Maybe you dream of becoming the next great successful novelist, or you just want to be able to express your thoughts and ideas better and more clearly. Whether you want to improve your creative writing skills or just hone your skills to be better prepared for school, you have the option of using a few tricks to learn how to write more satisfactorily. Becoming an established author, or simply good in this field, takes a lot of practice and knowledge, but if you work hard, maybe one day someone will aspire to emulate you!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Improving the Basics
Step 1. Use the active form instead of the passive one
One of the most common ways inaccurate writing manifests itself is overuse of the passive form. In Italian the sentence is constructed on the basis of the subject-verb-object succession (SVO). "The zombie bit the man" is an example of such a construction. Verbs in the passive can cause confusion, because they put the object undergoing the action before: "The man was bitten by the zombie". It usually requires more words and the use of the auxiliary "to be", which risks taking energy away from the written text. Therefore, get used to resorting to these constructions as little as possible.
- It is not always wrong to use the passive form. Sometimes it is not possible to make an exposition clear by using an active sentence, at other times it is better to give a touch of lightness to the text with a passive construction. However, before you start making exceptions, learn to follow this rule.
- The main exception applies in scientific writing, where the passive form is conventionally used to emphasize the results rather than the author of a study or research (even if this attitude is changing, so check the criteria adopted, before writing). For example: "Puppies fed flavored dog food have been shown to have more stomach problems" highlights the finding in its author's place.
Step 2. Use strong words
Whether it's a novel or a scientific study, for a written text to be valid, it must be precise, evocative and full of unexpected elements. By using the right verb or adjective, you can turn a mundane sentence into something people will remember and quote for years to come. Look for relevant and relevant words. Avoid repeating the same term over and over unless you're trying to give rhythm to the text.
- The only exception to this rule is the terms that build a dialogue. Low-level text is filled with "said" and "answered". A "stammered" in the right place can work wonders, but most of the time even a simple "uttered" is fine. Perhaps it will seem inelegant to use the verb "to say" frequently, but by replacing it unnecessarily there is a risk that readers will have difficulty getting into the heart of the dialogue. After a few lines, "he said" it will become almost invisible to the reader's eyes, allowing him to stay focused on the characters' words.
- "Strong" does not mean abstruse or more complicated. Avoid "use" when you might say "use". "He sprinted" is not necessarily better than "ran". If you have the opportunity to use the verb "improve", use it, unless "facilitate" is also fine.
- The Thesaurus can be a useful tool, but use it with caution. Think of the predicament Joey from the Friends series finds himself in when he uses a thesaurus without consulting the vocabulary: "They are loving and nice people, with a big heart" becomes "They are hot and attractive homo sapiens specimens, with rather aortic valves. large ". If you intend to use a thesaurus to enrich your vocabulary, search the vocabulary for new words you encounter to understand their precise meaning.
Step 3. Remove all that is useless
A good written text is simple, clear and direct. It is not a quiz game in which you get points by saying in 50 words what you could express with 20 or by using long words instead of other shorter ones, but certainly more suitable. To write well, you have to use the right terms, not fill the page. At first, it may seem appropriate to insert a large amount of thoughts and information in a single sentence, but the reading will probably be not very smooth. If a sentence doesn't bring anything interesting, delete it.
- Adverbs are the classic handicap of mediocre writing and often serve only to unnecessarily stuff a sentence. An adverb inserted in the right place can be pleasant, but most of the ones you use are already implicit in the verb or adjective - or they would be if you chose more evocative words. Do not write "screamed fearfully": "screamed" already suggests fear. If you find that you have filled the text with words ending in "-mente", perhaps it is time to take a deep breath and review everything more carefully.
- Sometimes it is better to clean up, being corrected. Don't get obsessed with the thought of looking for the most concise way to express each sentence: write down your ideas, as you can, and then get rid of all the unnecessary elements.
- What you write does not exist in an absolute sense: it lives together with the reader's imagination. It is not necessary to describe every detail, if already those few and valid ones manage to stimulate the reader's mind to think about the rest. Carefully establish fixed points and let the reader draw the connections.
Step 4. You have to show, not expose
Don't tell the reader what might be shown. Instead of boring him with lengthy descriptions explaining a character's past or the importance of a plot milestone, let him find out through the characters' words, feelings, and actions. Putting this classic tip into practice is one of the most powerful lessons a writer can learn, especially in the fiction genre.
