There's Writing, And Then There's Writing Well

I was helping a friend's son with his college essays last week, and afterwards, thought about how hard it was to teach writing.

Many people hate, hate, hate to write. It doesn't come easily. Pulling words out of their head feels like slogging through blackstrap molasses on a January morning.

But the thing is, everybody has to learn how to communicate effectively. Even a one-page office memo with bullet points needs to be clear.

I do think that good writing can be taught, especially when a person disoovers its relevancy. Say, for example, getting and keeping a job.

But then there is a kind of writing that goes beyond communicating clearly. I'm not sure this can be taught, because it is so hard, but so very satisfying. I think this kind of writing happens because a person has that writing bug deep inside them, where she is willing to study the craft of writing.

Also known as...prose.

Here is an example:

"Everyone at the table became quiet."

That is a clear, concise sentence.

Now here it is again, jazzed up:

"Silence fell over the table."

See what I mean?

Prose takes work, editing, re-writing, reading other writers, loving and studying words and phrases. Basic philology.

But it makes all the difference in writing, and writing well.

On another note...check out our interview posted today at The Writer's Life and an excerpt of Deb Coty's devotion here.

Setting Writing Goals-A SMART thing to do

What do you hope to accomplish with your writing? Perhaps you'd like to get published in a magazine or land a book contract, or finish the novel that is bouncing around in your brain. Whatever it is, you will be more successful if you take the time to do some serious goal-setting. Goals are important because they give you something to work toward and quantify your desires into something tangible and attainable. Here are some guidelines for setting some SMART writing goals. (I did not make the acronym up--it's useful in many settings.)

• S is for specific-So you want to see your byline in a magazine? Good goal. Now get specific. Which magazine? What will you write about?
  
• M is for measureableIt's not enough to say that you want to write more. Set concrete goals for your writing. How many words will you write each day? How many magazines will you query in a month? It's also very helpful to break your big goal (magazine article) into more manageable chunks. First you might brainstorm ideas for the piece and write an outline. Then find several magazines that are suitable for your topic. Then you'll need to craft a query and send it out. While you're waiting for replies you can do more research and write the first draft. Breaking your goal into specific and measurable chunks will make it feel more do-able.
  
• A is for attainable-When setting your writing goals, be honest with yourself about the time you have available for writing--try not to bite off more than you can chew and build in some margin for those unexpected delays and interruptions we all encounter.
  
• R is for realistic-Yes, we all want our novel to land on the NY Times Bestseller List. That's a great goal to keep in the back of your mind and it may propel you to keep writing, even when you feel like giving up. However, this is probably not the most realistic goal for the beginning writer. Try getting published in your local newspaper first, then gradually work your way up the ladder.
  
• T is for time-specific-You'll be more successful in accomplishing your goals if you give yourself deadlines. Make them attainable and realistic, but do write a date on your calendar for when you expect to have each item on your to-do list accomplished.
  

My final word on this is to find someone to help hold you accountable. It could be a fellow writer or a good friend, but make sure it is someone who will do a good job of checking in with you from time to time.

Happy goal-setting!

Short and Sweet

A pearl of wisdom from the late great Blaise Pascal: "I have made this longer because I have not had the time to make it shorter."

Self-editing and writing concisely is so important to writers. Don't say in six words what you can say in four. Tirelessly search for just the right word. Don't settle for less.

That's the difference between good writing and compiling words.

Now a word from the sponsor:

Need a writing tune up? A spur of motivation in your saddle? Check out the terrific instructional writing programs included in Debora Coty's historical novels The Distant Shore and Billowing Sails (to be released 12/08). If you're interested in face-to-face instruction,
writing workshops for all ages are available at www.DeboraCoty.com.

Book Tour, Day 4

Check out our interview at Beyond the Books!

Book Tour: Day 3

A very nice review from Debra Gaynor today...she gives Grit a 5 Star rating!

Check it out at...Review Your Book.

Grit for the Oyster
250 pearls of wisdom for aspiring writers

Suzanne Woods Fisher, Debora M. Coty, Faith Tibbetts McDonald, Joanna Bloss

ISBN: 9780981559223
Vintage Spirit, 2008
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com, 10/08
Encouragement for aspiring writers…
5 Stars

There are many called to use their talent to write for God. Unfortunately, many of them never put pen to paper. Whether from lack of encouragement, lack of self-confidence or just not knowing where to begin, these talented people never get started. Grit for the Oyster is written with Christian perspective; the focus is on answering God’s call to write. Each chapter begins with a bit of wisdom and continues with a scripture and devotion. There is a short prayer, a few reflection questions and more bits of wisdom. Grit for the Oyster is a devotional book. I was enticed from the first chapter. I now have 1 Chronicles 28:20 hanging on my wall. I have a suggestion. Some of the print is very small, too small for easy reading. I really like this book. I will keep this book close at hand.

Book Tour, Day 2

Check out our interview at Michelle's Book Reviews!

Here's a brief excerpt...

We’re inspirational writers from the four corners of the country who got together through a writers conference in California in 2006. We were all on different legs of our writing journeys but were united by the desire to pen a motivational book for writers that affirms, builds confidence and inspires, while at the same time offering pithy practical guidance. All the things we wish we’d known when we started out.

The four of us represent many walks of life: single moms, married 30+ years, lots of kids, few kids, financially stable, struggling to make ends meet, ADD, focused, social butterflies, private, career women, homemakers, sensitive, steel magnolias…but we share a common passion about our faith and our writing. We view our writing as an extension of our faith and feel called to share what we’ve learned to help other aspiring writers along their own writing journeys. We’re more than delighted with wonderful reader responses to Grit for the Oyster: 250 Pearls of Wisdom for Aspiring Writers.

We're Launching Grit's Blog Tour!!

Today is the first day of our November Blog Tour! We have a HUGE line up of blogs hosting our book this month. Each day we'll give you the link to a blog to find out information about Grit for the Oyster and its four authors.

Visit The Bluestocking Society for a review of Grit today!