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In Colloquium on Writing

More Advice on Writing

More Advice on Writing

Paul got us off to such a great start with the writing meme that I decided to play, too!

Just to review, his wife tagged him to participate and the rules are simple and straightforward:

1. List three writing tips; and
2. Tag 3 people whose writing style you would like to imitate.

One proviso, however: There are many writers whose styles I admire, but I do not aspire to “imitate” anyone. I have my own style, and am eager to continue developing and improving it.

1. Be a Gluttonous Reader

Great writers read voraciously. They are constantly and eternally learning from others’ work, emulating rather than imitating. Contact any writer you admire and ask him/her what he/she has read recently that was memorable, inspiring or forgettable. I guarantee he/she will respond quickly and thoroughly.

2. Be a Good Listener

Great writers are active, engaged listeners with an intense ability and desire to discern nuance, inflection, intonation variations and subtle hints or suggestions during conversations.

3. Write All — Literally — the Time

I write in my head. I have actually drafted entire articles for my blog in my head before my fingers ever touched the keyboard so that when I finally do sit down, the words practically spray out of my fingertips onto the computer screen.

I do the same thing professionally. As I move through my day, I am constantly thinking about upcoming writing projects, trying out approaches in my head and when I begin, physically, to write, the same thing usually happens.

Some people outline, others are profuse note-jotters and a few carry around microcassette recorders into which they dictate thoughts and ideas. For the most part, although I carry mind maps with me and utilize them in order to keep from forgetting key points or passages, I am constantly writing and editing — internally. Regardless of the methods or mediums employed, ask any writer you admire and he/she will tell you that the dialogue is ongoing. In fact, sometimes it is difficult to turn it off.

Although I’m not formally tagging anyone to participate, I do want to recommend that you get acquainted with three extremely talented writers (apart from my Write Stuff colleagues) whose blogs I read regularly:

Those are my tips. What are yours?


Also published at Write Anything.

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18 Comments

  3. Mattresses

    This is great advice, i very commonly use these techniques in the field of music production.

  5. Penny Stock Picks

    Thank you for your kind words, it will help a lot to those who are looking future in writing.

  6. Weight Loss Wand

    These tips are very good. They will surely help me out.

  8. Watson

    Thank you for these tips. I am starting my own personal writing and poetry and this gives me some tips to use to write better. I will implement these asap. Thank you very much.

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    Thank you for that very informative post.

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  11. Natalie de Guzman

    Good tips you have here. I’ve been writing too. Thanks for sharing.

    Natalie de Guzman’s last blog post..Team National

  12. iS Clinical

    It is interesting I have been told that I was a good writer and I didn’t know how I had achieved that status but while I was reading your post I realized I do ALL of those things! It made me smile cause most of them I didn’t realize I even did.

  13. Saedel

    Nice tips, and I agree with all of them. The 3rd one reminds me of my latest post “10 Drafts and a Focus”.

    Saedel’s last blog post..10 Drafts and a Focus

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  15. snes

    great tips but i still believe that the basis of being a great writer is to believe in what you are saying and to support your arguement in a thoght prevoking way

  18. David

    You have some really good pieces of advice here.

    Writing all the time is a good one. Since you ended your post asking for our own tips, I recommend these 45 writing tricks and tips.

    I hope you like them.

    Best of luck!

    -David

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