by Athena Brady

Created on: February 26, 2010

Most writers write, for the love of writing. Think about it, how could they sustain the pretence over time, without it impacting on their work. When someone writes from their heart it shows in their writing, you can literally feel the love in the written words. They flow easily and succinctly, like a river flows to the ocean.

Even though you may love writing, you still have to practise your skill as much as you can. On sites such as Helium, we can help each other develop and become more proficient writers. I once read that you should write every day, even if it is only for 5-10 minutes. This enables you to develop a pattern that will benefit you as a writer. There will of course, as with anything else, be exceptions to the rule. Times when you are unable to do this, like for example if you are on holiday. However, if you try do this, as much as you possibly can, it will be of great benefit to you.

Some people go into things with a lot of preparation, they believe in doing things well. They may get a degree in literature, go on creative writing courses. However, although you can learn most things with enough effort, you cannot develop something that is not there.There are many sucessful writers who are self taught. Good writers are born, not made, and too much of a good thing may ruin a talent that was once there.

It is important to believe in yourself and learn to recognise what is constructive criticism and what is not. For example, someone may say you overuse comma's, whilst someone else may say I didn't like the way you told that story. The former is constructive criticism, whilst the latter gives you no direction, it is just an opinion.

As a writer it is important not to copy others but to develop your own individual style. You can utilise the way another writer approaches an issue, but the words and style must be your own. Remember not everyone will like your style, just like when we read books, there are some we enjoy and others we don't. Style changes over time, you will probably cringe at some of your earliest attempts at writing, whilst recalling you thought them good at the time.

Writing for the love of writing means you enjoy the process, you are engaging in. You leave your attachment to money, recognition behind you and just write. That is not to say, you do not want those things and deserve them. After all, it is hard work, but it means that you free your mind, in order to allow the magic to flow out of you and onto the paper.

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