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Does Practice Improve Writing?
There are probably two schools of thought when it comes to writing. One is brimming with romanticism, helped along with a healthy dose of Hollywood hype. According to the rules at this institution, writers are colleagues of those suffering geniuses who possess poor social skills, problems with personal hygiene, and struggle to make the rent each month. If you subscribe to this philosophy or any modified version of it, you probably think of writing as a gift—you are either born with a talent, full blown, as Diana from Zeus’ head, or you’re not. You are either destined to write the great American novel, or Hallmark cards. The other philosophy, however, suggests a very different approach. Writing is a skill, a craft, and as such, is learned. Of course, I hear you bristling now, "Writing is a talent and talent is inborn, not on par with learning a craft such as refrigeration repair!" Well, lay your indignation to rest, and try to entertain this radical thought: all talents come to us in their infancy, and as such they require nurturing. Ask any dancer, painter, or musician how to get to Carnegie Hall, as the old joke goes, and they will reply, "Practice, practice, practice." Now while it may be obvious for the need to practice a sonata, a rond de jambe or a brushstroke, some of you may believe writers are exempt. After all, you reason, you won’t write the same story over and over. In fact, originality is something you cannot practice—it is the antithesis of repetition! And of course, you are right. But style, familiarity with your craft, its devices, with your strong suits, all require constant examination and re-examination. These discoveries come with and through practice. Early in my career, I became acquainted with a very successful multi-media writer. When asked how he prepared to write, what his approach was, his response was: "First I do the laundry. Then I tackle the dishes, and walk the dog, do a little grocery shopping. When there is absolutely nothing else left to do, I write." This little anecdote illustrates so clearly the problems we writers face every day—the dreaded blank page. And without the discipline of practice, that dread becomes increasingly harder to handle. Practice breeds courage—courage to face those beginnings, those rewrites, courage against losing heart over temporary stills in creative flow. Practicing your art brings you closer to understanding it; it provides a glimpse into the creative process at large, so that you can, if need be, artificially jump-start it on those days where nothing seems to work. Practice is a bit like exercising a muscle. And like all muscles, the more developed it is, the better the results you can expect from it. Now how do you go about practicing your craft? What are the best ways? Certainly there are books and books about writing exercises, and they are certainly good starting points for any writer, but you don’t need a prepared exercise to get the benefits of practice. And here is where even practice can become creative. You might for example, think about the aspects you enjoy most about writing; if it’s dialogue, you might begin by making notations of certain colloquial phrases you have overheard that struck you as interesting. Or perhaps phrases that are reserved for sports or finance, then try to incorporate those phrases in conversations on non-related topics. If you want to work on your characterizations, you can create mini-character profiles. Assign as many attributes to your character as possible, down to the color of their favorite nail polish or brand of cologne they wear. Don’t make a list—that is not creative. Instead create short interesting exchanges in which this character might find himself or herself. A love scene, an argument, an interrogation. The possibilities are endless. Practicing your craft is a sign of a professional. Only dilettantes write when the mood strikes them. If you are serious about your work, if your goal is to create memorable work, in whatever genre that interests you, to publish and reach the broadest number of readers possible, then you must practice. You owe it to your talent and your craft. Debra Bosi is a senior editor for American Book Publishing. © 2005 American Book Publishing™ *All other trademarks used by permission. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy and Trademark Use Policy.
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