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Learning the Rules of Writing
Yes, writing has rules, just like everything else. One of the
greatest things about writing is that most people can become
good, selling writers in only two years. One of the biggest
problems in writing is that most people produce in their spare
time and don't try to find their potential.
Many wannabe writers hide behind the excuse that they didn't
learn punctuation and English basics well enough in their
formative years. If that is your situation, most good schools
have brush-up courses for that purpose.
Some students will say they are to old to learn new things, but
to that I say, "Bah. Humbug." I have no short-term memory, yet
I keep managing to learn as long as I apply myself daily, and
I'm closing in on 70 years of age. If I can do it, you most
certainly can, too.
Writing is a great hobby. It will give you a chance to spread
your wings. Some people will be better at it than others, but
that's okay. Give yourself permission to not be at the head of
the class. My guess is you won't be at the rear, either.
If you want to learn Short Story writing, a course will teach
you how to set a theme, develop a plot, target your audience,
and choose your point of view. You will learn how to cast your
characters, create good dialog, and use word imagery for
settings. Next, you must learn to build the conflict, cut your
verbiage, and perhaps most important of all, learn "Show, Don't
Tell". There's a lot to short story writing and it's fun.
To learn writing for children (which is not any easier than
writing for adults, trust me), you will begin by outlining your
story, fleshing out your characters, studying market
techniques, building your point of view, Show, Don't Tell,
creating good dialog, editing your drafts, polishing your final
draft, and creating queries and cover letters.
If you're interested in learning Fantasy writing, you will
learn histories of the genre, and subgenres. You will learn how
to find inspiration, create fantasy characters, create a
fantasy world, and create the elements necessary to transport
your readers into a believable atmosphere. You will learn how
to outline, create a spell that will enchant your readers, and
mix magic potions. You'll learn the difference between fantasy
writing, horror writing and sci-fi writing.
Writing will teach you to have a 'tougher skin' so that more
advanced students can offer comments on your work. You will
learn to profit by it instead of getting hurt and sulking into
a corner. As a writer, you must have this attitude. It is one
of the few absolutes. Rejection is a large part of writing, and
you should know that going in.
I would leave you with one last piece of advice. I thought I
was the exception to the rule, and that I could skip ahead to
advanced learning because I wanted it bad enough and I had an
excellent foundation in English. I was so wrong. I skipped the
beginning elements and when I got deeper into advanced writing,
I had to take a brush-up course to learn what I had missed. My
pride was crushed.
After I had taken a few courses, I realized how they meshed
together to create a larger picture, and I learned that
skipping any part of the package only caused me grief in the
long run. Alas, I saved neither time nor money.
Please - start at the beginning and work your way through the
courses patiently. Learn each one well. Study regularly, listen
to your mentors, and do extra homework that is above and beyond
the call of duty. In this way, you will ensure a writing career
that has no holes in its foundation, and you will be
fulfilled.
by Deborah Owen - 19th September 2008
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Deborah Owen is the CEO & Founder of a new writing school -
Creative Writing Institute. The non-profit school uses mentors
to escort each student to their highest potential. Registration
opens with a great sale - eight-week courses for only $250. No
added fees. School opens Oct. 5. http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com
Article Source: http://www.creativewriter.me.uk
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