The Writer’s Toolbox

It is one thing to have a great idea for a story or a book or an article. Or even a blog post.

It is quite another thing to actually get that idea down paper – or at least on the computer screen (for all those paperless office gurus – where did they go, by the way?).

The Proper Tools

Without the proper tools to do the writing, you might as well be spitting in the wind for all the good it will do you. The tools of writing are the skills you need to get the words from your thoughts on to the screen or page. Skills can be taught. Skills can be practised. Skills can be developed.

Good Writing Resources

Today we have many wonderful and useful resources available to beginning writers to help them on their way, including:

• Books about writing
• Magazines dedicated to helping writers (see my links page)
• Conferences for writers
• Seminars and workshops for writers
• Writers Centres (see the links page for Australian Writers Centres)
• Blogs about writing (like this one – see also the links page)
• Web sites about writing (just type “writing” into a search engine)

The Writer’s Toolbox

One very useful collection of writing tools called Fifty Writing Tools can be found on the bench of writer Roy Peter Clark.

At times, it helps to think of writing as carpentry. That way, writers and editors can work from a plan and use tools stored on their workbench. You can borrow a writing tool at any time. And here’s a secret: Unlike hammers, chisels, and rakes, writing tools never have to be returned. They can be cleaned, sharpened, and passed on.

Each of these tools is an article in its own right. Could I suggest you work through these articles one per day? In just over seven weeks you will have completed an online writing course and thorough grasp of the skills needed to be a better writer.