For example: "Silvia went into a rage after reading the letter" tells the reader that the protagonist was angry, without giving him the chance to actually see the scene. It is a sloppy and unconvincing phrase. "Silvia crumpled up the letter and threw it into the fireplace before storming out of the room" shows that the protagonist was angry without the need to write it clearly. It is much more effective. The reader believes what he sees, not what he is told
Step 5. Avoid clichés and banal phrases
These are phrases, ideas or situations that are used so frequently that they lose all effect. They are usually too general to leave a lasting impression on the reader. Whether it's fiction or non-fiction, a cut to the clichés will only improve the text.
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"It was a dark and stormy night" is a classic example of a cliché phrase, still quite abused today. Compare the following opening sentences that describe similar concepts:
- "It was a bright, cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen" (1984 by George Orwell). It is not dark, nor stormy, nor night. However, you understand from the beginning of the novel that something is wrong.
- "The sky above the harbor was the color of television tuned to a dead channel" (William Gibson's Neuromancer, in the same book that coined the word "cyberspace"). Not only does it provide us with indications of the time, but it does so in such a way as to immediately project you into a dystopian world.
- "It was the best time and the worst time, the season of wisdom and the season of madness, the age of faith and the age of unbelief, the time of light and the time of darkness, the spring of hope and the winter of despair. We had everything before us, we had nothing before us; we were all headed for heaven, we were all headed for that other side - in short, the years were so similar to ours, that some of those who they knew deeply they maintained that, for better or for worse, it could only be spoken of in the superlative "(History of two cities by Charles Dickens). Climate, emotion, damnation and despair in a few lines: Dickens considered all these aspects in an opening that prepares the reader for anything.
- It's important to avoid cliché phrases even when you have to talk about yourself. By describing yourself as a "sociable person", you are not saying anything specific about yourself. If, on the other hand, you declare that you are able to communicate with several people because you grew up in a bilingual family and lived in six different countries, you will communicate to the reader that you are a "sociable person" without using banal vocabulary.
Step 6. Avoid generalizations
One of the typical characteristics of the sloppy style is to resort to broad generalizations. For example, in an academic report one might say: "In modern times we are more progressive than those who lived a hundred years ago." This statement sets up a series of unfounded assumptions, without defining important concepts such as "being progressive". Therefore, try to be more precise and detailed. Whether it's writing a short story or an academic essay, refraining from generalizations and summary statements will improve your writing.
This also applies to creative writing. Don't dare to make assumptions about anything without analyzing it first. For example, if you intend to write the story of a female character, don't automatically think that she is more emotional or gentler or kinder than a man. This groundless way of thinking takes you to the abyss of aridity and prevents you from exploring the many facets of real life
Step 7. Corroborate what you say
Don't speculate without providing evidence to back up your claims. In creative writing, this is similar to the principle of "showing without communicating anything". Don't settle for saying that if law enforcement were not prepared, society as we know it would collapse. Why is what you claim is true? What is it based on? By explaining the thinking on which you base your statements, you will show the reader that you know the subject you are talking about. Also, you will help him understand if he agrees with you.
Step 8. Use metaphors and similes with caution
Although a metaphor or an artfully constructed simile can give rhythm and vigor to what you write, if it is ineffective it risks weakening the text, like a child (for example, this is a weak simile). Excessive use of metaphors and similes can also indicate that the author is unsure of what he is saying and therefore relies on figures of speech to explain what he has in mind. In addition, they can also quickly turn into clichés.
A "mixed" metaphor combines two metaphors so that they don't make sense. For example, "We will cut all bridges when we get there" combines the invitation to "think about something when the time comes" and "cut ties". If you are unsure of the effectiveness of a metaphor, do some research or avoid inserting it in your text
Step 9. Break the rules
A brilliant writer doesn't just follow the rules, he knows when and how to break them. Everything - from the grammar to the writing tips offered so far - is subject to change, if you know that a transgression can improve a content. The important thing is that the rest is written well enough to indicate that you are knowingly and intentionally breaking the rules.
