Write and Read!
There were a bunch of things that I wanted to write, but I forgot them all.
A lady called today who was worried about her son specifically in regard to how much he was struggling with writing essays.
Really truly, if you want to improve your writing, start by writing every day – no frills, nothing fancy. Just write every day. I understand that it seems kinda arbitrary, and that might unsettle some people. My stronger suspicion, however, is that it's not a quick fix, and people don't like the responsibility of being consistent. If you want to write better, start by writing more.
I already talked about this.
Write more.
In the interim, read more. This is even less strict.
For a time, I tried to anticipate what would be good literature versus bad literature. I would read the synopsis on the back or on the removable cover. I might check a review.
Now, I just tell people, "If you put a book in my hands, I will read it." If I see a book that has a catching cover or title at the library, I'll read it. If a random, unassuming book with a vague title arbitrarily catches my fancy, I'll read it. I've read some trash. I've read some classics. I've read some hidden gems. I've read some budding, aspiring writers. I've read some delusional, aspiring writers. I've read some overrated nonsense (well, I read through about half of it, but I couldn't stomach it further than that).
Just read, and read again. And read some more. And read random things. Just read. Read it! READ IT NOW!
Whew.
Anyway, Dexter is a stinky dog.
You're a stinky dog. Go write. Go read.
A lady called today who was worried about her son specifically in regard to how much he was struggling with writing essays.
Really truly, if you want to improve your writing, start by writing every day – no frills, nothing fancy. Just write every day. I understand that it seems kinda arbitrary, and that might unsettle some people. My stronger suspicion, however, is that it's not a quick fix, and people don't like the responsibility of being consistent. If you want to write better, start by writing more.
I already talked about this.
Write more.
In the interim, read more. This is even less strict.
For a time, I tried to anticipate what would be good literature versus bad literature. I would read the synopsis on the back or on the removable cover. I might check a review.
Now, I just tell people, "If you put a book in my hands, I will read it." If I see a book that has a catching cover or title at the library, I'll read it. If a random, unassuming book with a vague title arbitrarily catches my fancy, I'll read it. I've read some trash. I've read some classics. I've read some hidden gems. I've read some budding, aspiring writers. I've read some delusional, aspiring writers. I've read some overrated nonsense (well, I read through about half of it, but I couldn't stomach it further than that).
Just read, and read again. And read some more. And read random things. Just read. Read it! READ IT NOW!
Whew.
Anyway, Dexter is a stinky dog.
You're a stinky dog. Go write. Go read.
Comments
Post a Comment