I just read yet another "A Writer's Rules For Writing" piece. Heartily sick of that sort of thing. So here's mine, naturally:
1.) Have ideas. Think about them. Read some things related to them.
1A.) Optional: map your ideas with an outline, a word-web, disorganized scribbles.
2.) Put words in order. Let sit. This is key.
3.) Think about the ideas more. Do not read your draft. Be generous. Get excited.
4.) Read your draft. Make changes, additions, deletions. Be mean ("it's nice but is it necessary?").
5.) GOTO 3.
6.) Show your work. Consider the advice you get. Revise as you see fit.
7.) Decide what to do.
I heartily agree that there's a lot of people with a lot of writing advise out there. I like #2...put words in order. Reading out loud is a big step for me (though it helps if the words are already in the right order prior to reading).
ReplyDeleteI agree -- reading out loud is one of the best ways to tighten prose. It's perfect for figuring out dialogue.
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