As with everything, moderation is the key. It can be very effective to use a rhetorical question to make the incisive incisive, however using six would quickly diminish the effect. Therefore, if you want to break the rules, choose the time and reasons well
Step 10. Edit, modify, modify
The editing phase is one of the essential parts of writing. After you have finished a passage, leave it alone for a day so that you can reread it with new eyes. This way you will notice any typos or if you need to delete entire paragraphs - all to improve the text. Then, when you're done, read it again several times.
Some people confuse the concept of "editing" a text with that of "expunging" any errors. Both are important, but modifying means examining the content and its validity. If you find that your ideas could be presented more clearly and effectively in another way, don't get stuck on phraseology or a particular idea that you don't intend to change. Correction, on the other hand, is a more technical job that captures grammatical, spelling, punctuation and formatting errors
Part 2 of 4: Read to Write
Step 1. Choose a few well-written books
Whether you're writing a bestseller or an article for a scientific journal, by becoming familiar with the best of each genre, you'll be able to perfect your style. Read and understand the works of great and influential writers to learn everything you can do with the written word and identify the things readers react best to. By immersing yourself in reading the works of great authors, you will enrich your vocabulary, deepen your knowledge and feed your imagination.
- Look for different ways to organize a text or present a narrative.
- Try comparing the approaches of different writers on the same topic in order to identify similarities and differences, for example, Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Il'ič and Hemingway's The Snows of Kilimanjaro.
- Remember that even if you have to produce an essay or academic text, you can improve your writing by reading the most important articles and studies in this field. The more familiar you are with the various means that allow you to communicate a concept, the more varied and original your style will be.
Step 2. Try to grasp the references present in our culture
You may not realize it, but books, movies, and other media are full of references and tributes to great literature. By reading some classics you will develop a cultural background that will help you write better.
Step 3. Make sure you understand why a classic is considered extraordinary
It is possible to read a novel like The Young Holden without "grasping" or immediately seeing its value. In these cases, try reading some critical studies to understand why a work has been so influential and effective. You will likely find that you have missed several levels of meaning. By grasping what makes a certain style of writing special you will be able to increase your skills.
This also applies to non-fiction and academic texts. Find some examples of books written by respected authors in your field and analyze them. What do they have in common? What is their validity? What have these authors accomplished that you would be capable of yourself?
Step 4. Go to the theater
The plays were written to be staged. If you are unable to "grasp" a literary work, it finds its transposition into a theatrical key. If not, read it aloud. Get into the minds of the characters. Listen to the sound of the language as you read.
More than a film, attending a theatrical performance is like seeing the words born from the author's pen, filtered only by the director's ideas and the actors' interpretation
Step 5. Read magazines, newspapers and anything related to current events
There is not only literature to take ideas: reality is full of fascinating people, places and events that can inspire the mind of a writer. A great author is always aware of the most important news of the day.
Step 6. Know when it is time to put aside what affects you
It often happens that you have just finished reading a terrific novel and feel thrilled to start writing. However, once seated at the desk, the words that come out of the pen do not seem so original, on the contrary, they resemble those of the author just read. Despite everything you can learn from great writers, you need to be able to develop your own style. Learn to free yourself from the influences of others by doing free writing exercises, reviewing your latest work, or even taking a jog to help you meditate.
Part 3 of 4: Putting Your Skills into Practice
Step 1. Buy a notebook
Not just any one, but one that is sturdy enough that you can always carry with you. Ideas come wherever you are, so you need to be able to grab them as they come, before they escape you, like that dream you had last night about… um… well, it was a really good dream!
Step 2. Write down any ideas you can think of
Titles, captions, arguments, characters, situations, phrases, metaphors … everything that later on can ignite your imagination, as soon as you feel ready to put it to good use.
If you lack inspiration, practice taking notes in various situations. Write down how people work in a bar. Describe how the sun's rays hit your desk in the late afternoon. Whether it's writing poetry or a newspaper article, paying attention to the most real and concrete details, you can improve your skills as a writer
Step 3. Fill your notebook and continue
When you finish a notebook, label it with dates and any general notes on it so you can retrieve it when you need a creative suggestion.
Step 4. Take a writing workshop
One of the best ways to improve your style and stay motivated is to talk to other people and get feedback on your work. Find a writing group in your city or on the Internet. Usually the members read among themselves what they have written, discussing the aspects that have more or less impressed them and how it is possible to improve a text. By offering and receiving opinions, you may unexpectedly learn valuable lessons on how to perfect your skills.
