You'll notice a theme on timeless writing advice these last few weeks (see May 22nd's post here)...I hope you don't mind. Figured you can't go wrong with this topic, right? :)
About 10 years ago, I asked Brian Ianieri, staff reporter from The Press of Atlantic City (in New Jersey) what advice he'd share with my teen writing students. Upon reviewing it recently, I was reminded of how it applies to writers of all ages and stages. This was his reply:
"From my standpoint, the key to writing is rewriting.
Our first drafts are never perfect.
We often use too many words.
This is referred to as “dead wood.”
Chopping those words and using precise terms clarifies writing.
The rewriting stage offers the best opportunity for this.
Often, we view rewriting as a quick check for spelling mistakes.
Devote
time to this process, and it becomes a much more important tool for
writers—even for reporters on strict (and I mean strict) deadlines.
I
suggest “The Elements of Style” by Strunk and White. It’s a thin,
easy-to-read book that provides practical advice for sharp writing.
Do you agree with Brian? What advice would you offer my teen writing students? What's the best writing advice you've ever received?
Happy writing,
Karen
Photo credit: Free Images
Writing advice is always helpful. And I love revising. Thanks for the advice.
ReplyDeleteAs one who has chopped a lot of words, I'd say is advice is perfect.
ReplyDeleteHelpful advice Karen. I am a big rewriter, always revising and revising.
ReplyDeleteYes, chopping is the key to good writing. I always overwrite my first draft, and am amazed how much better the piece is after I tighten my work. I just received an acceptance on a flash piece I shortened from 1,000 words to 100. Now that is cutting. Have a great day, Karen.
ReplyDeleteThe only other thing I might add is not to stress over the first draft. It's a hard thing not to do, but it's a whole lot more fun when you don't. :)
ReplyDeleteHaving fun is important. If you're not enjoying what you are writing, no one will enjoy reading it.
ReplyDeleteYou're on a topic that is perfect for me today. I'm in the re-writing throes and it's both daunting and exhilarating. I'm so glad that first draft is behind me.
ReplyDeleteAmen to the rewrite!!! And of course, enjoying the entire process and just having fun!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Natalie,
ReplyDeleteI like the advice he offers - short, to the point, and useful! :) Revising brings it altogether, doesn't it?
Diane,
Yes, a lot of words hit the floor over the years, don't they? Sage advice, for sure. :)
Rachna,
It seems we become masters of reworking things, don't we? All part of the journey! :)
Linda,
I'd say, 1000 to 100 is quite the paring down of words! :) It's amazing how our writing shines after doing so, isn't it? Congrats on the acceptance!
Holly,
Yes, that's excellent advice! Getting the first draft down is so important, and doesn't need to be perfect, for sure. :)
Alex,
This is so true. When it stops being fun, it's really time to rethink things. :)
Lee,
Cheering you on with the revisions! I'm sure it'll be great when you're done! :)
Martha,
Such good advice, right? :) Good to reminded of once in a while. :) Blessings to you as well!
Happy writing,
Karen
Choose your words carefully. Stronger words are best.
ReplyDeleteTimeless writing advice, Indeed! Even seasoned writers need to go back to the basics periodically. Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteCecelia,
ReplyDeleteThat's good advice. Appreciate you sharing it! :)
MaryAnn,
I agree. I need these reminders sometimes too. :)
Happy writing,
Karen
Hi Karen - that is good advice ... develop your own voice too. And read your own work back to yourself ... that will eliminate some glaring challenges ... just write though and have fun - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHave fun..yes, I like that very much! And don't get stuck in the re-writes. You got to let it go at some point!
ReplyDeleteHilary,
ReplyDeleteYes, that's a good addition. Voice comes as we write too, and as we're true to ourselves, I think. And having fun is key! :)
Lynn,
Oh yes, letting it go is so important as well. We can tweak for almost forever, right? :)
Happy writing,
Karen
All good advice here, for sure! I would add weed out the passive words and use active ones :-)
ReplyDeleteEnjoying what you do indeed, and not to worry about the first draft being perfect. Let the story flow, write from your heart, create an atmosphere.... and fiddle with it later.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes! I often spend more time on rewrites and edits than the first draft. Very important!
ReplyDeleteThe best advice I ever received was from my former agent: "Read everything aloud." It's amazing how many mistakes I find when I do this!
Great post, Karen.
Jen
I think that's excellent advice. Too many people are freaked out about editing/rewriting, and they really shouldn't be. That refining stage should be a joy. But if I was to give a teenager writing advice, I'd say KEEP READING. Read everything.
ReplyDeleteKenda,
ReplyDeleteYes, that's an excellent addition! We're never finished with this learning stuff, are we? :)
Marja,
First drafts are never perfect, are they? Your advice is spot on as well! :)
Jen,
That reading aloud thing, so helpful for sure! I first heard it from Roger Palms, former editor of Decision. Such crucial advice! :)
Crystal,
Now there's some more good advice! And you with teens as we speak should know. :) It really does make a big difference.
Happy writing,
Karen
I agree. Rewriting is essential. And reading through the whole piece without touching it, then read through it again, editing along the way. Always keep your eye on the big picture.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice from Brian! I find that I am constantly trying to get rid of the "dead wood". It is so important to go back and edit (and edit and edit) to take out what isn't needed. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
I totally agree. Rewriting makes up a vitally important step in my creative process. :-)
ReplyDeleteLynda,
ReplyDeleteI like that - the big picture, so important to keep that in mind! All part of the process to a beautiful finish.:)
Jess,
That dead wood can bother all of us! But it is part of the journey to the great finished product. :)
Misha,
Good advice, right? :) I like how you call it the creative process; this is so true!
Happy weekend,
Karen