I read a short article from TheWritePractice.com this morning by Joe Bunting. He and I and thousands of others swear by the practice of writing every day to become better and better. Writing itself is the best practice. We speak 125 words a minute so imagine what you could create in only 15 minutes a day if you don't filter yourself. That's right, just write creatively and honestly and don't waste time editing as you go. That can come later.
Here are Joe's steps on practicing with my additions:
1. Find paper and pen, a PC/laptop/phone, a journal etc., to write in/on. If you can, find a quiet spot but not absolutely necessary.
2. Set a time limit.
If you are crunched for time set a 15-minute egg timer or your watch.
3. Write.
It could be a memory, a feeling, a story, idea, your novel, poem, or memoir. regardless, write. Let the words flow from your thoughts and feelings. But it's important to reset your eyes like the 20/20 rule says - write 20 minutes then break for 20 seconds. Get up and walk away, stretch, get coffee or tea etc. You don't want white-screen fatigue.
4. Share what you've written for feedback.
This is where I disagree with Joe a bit. To share is good advice, and for first time writers, just do it. Everyone knows drafts aren't perfect. Author Anne Lamott says they're "shitty." But for experienced writers, we like to at least edit and polish the piece a little before we share it. Up to you. Either way Share.
Writing groups found online or locally are a great way to share if you don't have what Stephen King calls "a beta reader." This is someone you trust to give you honest feedback. His wife Tabitha and friends do it for his works. Writing, poetry, and writing critique groups can be searched for on MeetUp.com for example, or your library. All are generally helpful and supportive.
5. Give feedback to other writers or poets.
It's true that we don't see the log in our own eyes and rarely recognize all our mistakes or chances for improved writing. Oh, but when we hear others read theirs, Boy, what doesn't sound right stands out. More than that, hearing and reading others' pieces, like reading or listening to books themselves, helps us improve. Stephen King in his memoir and writing textbook On Writing says we should read more than we write. This is where a Creative Writers Group, Poetry Group, or similar group will help us. Plus we meet other writers and poets and learn their tips and advice, as well as what we shouldn't do. And, we make friends.
A good way to give feedback is to follow, as Joe says, "the Oreo method." First give positive feedback - what you liked. Second, be constructive, what wasn't clear or could be improved, and always give specifics. Third, in closing, your comments should always be positive and encouraging. The Oreo mnemonic is - positive/ constructive/ positive. In this example the Oreo is icing/cookie/icing - even yummier.
I've facilitated, shared, and listened in Creative Writers Groups almost every Monday and Tuesday afternoon for years and they have improved my writing 100% with more to achieve. Now we are on Zoom due to Covid restrictions and it has not hampered us. New members are welcome and you can contact me at 1950ablia@gmail.com if interested. Writing groups are non-threatening, supportive, and encouraging, or should be, and friendship is guaranteed.
So write and share sooner rather than later.
Best and be safe,
Rodney
