If you read all of the long introduction, the
images might have caught your fancy, or perhaps you were wondering what it all
had to do with learning the writing craft. A writer thinks about both things.
They appreciate the beauty of words, and look critically at the message. Stories
created purely for the sake of creation are rare. Typically, people write
stories as a catharsis or as a retelling of a real or imagined journey. Some
people are plagued by ideas they simply must record. Whatever the reason,
whether it is emotional release, a stimulating intellectual exercise, or a
primal need�it is all the desire to write.
Anyone can put words on a page.
What about writing well? If called upon to create something similar to
the introduction to this article, could you? How many senses were used to
describe the scene? What point-of-view was used? What kinds of deliberate style
and technique were employed to make the imagery more engaging? All of these
questions are issues of craft. Basic writing craft we can study in
school. However, the mechanics that they usually teach in colleges and
universities mostly apply to non-fiction. The teaching of fiction techniques
tends to focus on the analysis of works already in print�not on getting your own
words in print.
Assuming there�s a desire to improve, how does an aspiring
fiction writer get better? How does he/she know when they�re improving?
In terms of getting better, there is a simple answer: PRACTICE.
In order to be good at anything you must do it, and do a
lot of it. In the case of writing, not only must you write�you must study.
Unless you are counting on being one of the blessed lucky few who stumble upon
success�there�s a great deal you must know in order to place your fiction.
Writing is an art. Like a musician�s love of tone and rhythm, a sculptor�s love
of lines and contour, and painter�s passion for color and composition�a writer
loves words, the ideas they convey, the imagery they paint, and the emotion they
evoke. Each art has its creative aspect and its underlying science. Writing is
no exception. A foundation of introspection, insight, and creativity on demand
all go into being a good storyteller. This article and the ones that follow have
been written to help you with mastering this arcane science.
Welcome to the Beginning Writer Series. These articles are one half of a twenty-four
article introductory writing program. The twelve installments of The
Beginning Writer concentrate on the industry, psychology, and lifestyle of
writing. The remaining twelve of Beginning Writing Craft focus on the
mechanics of narrative and story. Each article stands on its own, but they all
work together to convey a larger picture. Aspiring authors are encouraged to
read from either track as valuable information can be found in both.
Here our focus is the writing life�and while that may sound hokey�there�s a real and
serious aspect to a good writing regime. The reality is that few people except
for journalists and non-fiction writers can actually make a steady living at
writing. If you plan to write fiction professionally, the reality is that you
have bumpy road ahead. It is not impossible, but it can be frustrating.
To get published, you need to be good. Now some of you might at this moment be
thinking—�I�ve seen published stuff that was horrible. I can write better that
that!� Don�t let someone else�s luck delude you into banking on being equally as
lucky. If you make professionalism and quality your goal, getting published is
simply a matter of time and persistence.
In the first article, we�ll look at the �writing decision�. Are you serious about writing or just dabbling. Can you
balance a day-job and moon-light as a fiction author? The second installment is
about realistic expectations. What�s likely and what�s far fetched when looking
at getting your work published. The third section will deal with making time to
write. The fourth addresses productivity and the tools of a productive writing
environment. Section five deals with the thorny problem of completion.
There are many many people who start a novel or short story, but few of them
actually finish. The sixth installment comes back the topic of time, and
concentrates on story focus and getting the maximum production from your limited
time. Articles seven through nine deal with writer resources: advice materials,
conferences, and read-and-critique groups. The last two pieces deal with the
publishing industry and emotional investments we make when we push our literary
babies out of the nest.
Together, these twelve pieces along with the Writing Craft articles should give you enough information to either get
started or get back on track when it comes to your writing. Once you�re done and
you�re feeling confident, there�s intermediate and advanced materials to advance
your execution, style, and technique.
We hope you enjoy the material that follows.
Good luck and good writing.