‘I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say.’ Flannery O’Connor
Creative writing is like a childhood frolic in a many-hued, leaf-strewn park or high-stepping alongside Gene Kelly in ‘Dancing in the Rain’.
It has to have verve, vigour, energy, and enthusiasm.
Great work merits great words. Great words like great work, take time, a sprinkling of energy and a dash of emotion.
Writing about my work is equally as important as creating it – otherwise, why bother? It’s another process and another habit, but oh so pleasurable when you get the mix right.
We have to convince and persuade our readers to want to read the next word, the next sentence, then the next paragraph.
Words are like ingredients in a literary bake-off. If the fixings are good, the likelihood is that the outcome will be too. But it’s a two-way street. I want people to enjoy what I write as much as I enjoy writing it. Here’s my Pinterest Board on Writing.
So what are some of the magic components for a prize-winning wordy recipe?
Read more. Find the author whose writing touches your soul and analyse their style. What is it that appeals? Is it just the words? Is it the imagery or the rhythm of the words? Rhythm and alliteration both rock my baby-blue boat when it comes to the written word.
Light-bulb moment. Don’t know why but sometimes things just click. Daily, I’m finding myself at the computer, a cup of comforting tea in hand, writing and writing, then writing some more.
The Thesaurus is getting a good workout, that’s for sure, but what I’m finding is that not only am I savouring this unusual indulgence, my writing has improved – just a smidgen, just a tad, but improved – definitely.
Why not give it a go? Make a time where you’re comfortable and relaxed and just put words down. Depending on how you like to think, you may well have an idea or topic in mind. Try looking at a recent piece of work. Begin writing. Make bullet points, draw a mind-map whatever works for you to depict the words and inspiration behind what you do.
The more information you can come up with, the better because editing will rectify any wordy overload. Write for the pure pleasure of illustrating and commending your work to the world.
Energised Writing has developed into my latest, brand-new workshop. Just scroll down to the Workshop Index, or download my Energised Writing checklist for your convenience.
Next week, Power Words, Swipe Files and Pandora’s Box.
