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Learning
the Rules of Writing
Yes,
writing has rules, just like everything else. One of the greatest things about writing is that most people can
become good, selling writers in only two years. One of the biggest problems in writing is that most people produce
in their spare time and don't try to find their potential.
Many wannabe writers hide behind the excuse that they didn't learn punctuation and English basics well enough in
their formative years. If that is your situation, most good schools have brush-up courses for that purpose.
Some students will say they are to old to learn new things, but to that I say, "Bah. Humbug." I have no short-term
memory, yet I keep managing to learn as long as I apply myself daily, and I'm closing in on 70 years of age. If I
can do it, you most certainly can, too.
Writing is a great hobby. It will give you a chance to spread your wings. Some people will be better at it than
others, but that's okay. Give yourself permission to not be at the head of the class. My guess is you won't be at
the rear, either.
If you want to learn Short Story writing, a course will teach you how to set a theme, develop a plot, target your
audience, and choose your point of view. You will learn how to cast your characters, create good dialog, and use
word imagery for settings. Next, you must learn to build the conflict, cut your verbiage, and perhaps most
important of all, learn "Show, Don't Tell". There's a lot to short story writing and it's fun.
To learn writing for children (which is not any easier than writing for adults, trust me), you will begin by
outlining your story, fleshing out your characters, studying market techniques, building your point of view, Show,
Don't Tell, creating good dialog, editing your drafts, polishing your final draft, and creating queries and cover
letters.
If you're interested in learning Fantasy writing, you will learn histories of the genre, and subgenres. You will
learn how to find inspiration, create fantasy characters, create a fantasy world, and create the elements necessary
to transport your readers into a believable atmosphere. You will learn how to outline, create a spell that will
enchant your readers, and mix magic potions. You'll learn the difference between fantasy writing, horror writing
and sci-fi writing.
Writing will teach you to have a 'tougher skin' so that more advanced students can offer comments on your work. You
will learn to profit by it instead of getting hurt and sulking into a corner. As a writer, you must have this
attitude. It is one of the few absolutes. Rejection is a large part of writing, and you should know that going
in.
I would leave you with one last piece of advice. I thought I was the exception to the rule, and that I could skip
ahead to advanced learning because I wanted it bad enough and I had an excellent foundation in English. I was so
wrong. I skipped the beginning elements and when I got deeper into advanced writing, I had to take a brush-up
course to learn what I had missed. My pride was crushed.
After I had taken a few courses, I realized how they meshed together to create a larger picture, and I learned that
skipping any part of the package only caused me grief in the long run. Alas, I saved neither time nor money.
Please - start at the beginning and work your way through the courses patiently. Learn each one well. Study
regularly, listen to your mentors, and do extra homework that is above and beyond the call of duty. In this way,
you will ensure a writing career that has no holes in its foundation, and you will be
fulfilled.
by Deborah Owen - 19th September 2008
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Top
Deborah Owen is the CEO & Founder of a new writing school - Creative Writing Institute. The non-profit school
uses mentors to escort each student to their highest potential. Registration opens with a great sale - eight-week
courses for only $250. No added fees. School opens Oct. 5. http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com
Article Source: http://www.creativewriter.me.uk
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