I always feel trepidation when tackling a new genre or style. And yet, I've learned a great deal about what works for me and what readers respond to from me.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. If you don't practice, you don't improve.
ReplyDeleteNice post! Great rules that make a lot of sense. Take care!
ReplyDeleteWonderful advice! My blog is so random, I guess I could consider it "free writing" at this point. :) Similar to missing a day at the gym - if I miss a day of writing, I feel it!
ReplyDeleteCool tips. At the bottom end, I like trying new things, at the top, I don't write everyday, but then I'm a weird writer.
ReplyDeleteI love Rule no. 1.
ReplyDeleteI love these rules and I think they all ring true:)
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
I love this! So glad you shared your thoughts about free writing too. That's something I should do.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend! :)
I would disagree with rule 3. I find writing very much a mood thing and cannot perform to order.
ReplyDeleteWhen in the mood the words flow, otherwise they are a chore and invariably the quality suffers.
I love that poster! Now, off to write. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the poster. I try to write everyday, but that doesn't always happen. I'd like to get into that habit, though.
ReplyDeleteI have to share this!!
ReplyDelete