| |
| |
|
Writing Information |
|
|
|
How to Write Words Worth a Thousand Pictures
Our Image-Driven Society We live in a new image-driven society. It can be hard on writers unless they learn to connect with today's readers. Writing that connects is easy when you keep a few basic writing principles in mind. Let's face it, as a writer, you are competing with the greatest influence in our image-driven society, the film and television industry. So, let's take three well-known words in film making as cues for effective writing. Ready? Lights! Camera! Action! Lights! Catch the reader's attention. You catch your reader's attention when you know who they are and what holds their interest. Yes, write what you know but also write for who you know. For example, avoid using abstract words and concepts when writing for children. Kids won't understand and you won't grab their attention. The effective writer writes about what interests the reader using words the reader relates to and understands. When you write fiction or even creative non-fiction; develop catchy titles, contemporary themes, strong heroes, good plots, intense conflict, and create interesting characters. When you do, lights go on for your reader. Camera! Describe, describe, describe! Use specific, concrete, and concise words. Write to describe but avoid using too many adjectives. Mark Twain said: "When you catch an adjective, kill it." Strong words from Mr. Twain but when you cut out adjectives and use descriptive nouns, your writing comes to life. Instead of writing "big, beautiful house," try writing "mansion," "villa," "castle," "palace," or "chateau." Use a thesaurus and find image-driven nouns to replace superfluous adjectives. Sorry, I couldn't find a noun to replace "superfluous adjectives." But you get the idea. The contemporary writing advice, "show don't tell," echoes in the ears of most writers. And for good reasons. The writer must "show" readers rather than "tell" to grab their image-driven attention. For example, use vivid detail instead of vague generalizations when describing emotions. Write, "sweat dripped from his forehead," not "he was nervous." Let the images come alive in your story. Action! Use action verbs, avoid "to be" verbs. Put your reader in the middle of the action in your story. Describe the action with the senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and feel by using action verbs. Use moving images and carry your reader along, don't let your story become a study in still-life. Don't sprinkle your story on your readers; dunk 'em in over their heads! Go ahead, get 'em soaking wet with the action in your story. They will love you for it. Lights! Camera! Action! will connect your story with your readers. Go ahead, give 'em pictures they'll never forget! Copyright 2002 © Glenn White About The Author Glenn White is a freelance writer, editor and content manager at his web site for Inspirational and Christian writers at: http://www.WriteToInspire.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Why We Dont Write Our Books In the ten years that I've taught people how to get on with their books, I've noticed a phenomenon that I'll call "Author's Block." Would-be writers can, indeed, sit down and work when pressed to it. Top 7 Writers Sites for 2005 If you dream of turning your book into a best seller, or you're looking to become a best selling author in your field, then these sites promise to help you do just that.Whether you are a reader or a writer, you'll find something here that will help you build your writing career, or lead you to a great book. Be Concise Concision. (Sounds like I made up another word. Editorial Freelancing: 5 Must-Know Tips to Getting Your Foot in the Door So, you want to freelance as an editor, writer, copy editor, copywriter, graphic designer, proofreader, etc.? But, how do you go about it?My mother was fond of saying, "If you want to know something, go directly to the source. Pairs/Groups Of Words Often Confused - Part 5 of 6 PASSED, PASTPassed is the past tense of pass. Past means a time that has gone. Freelance or Staff There is no doubt that a staff writer enjoys advantages not availed by the freelancer. However, there are benefits available to the freelancer that a staff writer can never expect. A Quick Guide to ISBNs for Self-Publishers ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a code assigned to every published book that uniquely identifies it in the marketplace. Write On! - Key Components of Successful Business Communication Written communication is often the first impression you make on potential customers, business partners, or employers. Because of its significance to your marketing message, it is one of the most important aspects of your business. Five EASY Ways to Improve Your Business Writing Have you ever wondered why some people can make millions writing books, and others (maybe you) can't even complete a simple business letter worth reading? Sure, natural talent probably accounts for some of their writing success. But really the best-selling authors achieved that level of success by devoting serious time and effort to perfecting their craft. Nonfiction Idea Generators The hardest part of nonfiction writing is finding a subject to write about. Unless you're a student or a professional writer no one is going to select a topic for you. Learn How To Write Poetry! A poet isn't born; you must work at crafting your art. If you have the desire to write, you can learn how to write poetry or simply improve your writing. Looking For Good Copywriter Books? If you are looking for copywriter books, you'll want to devote some time to reading. In fact, if you plan to look online for your copy writer resources, you might as well just devote your life to reading! There are so many books that are available for you to purchase. Seven Suggestions To Develop a Superb Writing Style Every writer eventually develops her own unique style of writing. As you struggle to create your own voice, while focusing on the required standards, you may want to consider the following tips for improving your style and establishing a professional formula for success. Using Technology to Improve Your Final Draft One Saturday afternoon, I sat in a packed conference room with about 150 other would be writers, listening to a conference instructor tell us the keys to self-editing our manuscripts. The number of people in the room spoke to how important it is to make sure your work is crisp, and as close to publishable as possible. The Daily Rite If you want to be a writer, then you must write - you must write something every day.If possible, have an established time to write every day. About Writing Here's everything I know about improving your writing, publishing it electronically and in print, and promoting it after the sale.Two questions you should ask:(1) What will it cost me?(2) What does this Michael LaRocca guy know about it?Answer #1 -- It won't cost you a thing. Multiplying Sales As A Writer Often, time is an enemy of writers. Sales seem slow and checks too small. Crime Writing Beckons If your cash is running out fast and you have an incessant need to write, why not turn to crime?No! Not committing crime, but to writing about crime. Crime is all around us, and people want to know about it. Important Points of Fiction Fiction manuscripts receive feedback that addresses and scores:· The theme of the book· Character development and depth· Plot and story line resolution· Pace and setting of the story· The effective use of dialog· The appropriateness of the tense and point of view· How compelling the book will be in the marketplace· Spelling, grammar, punctuation and much more!The theme or premise of a novel is important because it sets the stage for the characters, the setting, the plot, the conflict, and the climax. Is it a story of love, jealousy, ambition, adventure, of triumph or failure? These themes, as well as many others must be considered and decided upon by the fiction writer. 7 Journaling Tips Set your journal or diary where you will see it everyday, i.e.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2008 ReV Brown and LaMesa Gifts |
