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Learning the craft of writing

No Comments »27th December, 2008; Category: Master of Arts course, Quotes, The Writer's Life

 ‘Creative writing can be systematically approached and successful work does not arise only from talent or inspiration.’ Hazel Smith.

 That is what I really appreciate about the Creative Writing course I am currently undertaking at university. While one of the incentives was to achieve my Master of Arts, the major motivational impetus came from a desire to improve my writing skills. I knew I could write; I’ve had quite a few publication successes already. (Read about this here). I desired to improve my chances of getting regularly published by improving my skills.

In the course I am doing the nuts and bolts of effective writing are taught systematically and with patience, understanding, appreciation and encouragement. Sure – it helps to have dollop of talent, a bucket of inspiration and a truck load of persistence, but the methodical approach to the teaching of writing has been so beneficial to me. I know many other students feel the same.

Doing a creative writing course may not be for everyone; it has worked for me and I would encourage all potential or struggling writers to at least consider this option. It is not the only way of learning the craft of writing.

How to learn the craft of writing – some suggestions:

  • Read: read, read, read – if you want to write fiction, you must be reading fiction. If you want to write poetry, you must be a reader of poetry.
  • Self education:  buy or borrow books about writing and study them diligently, applying what you are learning. There are thousands available, so be selective.
  • Join a writers’ centre or writers’ group: these organisations often have informative newsletters and run very useful seminars.
  • Attend seminars: seminars and conferences about writing are held in most major cities. Take extensive notes – and apply what you are learning.
  • Attend workshops: many writers’ groups run workshops where you can have your writing critiqued. This is an excellent way of honing those skills.
  • Search the internet: there are thousands of web sites just like this one. Many offer advice on being an effective writer. Apply what you learn.
  • Write, write, write: the bottom line is that regular writing improves one’s writing skills. Write frequently, write regularly and don’t give up.

Good writing.

Can writing be taught?

No Comments »23rd December, 2008; Category: Quotes, The Writer's Life

 ‘No-one can teach a writer how to write or how to use imagination, only life and experience can teach that, but he or she can and should be taught technique.’ Rumer Godden.

While I agree with this statement in general I do feel that many people can taught the basics of how to write. I guess that is what is meant by ‘technique.’

My response comes from many years of classroom teaching, where I took essentially illiterate children from ‘zero’ to ‘hero’ in two intensive years, or less. You can read all about my experiences here: The Power of Journal Writing – a Story of Hope.

Even people with reasonably rudimentary writing skills are able to communicate their ideas in written form. With intensive help they can improve their skills to the point of competency or even better. I’ve proved that with many of my students over the years. Sometimes it is a hard slog, but eventually the skills are developed.  Again, I guess I am talking about technique. Almost anyone can, with some effort, be taught how to string words together to form sentences, and to combine sentences to form paragraphs and put these together to make a story or article or whatever. If the student is also a reader, or exposed to good writing, this assists in this process. By reading good writing the student is exposed to how language works.

But can you teach someone how to use the imagination?

This is much harder, but I believe it is possible with most people. If the person is an avid reader this is made much easier. In the process of reading, especially fiction, the student has to use the imagination to appreciate the story. In the mind the reader can imagine that boat hurtling down the rapids,  that fierce dog barking at the intruder or that gun pointing at the head of the hero.

To use the imagination in reading a text is one thing. To develop the imagination in the mind of a writer is entirely another thing. This was where I must admit that I struggled as a teacher of writing. Some people have naturally fertile and creative imaginations, especially young children. Somewhere in the process of becoming an adult, people lose that imaginative sparkle. Keeping that sparkle alive is what every writer needs. Again, an active reading life can help.

Getting the first idea

What I have most commonly encountered is people who just cannot come up with that new idea, that first spark that will lead to a story. That is why I have developed many short story starters on this blog. Use these ideas for writing to get those creative juices flowing. Use them to inspire you to write short stories – or even a novel or two. You are free to use them however you please. Already I’ve received feedback from writers who have used them effectively in their own writing. Sometimes all you need is a small spark to get your imagination’s engine firing.

