Writers! Hi!
Writing is probably one of my favorite arts in the world. I am a song writer and sometimes I noodle up a poem and even s short story sometimes. The main strain on writers is the dreaded writers block. One technique that rarely fails to over come the writers block is:
Free Writing: Free writing... Is where the writer suffering the dreaded writers block will start writing anything that pops into his/her mind. You can jumble words, ideas, themes, and even settings. You can also focus on something... Example... A memorable moment in your life you'd like to commemorate through story or poem. Another variation you can even write a page of "I don't know what I'm doing!" Once you get your brain warmed up you can take it to the next level and begin forming ideas, characters, plot, all the good things that make writing awesome.
Spelling and Grammar: There is nothing worse than reviewing a piece and it is a spelling and grammar nightmare. If you have spell check or a dictionary handy... Spelling is an easy fix. Grammar; however, that's a whole different beast.
< . , ; : ' > Punctuation is a biggy when it comes to grammar. Also capitalization, correct placement of verbs, nouns, adverbs, adjectives, conjunctions, etc... If you don't know 100% correct grammar don't fret about it. If you have the jist of it you can get by fine. The only thing you really need to know is how to properly use commas and where to place words. 90% of grammar problems can be associated with commas. Specifically, comma splices are the most common. Here are the most common grammar mistakes:
Comma splicing, sentence fragments, and run on sentences, fused sentences.
Comma Splice: The use of a comma to separate two different ideas (commas are used to interrupt the flow of a sentence, short pauses and to separate words in a list).
Ex: Jenny went to the bowling alley, she bought a soda before she began bowling.
Corrected: Jenny went to the bowling alley. She bought a soda before she began bowling.
Fused Sentences: Two complete sentences put together without the use of a period.
Ex: Jenny almost bowled a perfect game she was very disappointed, but still have fun.
Corrected: Jenny almost bowled a perfect game. She was very disappointed, but still had fun.
Sentence Fragments: Sentences that isn't complete in the sense that it lacks a subject verb.
Ok... I'm done with the boring stuff. If you can understand most of the above, you're in the clear. There are many comma rules, but if you read enough you can pickup on how different authors use commas. You only need to be perfect if you're being graded. Unless it's a complete nightmare... You have nothing to worry about.
Back to story writing....
Genre: What style of writing do find you like the most? Fiction, non-fiction, realistic fiction, (sub-genres) horror, comedy, romance, etc... If you can settle on a genre but you're still stuck this is an optimal stage for free writing. Lets say for an example you want to write a dark poem (off the top of my head), ...In the lonesome writhing haunt, the Autumn breeze cried in lamentation. Her whisper was as cold as the first mornings dew...
Now that can be anything. That was more or less noodled together with no meaning or purpose except to provide an example. If any of you want to take that sentence, change it up and run with it; by all means be my guest.
Next up...
Plot, Theme, Setting, and Characters: If you can get to any of these points without any problems; you have the foundation of your story pretty much set in stone. However, that doesn't mean you won't get stuck. In the writing stage remember... You can manipulate ANYTHING! It's your story. Have at it. If you have a colorful cast of characters but no setting or plot, think of a real place you have either visited, or would like to visit and put your own twist on it. If you're righting poetry theme, genre, and setting will be your focal points. Rhyme scheme is good for some poetry, so give that a whack. But remember... Not all poems have to rhyme. You have the potential to write anything, you just need to grab hold of all the right elements. Which brings me to my next point...
Literary Elements! Foreshadowing, personification, conflict... I can make a list but this thread is already massive... Literary elements are one of the most important things in writing. if you don't use these literary devices even a little bit... You're story will get a stale. If you know how to use them go for it. if you don't, look them up and practice using them in writing. Trust me, you will become a stronger writer overtime.
^^^
All of the above... Techniques, tips, and rules... Get to know them well if you're prone to getting stuck. Grammar is the structure of a piece of writing. if you use all improper grammar... You can write a beautiful story, but it will look bad and ti will confuse the reader. Free writing. Possibly one of the best techniques to over come writers block. Literary elements will help you're righting regarding interest. You can integrate suspense, or unlock seemingly endless aspects of imagination. To make all aspects of the story come together you need to have direct connections with the genre, plot, theme, and characters. It will make transitions easier and make things less awkward for the reader.
Which brings me to my last point.
Who is your audience? Who are you writing to? Do you have a target audience? If you do great. Appeal to them and do it well. If you don't have a specific target audience that's fine. You just need to refine your writing so nothing will be seen as awkward depending on what you're going for.
That's all I have... Happy writing!!
Topic: My Writing Tutorial (Read 3353 times)