When Writin’ a Draft

One of the most confusing aspects (well at least to me when I first started to write) was the drafts system. Sure I heard teachers bark to me about leaving my final draft clean and beautiful. Ernest Hemingway said, “All first drafts are shit” He is right. Sure you can find some amazing gems through your file cabinets of all writings, but the primary function of the draft is to get the story down.

Once the story has been penned (or typed) it may be amazing or it may be as Ernest Hemingway politely said, “shit”. You may call your characters by shorthand references like brother or boss. Your second draft may

The Writing Handbooks

I am one of the people who believe that creative writing can’t be taught. Much like art or music. “What!?” Says the mob of angry people outside my door. “But I take guitar lessons and it is teaching me!” Yes, annoying linch mob.  Lessons can teach you how to hone a skill but not have mastery over it. You can take guitar lessons everyday for ten years but unless you truly have a knack for it you may never be the next Jimi Hendrix.

I am a firm believer that people are born with creative talents and some people are born with many but lessons and guidance helps you develop and hone such skills. Three books I believe are absolutely necessary for writers both fiction and nonfiction alike.

The Elements of Style (William Strunk JR. and E.B. White)

Get it here

It’s All in the Voice Baby

Just a note: that at seven pm Eastern tonight I’m going to publish a new story on the blog. Subscribe to keep informed.

So it’s all about the voice, no not your actual voice but your literary voice. Having a great story is only half of the battle, being able to convey your story to readers in an entertaining style is an amazing thing.

For instance, do you remember that history teacher you had in Sophomore year? Yep, that’s the one. The one who would drone on about the Revolutionary War and The Battle of York Town. He would read each word straight from the text book with no pause, or eye contact. Ouch. Now wouldn’t it be cool if he would have added some enthusiasm to his lessons? Maybe move around the room, draw you into the history as an entertaining tale?

Developing your own personal style, and using it to distance yourself from the crowd may be a monumental factor in your writing. Maybe you want to write slyly, sarcastically or even use over the top imagery. The choice is yours.

So what’s your voice?