Ways to become a more effective writer
by Dr. Deborah Bauers
If you are looking for ways to become a more effective writer, you need to work at developing your own stylized approach. What you may not realize, however, is that many journalists who are just starting out, run up against two myths about writers that can quickly dampen the enthusiasm. Those who believe them end up discouraged and often give up without putting their best effort into becoming a successful writer.
What are these myths?
1. That genealogy determines who can write and who can't.
While it may be true that heredity plays a part in certain personality formation and even in intellectual prowess, if you want to distinguish yourself as a journalist you must be prepared to develop your craft through a combination of acquired skill and hard work. Similarly, following in the footsteps of a parent or grandparent who is a well-known author, doesn't necessarily mean that you will know the same success. If you are fortunate enough to gain entry into the field because of your last name, you won't last long without putting effort into developing your own reputation.
2. That the best writers are those with huge vocabularies.
The most successful journalist is the one who keeps on writing until he has finally communicated, on paper, exactly what he wanted to say. Enlarging your vocabulary may provide you with more options for written expression, but a distinctive writer doesn't use big words that the average reader can't understand. Instead, he learns to write in much the same way as he would speak. .
What are some ways to become a more effective writer?
1. Begin by finding out who the outstanding writers are in several different genres and read what they have written. Ask yourself, "What makes this article great?" Subscribe to a couple of journals that interest you and begin to study the distinctive qualities and writing styles of each author. Every great writer has at least one characteristic that has become the hallmark of his written work; so look for it. Once you have become familiar with a number of different writing styles, begin to think about what will distinguish your work from those around you.
2. Don't be afraid of crafting an article on a subject that interests you, but which you know little about. Every seasoned writer knows that research is essential. If you want to write about how you feel, record your memoirs. But if you want to create a remarkable journalist piece that combines the interview process with a working knowledge of the subject, and then do your research.
3. Write regularly; everyday if you can. When you begin a piece, write the way that you would if you were speaking. Let your thoughts flow naturally onto the paper. Don't worry about syntax, word choice, or spelling. What's most important is that all your ideas get out of your head and onto the page in front of you.
4. Once you've completed a rough draft, it's time to turn your piece into a well-crafted article. How do you this?
Use spell-check tools to correct misspellings. Reread your piece, eliminating any unnecessary words. This will tighten your article and make it flow smoothly. Look for ways to express your intent with better word choices. Let's use the first sentence in this article as an example. Suppose that its original draft reads like this:
"There are two things that you often hear about writing that can very quickly cause someone who is interested in writing, to decide not to try."
Now look at the revised sentence.
"There are two common myths about effective writers that can quickly discourage anyone interested in the field of journalism."
Examine your article for ways to make each sentence sparkle by choosing words that enhance and add color. Don't overdo it, however. Remember that Hemingway said, "Good writing is architecture, not interior design." Use only enough descriptors to accurately convey your meaning and add integrity to your piece. Anything more is fluff. A good thesaurus will provide you with a list of synonyms to use as alternative word options.
5. When your article is ready to be perused, ask a family member or friend to read it and give honest feedback. Their comments will give an idea of how the public will respond to your editorial.
6. Once you've written several pieces, consider joining a writer's group. From within its ranks you will find emotional support from peers who are also learning to become more effective writers. A writer's forum will provide you with a selection of individuals whose writing skills and collective experiences will qualify them to mentor you. You will also discover opportunities to have your work critiqued by both peers and professionals.
7. Remember that writing is like a construction project. The contractor must first excavate and pour forms. Then the foundation is laid. The final step is the construction of the building. A builder counts the cost, amasses the necessary tools and materials, and then carefully assembles with precision and symmetry. If you want to be, not just a mediocre writer but, an outstanding writer, you need to realize that crafting a superior piece of journalism requires the same meticulousness, from start to finish. Every seasoned writer knows that the process of becoming more effective never ends. You never stop growing. Even your style can change as you progressively hone your writing skills.
You still want to become a more effective writer? Well go for it! With a lot of hard work and careful attention to the basics, you can significantly improve your craft. Who knows? Perhaps your name will one day become notable in the next generation of well-known and highly respected journalists.