 Short Stories: July 15, 2009 Issue [#3138] |
  Short Stories
This week: Writing Tips From The Experts Edited by: esprit  
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"You do not create a style. You work, and develop yourself; your style is an emanation from your own being."
(Katherine Anne Porter) |
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The question:
We all know writing well is not easy, so tips are always welcome. Especially those tried and true tips that actually work. What would you advise a beginning writer who was having trouble in any particular area? How did you finally master your worse nemesis? It could be anything, even time.
Writing Tips From The Experts
Here are the responses to the above question that was asked in the Short Story NL of 4-8-09 "Short Stories Newsletter (April 8, 2009)" They are phenomenal!
 Thanks for breaking down the elements of a good story. I definitely agree with being clear, concise and precise. Those are things that I think many people forget about in many different types of writing, not just short stories.
As for a tip, always read your work out loud. You can do it at any stage, first draft, second draft, etc. I try to do it at the end of every stage, it always helps. You get to hear the words you are writing and often if it doesn't sound right, it probably isn't going to read correctly either. You can also catch a lot of words being used wrong, such as your and you're, or maybe a misspelling that spellcheck doesn't catch, such as form and from. I've also found myself naturally speaking with inflection, which I can then translate into a character's way of speaking. Reading it to someone else can also be just plain fun, and you could get some helpful feedback. sarahreed
 I recommend reading, writing (every day) and reviewing. It's amazing how reviewing someone else's work makes you a better writer. Have a tried & true style guide at the ready to double-check any punctuation/grammar/spelling suggestions you make (I suggest Strunk & White's The Elements of Style and/or Diana Hacker's A Writer's Reference), and before you know it all that research and practice will have rubbed off on you. Shannon 
 Play some good music, draw from your own experiences. When you write, write for yourself first, everything else comes next. Most of all, just clear all the clutter inside, especially the fear in you with respect to approaching a particular genre or subject. Most importantly, be confident in your approach to whatever you write. pooja_sr
 Two thumbs up for a good newsletter that covers essential writing points. My tip: Learn to self-edit. It's a valuable part of the writing process. Writing is 10% writing and 90% editing. SantaBee 
 I checked out a great book from the local library around a month ago and keep reading and reading because the stories are told so well. It's titled "Southern Selves" and is a collection of autobiogaphical writing edited and with an intro by james H. Watkins. I like it so much I had to mention it... An apple a day.... 
Experience is my greatest inspiration. I often told tales of my parents' lives - their times as kids in a small hamlet - instead of the usual bedtime stories. These soon developed into a style of their own, got titles and the kids had their own set of unique tales. I try to recapture those moments now, but find myself falling short - they are best told in my own language and dialect. Those tales however, caused resurgence of my desire to write, and I had a ready made 'style'. Just an Ordinary Boo! 
I recently wrote a short story with a completely different voice than my own and thus have appreciated your take on style/voice in today's Newsletter. If you are interested, that story is "On the Lake" alfred booth, wanbli ska
I will remember this information or, try to. The more writing, you do, the easier it is to overcome barriers within trying to always figure out what to write. In other words it should sooner or, later become natural, and flow with ideas. I am still learning this process. thank you again. kasiegrl
My nemesis is procrastination! I've battled that by setting goals for myself, taking writing classes (which force me to write), and being involved in a community of writers who are encouraging and helpful. Yes, that means you, WDC. nightwindows
This is possibly one of the best takes on style ever seen onsite, E. However, feedback in any form has nothing to do with a writer's style. We suggest authors find, seek, practice and cultivate their styles. Style needs to be spoken of in articles like this forevermore. Thanks! Your pal, TEFF "AUTHORS DISCUSSION CLUB" April Sunday
Thank you all so much; your tips are sensible and easy to follow, as the best tips always are. Keep sending them in and I'll keep using them, if not in the Short Story newsletter, then in another.
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Responses to "Invalid Item"
Submitted By: diamond_hoop
Submitted Comment: Well said. I often have mixed feelings about the newsletters. Not this time. You did a terrific job.
Thanks, Dave! If you find the NL's sometimes lacking in news you can use, let them know what you'd like to see. Editors wrack their brains for topics that are both interesting and useful week-after-week. Send your ideas in and help them out. 
Submitted By: Coolhand
Submitted Comment: Your newsletter on writing style was spot on from top to bottom. It provided a no nonsense instructional format for the development and aspirations of all those serious about honing their craft. Excellent advice!
Wow, thanks, Coolhand! I'm glad you thought so.
Submitted By: lkokko
Submitted Comment: I agree - the How is the "showing" of the old saying "Show don't Tell"
I know what you mean about using words to impress. I reviewed a story (not in WDC) that had so many big words, I would have to stop and look them up to understand what the guy was trying to say. Overall, a very good newsletter with a lot of good information. Thanks.
Thank you. Stumbling along really takes the 'relax' out of 'relaxing with a book', doesn't it?
Submitted By: Zeke
Submitted Comment: I completely agree with your point on developing your own personal style. The question I have is how do you know when your style has been successfully developed?
When readers live the story, forgetting they are reading it. When they finish the book and sit in awe. When they long for one more chapter. When the author stops showing off and disappears so the read is smooth and easy. Style is developed in direct proportion to how much effort is put into learning the craft and practicing telling a good story. Don't think about style; think about writing a tight story that readers can lose themselves in. That's how you develop your style.
Submitted By: Shannon
Submitted Comment: FABULOUS newsletter, Esprit, and thank you so much for featuring my story "Redeemed" [18+]! I am honored.
Thank you, Shannon! And it was my pleasure to feature 'Redeemed".
Thanks for the great responses to my question!
Editors:
Leger~ 
Shannon
Ben Langhinrichs 
Your guest host this week was esprit
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