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Writing Tip Watch The Tapes

by Matt Burchett
(El Campo, TX 77437)

Football players don't just play and practice to get better, they also study the styles and techniques of other players and teams--watching tape.

The same is an invaluable resource for the writer. Don't forget to read! Reading other work exposes you to different voices, ways to structure phrases, ways to construct dialogue, and any other myriad number of writing techniques, down to something as simple as words you may be unfamiliar with.

This doesn't necessarily mean delving into the lists of prize-winners or bestsellers; any relatively unknown volume plucked from the shelf of your local discount bookstore might contain some gems of knowledge.




Comments for
Writing Tip Watch The Tapes

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Jul 14, 2008
Writers Read
by: Audrey

What a great reminder, Matt!

Whenever I have to write a particular sort of book or article, I read as many of that sort as I can to soak up the atmosphere.

Of course reading in general is always good, too.

I tell writers to make friends with a local librarian. I've had librarians in Gibsons alert me when books they know I'll like come into the collection. They can also steer me toward any particular book I may need, even when I don't know exactly what I'm looking for.

Some writers tell me they don't want to read because they want to write in their own style. But the best writers are all great readers.

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