Writing Children's Books Becoming a Better Writer
- A 10 Step Guide
Rob
Parnell
The urge to write fiction
seems God given for some, a learned skill for
others.
One thing is certain
– it requires practice and a particular
mindset. But, if you’re a beginner, where do
you start?
The following 10 tips
will help kick-start your writing habit, whether
you’re a complete novice, or perhaps a pro
who has lost their way!
1. Step Away From the
Car, Sir.
Slightly detach yourself
from your surroundings. Stop participating and
begin observing. In social situations, watch
people, see how they act and – more
importantly - interact.
Don’t pass judgment.
Take it all in – and draw on it later when
you write.
2. Look Harder, Homer
Stop and look around you.
Consciously notice the buildings, what’s
underfoot, overhead, and what’s right in
front of you.
At home, look at
something you take for granted. An iron, for
instance. Find yours and study it.
3. Write Thinking Will Be
Rewarded.
A simple technique. Your
mother is making tea and you are chatting to her.
Take a mental step back and describe the scene.
Similarly, when
you’re outside, describe your environment as
though you were writing it down.
4. What Reasons Do You
Need?
Don’t wait for
inspiration – just write!
Force yourself to write
anything at all. A shopping list. An overheard
conversation. Describe your bedroom.
It doesn’t matter
how personal it is, or how trivial, just get it
down!
5. Wakey Wakey!
Set your alarm clock for
an hour earlier than normal.
When the alarm goes off,
get up. Don’t dress, bathe or eat.
Don’t even make coffee. Just stagger to your
writing space and write the first thing that
comes into your head for five minutes.
6. Oh God – Not
That!
Think of the most awful
and embarrassing thing you’ve ever done -
the more cringe-worthy the better. Now write
about it. All of it, in all its gory, horrible
detail.
Then hide it away for a
year or so before you read it again!
7. Like Your Style, Baby.
Don’t limit
yourself. Write poems, songs, dialogue, fact,
fiction, even practice writing advertising copy
or horoscopes.
Your expertise improves
in all areas – an improvement in one area
can reap benefits in another.
8. The Sincerest Flattery
Take out a classic book
from your bookcase. Copy out a paragraph. Think
about the words as you write them. Don’t get
intimidated!
9. Wanna See My
Invention?
When you’re not
writing, string together stories in your mind.
Think of plots, characters, settings,
dénouements.
Ask yourself what you
should do next to improve your writing.
Develop this technique
into a habit.
10. It’s A Goal!
When you start writing
regularly, set yourself small goals. Anything
from 200 words a day, or just a commitment to
writing in your diary.
Later extend to finishing
a short story, or an article or a poem. Perhaps
one in a week.
The trick is to set goals
you can achieve easily.
That way you’ll get
the writing habit - and you won’t forget to
enjoy it!