Labs aren't just for creative writing! You can improve your academic writing by asking friends and colleagues to take a look at your work. By collaborating with other people you will also be encouraged to share your ideas and listen to those of others
Step 5. Write every day
Keep a journal, send a letter to a pen pal, or try your hand at writing freely for an hour a day. Just pick a topic and start jotting something down. Indeed, do not even pay attention to the topic: the important thing is to write without ever stopping. Writing is a skill that requires practice, like a muscle that is strengthened and strengthened with proper training.
Part 4 of 4: Crafting a Story
Step 1. Choose a topic and lay out the general structure of the story
It doesn't have to be complex, just helpful in establishing the plot. For example, consider the classic Hollywood story: a guy meets a girl, wins her over, loses her, comes back with her (more important scenes can be added later).
Step 2. Draw a pattern
You will probably be tempted to start writing directly, trying to understand the events that characterize the plot as you go. Do not do it! Even a simple outline will allow you to see the story as a whole, saving you hours and hours of work. Begin to outline the fundamental structure of the tale, bringing to life at least the main characters, the setting, the period and the atmosphere.
When you have created a diagram that you can summarize in a few lines, create a subsection that allows you to divide the main section into smaller and easier to manage parts
Step 3. Leave some space in the story outline to add characters and their characteristics
Write a small story for each character so that you have a general idea of how they might act in certain situations, even if you don't put this information into the story.
Step 4. Don't be afraid to skip steps
If you suddenly have a brilliant intuition on how to untie the plot at the end of the story, but you are still in the first chapter, write it down! Never waste any idea.
Step 5. Write the first draft
At this point you are ready to start the "ugly", also called "first draft"! Define the characters and the plot with the help of your outline.
Don't get bogged down. It's not crucial to find the perfect words when you're writing. It is much more important to give free rein to all your ideas so that you can rehash them later
Step 6. Let your story guide you
Let yourself be carried away by the story: you could go in an unexpected, but very interesting direction. Always be the director, but be influenced by your creative ability.
You will find that if you have thought long and hard about your characters, what they want and why they want it, they will guide you
Step 7. Finish the first draft
Don't think about the details for now, just focus on finishing your story. If at 2/3 of the story it occurs to you that one of the characters must be the ambassador of India, write down this idea and end the story with this role in mind. However, don't go back and rewrite its part if you haven't finished the first draft yet.
Step 8. Rewrite it
First draft, remember? When you have finished it, rewrite it from the beginning, this time taking into account all the details that can make the characters more realistic and believable. At this point you will know why he is on the plane and why she dresses up as a punk.
Step 9. Write the story to the end
By the time you finish the second draft, you will have all the information about the story, the characters, the main and secondary storyline.
Step 10. Read and share your story
You will be able to read the second draft once you have finished it: dispassionately, if you can, so as to at least try to be objective. Share it with a couple of trusted friends whose opinions you respect.
Step 11. Write the final draft
Armed with notes you took while reading your story and advice from friends or editors, immerse yourself in your story again, perfecting it as you go. Close the situations left unresolved, resolve the conflicts, eliminate the characters who do not make an important contribution to the narration.
Advice
- Don't be disheartened at the first draft. It almost never goes well. When you read it, keep it in mind and change it mercilessly!
- If you don't like an idea at first, try it anyway - it might lead you somewhere.
- Writing could be fun work or torture… it depends on the people. It may turn you on or exhaust you. There is no correct way to write or hear what you write. Find your style.
- Try to get involved in the writing and bring it all out. However, don't overdo it, or the feelings you describe or thoughts you add will be heavy. Take into account how you feel when reading a text or a book and avoid all elements that might bore the reader.
Warnings
- Use your words with care. You will give the impression that you are unfamiliar with the use of the language if you use a term inappropriately or in the wrong context. Always look up words in the dictionary and make sure you understand their meaning before using them.
- Do not stain yourself with plagiarism! Presenting someone else's words or ideas as your own is a serious academic, journalistic and narrative offense. If you get caught, you risk being expelled, fired, sued, or banned from posting other jobs. Do not do it.
