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A new look at writing goals: Editor's Notes #276 December 12, 2018 |
| Hello, —Wayne Dyer In this issue: 1. A new look at writing goals 2. Tickled my funny bone 3. Interesting Web site 4. Writing prompt 1. A new look at writing goals Usually, when I write about goals, I write about how to set them and how to track them and what to do when faced with a barrier. In this issue, I’m taking a new look at writing goals. No matter where we are at in our craft as writers, there is always something to strive for. What will make us better writers than we were last week, last year? Here are three steps to such improvement: knowledge, intention, and practice. First, know your own writing, what works and what doesn’t. To jump-start that knowledge, subject your writing to critique. Join a writing group, have a writing buddy to swap work with, have a professional edit. (For a time-limited deal on my own sample edit, see Editor’s Notes #274. https://www.writershelper.com/Editors_Notes-274.html The offer is #5, so feel free to scroll down to that part.) Second, make an intention. An intention is a course of action, an aim that guides that action, or an objective. In other words, what do you intend to do about the knowledge you’ve gained about your writing? For example, if your writing is bloated, you might intend to reduce your wordiness by beginning each writing session cutting unnecessary words from your previous day’s work. Or if your characters lack depth, you might intend to list important qualities of your main character. Then, at regular intervals, check your work to see if you have made those qualities clear. Finally, practice, practice, practice. Making the changes that will improve your writing is the work of a lifetime. Even if you don’t have a writing project with a deadline, take time regularly to practice those things that make you a better writer. Things change over time, so rinse and repeat. When one part of your writing is under better control, search out other aspects that need to improve, form an intention, and practice that. =========== 2.Tickled my funny bone To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target. =========== 3. Interesting Web site Want a gentle nudge from time to time to stay on your path to improvement? Sign up for helpful automated reminders from me. You can opt to make your goal public or keep it entirely private. Either way, you’ll get your nudges. https://www.writershelper.com/writing-goals.html =========== 4. Writing prompt What if? Take any piece of writing, fiction or nonfiction, yours or that of someone else. Choose a passage where something happens (not just description). Now imagine a completely opposite action instead, and write that. If you like where you’re going, carry on. If not, just enjoy your own creativity. =========== Join Writer's Helper Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WritersHelperEditor Follow me on Twitter @AudreytheEditor Link on LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/audreyowen (Email me first so I know how you know me.) =========== If you know a writer who would appreciate receiving Editor's Notes, forward this issue. If someone has passed this on to you, you can get your own free subscription by signing up at https://www.writershelper.com/newsletter.html |
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