The Writing Dragon…

      This post by Craig Snider

Hello readers!

This is my first blog post for WW&W, and I’m very happy to be here.

Writing. That’s why we’re here, right? So, let’s talk about it. Many people have hopes and dreams of becoming a writer, to live their lives by the power of their words alone. But, realistically, this doesn’t often happen. Does this mean those of us struggling to improve their writing abilities should give up? Never. The thing about writing is that it is an art, much like music or painting. And art is a beast to conquer. It is a great dragon capable of rendering aspiring word acolytes into smoldering piles of ash. To conquer and tame the dragon requires rigorous and dedicated practice. Lift thy sword of ink, and thy shield of paper, and head off into battle!

“Down, beast! Down I say!”

How do we conquer the beast that is writing? Simple. We write.

Well, that may seem simple at first. It would be similar to me telling a beginning painter to just paint. They are likely to be overwhelmed by the sheer vastness of techniques, subjects, and media available to them. But, the most basic and accurate advice any writer can give another is:  Write, write, write. Yet, this doesn’t really help the novice writer either. So, let’s dig deeper, let’s penetrate those shiny and steely scales of the raging beast.

Yes, writing everyday, you are bound to improve. But, the danger here is that you may solidify bad writing habits. To do this means you will have a very big chink in your authorial armor. In fact, that would be the same as going up against the dragon with only a sword, no armor, and no shield. The result? Bar-B-Q’d knight.

“Awright… Now, thrust, an’ parry an’ stuff. Am I standing up??”

So, you must couple this daily discipline with learning. Every young knight is taught by that miserly old knight who suffers from excessive libation as he shouts his wisdom from within a stupor. But, nevertheless, the advice he gives is sound. And, more importantly, essential. We learn by listening to the wisdom of those who have gone before us.

There are a couple of ways to do this. First, you can read the works of the masters, and of those authors whose style you wish to emulate. But, you must do more than read. It is similar to the knight learning swordplay by sparring with masters, and with other novice warriors. As you read masterpieces of literature, you will begin to notice techniques and styles that are repeated from author to author. The thrust and parry of the knight is the metaphor and simile of the author. The footwork and feints become setting and theme. Though not as easy to learn as its swordplay counterparts, these skills are nevertheless essential to good writing. And, reading other novice writers’ work, or published authors whom you have no taste for can teach you just as much about what not to do, as what works and appeals to you.

Second, seek instruction on the art of writing. The easiest form of this instruction is typically at a university or college. Though a bit overly formal in most instances, a bachelors in English or Creative Writing will certainly help you develop a base of skills upon which to build your author’s tower. If you can’t afford to go to university, or if it doesn’t fit into your lifestyle, seek out fellow authors who are skilled writers. Where do you find them? The best place is at writing conferences, or local writing groups. True, many writers are not skilled enough to impart a qualified education, but I firmly believe you can learn at least one thing from every person. Learn to identify good writing. This is an acquired skill that will help you know which authors to seek out for advice. Build an army of skilled authors who can also act as discerning readers. They will be invaluable as you start your journey.

Well friends, we are a few steps closer to taming that dragon!

Until next time readers, keep writing.

Cheers.

“I shall teach you da ways of writing!”
“Yay!”
“Wha’happened? What day is it? And who’s the guy with the funny hat??”

Follow my blog at birthofawriter.wordpress.org