I picked up a book recently entitled “The Making of A Story: A Norton Guide To Creative Writing” by Alice LaPlante. In it, she discusses how one of the keys to “good writing” is to keep the reader interested by creating writing that is surprising yet convincing. No one wants to keep reading a book that is predictable or inconceivable.
Another tidbit was to resist the urge to paraphrase. Really use descriptive words to help the reader visualize, hear, smell, and feel as though they are right along side of the character. As a writer, we need to tell the whole story and not just provide a summary of what happened.
Finally, she talks about how to begin to write, we need to notice our surroundings. Practice writing what you see everyday. Even seemingly simple settings or situations. Take a walk in the park and notice the people walking their dogs. Describe what they are wearing. What stands out? What makes them unique or interesting? What are your overall impressions? What other things are going on around you?
The goal for this extended weekend (yes, I am off of work for three days!) is to take a walk through the neighborhood, pay attention to the surroundings and write a post about it.