Good Writing.

 

 

Setting goals for your writing

2 Comments »30th November, 2008; Category: Goal setting, The Writer's Life

I receive email newsletters from a number of excellent writing centres, groups and web sites. These vary in quality from week to week or month to month. Most, however, contain something I can easily apply to my writing to improve it.

This week I received a very passionate email from a writer here in Australia. It was all about setting goals in order to give your writing direction and impetus. Strange that I should read this article immediately after setting a few writing goals for myself.

I know it’s not New Year yet, but there was a special need for me to revise my writing goals. Two days ago I finished attending my Writing Course for the year. I now have a break from lectures until next February. It was time to review what I’d achieved this year and to determine where I am heading over the next few weeks, months and years. In fact, I take a long term view with my writing, especially my blogging. I realised early on that steady income from writing, and blogging in particular, takes time to develop.

Consequently, I have reset some goals, extending over the next five years.

I also break this down into yearly, monthly, weekly and daily goals. To help me I keep fairly accurate records of what I actually achieve. This keeps me honest and accountable to myself. I no longer beat myself up if I get behind a little, but it sure motivates me to keep going.

Over this next few weeks, do a review of your writing (or blogging) achievements for this year. Then jot down a few goals for next year, and for the next five years. Then get back to the writing so you can achieve those goals.

Good writing.

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Doing the writer’s jig – over and over

No Comments »29th November, 2008; Category: Master of Arts course, The Writer's Life

Excuse me while I do a BIG writer’s jig around and around and around the room.

I’d better sit down. I’m feeling dizzy.

I’m doing the writer’s jig because I’ve had a huge writing success this week. On Thursday we had a book launch at University where I am doing my Master of Arts in Creative Writing course. Every year they ask for submissions of stories and poems. On a number of occasions during the course of the year, lecturers went out of their way to ask me to submit certain pieces I had written. This might sound like publication was automatic; it wasn’t. As the course has really blossomed in numbers this year the competition was fierce.

Most who submitted their work would have been pleased with two or three pieces being published. I was gobsmacked; they published eleven pieces of my work. This included one short story, one poem and nine other poems in the form of sonnets.  I’d never written a sonnet in my life until a few weeks ago.

Then there was a further honour during the launch, I was one of only four (out of many dozens) to be asked to read out some of my writing.

I think I might jig around the room one more time.

Good writing.

A very busy time of writing

No Comments »19th November, 2008; Category: Master of Arts course, The Writer's Life

I am nearing the end of the second semester of my Master of Arts in Creative Writing course. With only nine days to go the pressure is really on to get all those assignments finished and handed up.

I’ve been writing a 4000 word short story over recent days. It currently stands at about 900 words, so there’s a fair way to go. I’m not concerned about it because I spent a great deal of time thinking about the plot and jotting down an outline. I still have to get the words down though. I also need to have at least a thousand words ready for the workshop I am leading the day after tomorrow. I’ll get there – but will take some effort.

I’ve also been working on the major poem for this term. The requirement is 100-150 lines of free verse. Sounds easy – until you go to think of a topic that can be sustained for that many lines. I put the finishing touches to it a few minutes ago and then printed out copies for the workshop tomorrow. I ended up with 140 lines called ‘Chaotic Kathmandu’ relating a few experiences from a visit several years ago to that fascinating city.

I’ve also been working on two journals over recent days. One is due tomorrow and the other next week. We are required to submit our rough, handwritten copies – in journal format – of all of the poems we have written this semester. Earlier this evening I put the finishing touches to that one too. The other journal is for the prose writing unit and that is almost finished as well. Both of these I’ve worked on steadily throughout the semester, so it’s no big deal near hand up time.

Several weeks ago it was my turn to present a tutorial paper. This was a discussion of the work of the Australian poet, Bruce Dawe.  I received the paper back today: another distinction. That makes 15 out of 15 so far. Can I keep up the pressure I’ve put on myself?

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