My Unshakeable Writing Opinions: The Ones I Stand By
Hey guys, let's dive into the wild world of writing opinions – the ones we hold so dear, nobody can budge us on! I'm talking about those core beliefs that shape how we approach the craft, the principles we cling to, and the practices we swear by. These are my unshakeable writing opinions, the stuff I'm absolutely not changing my mind on. Get ready to have your own thoughts sparked as we journey through my perspectives!
The Power of Imperfect First Drafts
First up, my friends, is the absolute necessity of writing a crappy first draft. Yes, you heard that right! The first draft doesn’t have to be perfect; in fact, it shouldn't be! Many writers get stuck in this phase, aiming for perfection from the get-go, and end up staring at a blank page for hours. It's a trap! A first draft, to me, is all about getting the ideas down, the story flowing, and the characters moving. It's about the messy, glorious act of creation. Think of it like this: you can't sculpt a masterpiece from thin air. You need the clay, the rough outline, the foundation. That’s what the first draft is. Trying to polish it to perfection at this stage is like trying to build a house and furnish it all in one go. It’s overwhelming, and it'll probably lead to you giving up.
I firmly believe that the magic truly happens in the rewriting process. This is where the story takes shape, the characters become complex, and the language gets refined. So, embrace the imperfection, the typos, the clunky sentences. They're not failures; they're stepping stones. Focus on the story’s heart, and the rest can be polished later. I always tell myself, “You can't edit a blank page.” So, just write, and then edit. It’s a mantra I live by. It’s a freeing concept once you embrace it. Let the words flow without judgment. Get the story out of your head and onto the page. Then, and only then, can you really begin to work on the craft of writing. The first draft is your friend, not your foe. It's your key to unlock the story within you. It’s a critical tool for every writer, no matter the experience level. And don’t get discouraged if it's not the best work you've ever done. That’s the whole point. It is the beginning, not the end. The initial phase is when you find your voice, establish the plot and the characters, and build the framework of your writing. The second and third drafts are for enhancing and shaping your work, turning it into something amazing. The beauty of the first draft is its potential. Don't let the desire for perfection stop you from realizing that potential.
Show, Don't Just Tell: The Visual Advantage
Next up, we have the golden rule of writing: show, don't tell. This is one that I'm adamant about! I understand this is a common one, but it bears repeating because it’s just that important. Telling the reader something is a quick, easy way to get information across, but it doesn't engage them. Showing them allows them to experience the story with you, creating a much more immersive and memorable reading experience. Instead of saying, “She was angry,” show the reader her clenched fists, the way her jaw tightened, the storm brewing in her eyes. Make them feel the emotion alongside the character. Make the reader think about what the character feels and make them part of the story.
For example, instead of telling the reader “The house was old,” you could describe the peeling paint, the creaking floorboards, and the smell of dust and decay. Allow the reader to become a detective and figure out what is going on in the story. That makes them more invested in the story. The purpose is to create vivid imagery and pull the reader into the story. This rule applies to pretty much any genre. You want to create a connection with the reader, and the best way to do that is to show them what's going on. The goal is to give readers a more sensory experience. Show them the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of your world. Bring your world to life with detailed descriptions. This makes the writing more powerful, more memorable, and more engaging. Telling the reader something is lazy writing. Showing is the mark of a skilled writer, and the proof is in the pudding. If you want your readers to be captivated, if you want them to feel something, then you need to embrace this concept.
The Importance of Reading Widely
Now, this next one is a big one for me, something I stress constantly. Read, read, read! And not just in your preferred genre. Branch out. Explore different styles, authors, and genres. Read books you think you won’t like. Read poetry. Read non-fiction. Read everything you can get your hands on. Why? Because reading is the writer's best teacher. It’s the ultimate masterclass. Reading is how you learn about pacing, character development, dialogue, and all the other elements that make a story work. It gives you an understanding of what works and what doesn’t. The more you read, the more you absorb the rhythm of language, the nuances of storytelling, and the ways different authors craft their work.
Reading also helps you find your voice. It exposes you to different styles, which in turn can help you determine what style best suits you. Plus, reading expands your vocabulary, sharpens your sentence structure, and enhances your ability to express yourself. The more you read, the better you become at writing. Simple as that. Also, reading can give you inspiration. Sometimes, you'll read something that sparks an idea, or a sentence that sticks with you. Sometimes, you might be feeling uninspired, but a great book can do the trick, lighting a fire to your creativity and getting you back on track. Reading is the fuel that powers the writing engine. Reading is also a fantastic source of ideas. When you read widely, you expose yourself to new concepts, perspectives, and worlds. These can serve as inspiration for your own writing. This exposure can spark fresh ideas and provide new ways to approach a topic, add details to your story, or create new characters. Reading is the key to unlocking your potential as a writer. The point is to develop an appreciation for the craft. Reading helps you become a better writer. It's the best thing you can do, besides, you know, writing. Reading is the best practice and the best learning you can do. Reading helps you understand what makes a good story, so you can produce your own. So, yeah, read.
Editing Is Where the Magic Truly Happens
I can't stress this enough, folks: editing is not an afterthought, it's a necessity. It’s where your raw material transforms into something polished and compelling. Think of it as the final step that puts the finishing touches on the masterpiece. Many writers rush through the editing process, eager to get their work out there, but they're doing themselves a disservice. Editing is where you refine your ideas, tighten your prose, and eliminate any errors that might detract from the reader's experience. It's where you make sure your story flows smoothly and that every sentence serves a purpose.
I personally love the editing stage because this is where I see my work transform. This is where I get to polish my sentences, improve the dialogue, and ensure everything flows. Editing isn’t just about fixing typos and grammatical errors, it's about strengthening the story, refining the characters, and making sure everything is clear, concise, and engaging. Editing is a multi-stage process. You might start with a broad overview, looking at the overall structure and flow. Then, you move to more detailed edits, focusing on sentence structure, word choice, and grammar. You might even bring in beta readers or a professional editor to get a fresh perspective. Each round of edits brings your work closer to its full potential. Don't be afraid to revisit your work several times, making small adjustments each time. The more you edit, the better the final product will be. The more time you invest in editing, the more professional and polished your work will be. So, embrace the editing process. Don't see it as a chore; see it as an opportunity to transform your work into something truly special. It's worth the effort. It's essential for producing the best possible work.
My Unwavering Opinions
So, there you have it, my core writing beliefs. The ones I'm not changing my mind on. They are my foundational beliefs that I apply to all my work. They guide me in my storytelling, and they help me stay on track. Writing is an art form that combines creativity with discipline. It requires an understanding of the craft, a willingness to learn, and a constant effort to improve. But above all, it requires a belief in yourself and your ideas. So, go forth, write bravely, and hold onto those opinions that make you the writer you are!
