Put a Spring into your Writing
by Bruce L. Cook
When writing for a poignant conclusion, think of loading a spring into the story.
For example, start the story or chapter with foundational elements – a setting which firmly sets the scene that follows. Upon that basis, introduce characters and action which evoke sharp images, sometimes in conflict with each other.
Then, like drips from a medicine dropper, line the story with cascading details which embellish earlier parts of the story. Foreshadow and make the ground fertile for the conclusion.
If the story is gentle, think of a weak spring, such as those we find in failed ball point pens. Load the spring with details and plan for a light lift at the end, when the story merges images for a pleasurable effect. It’s like leveling in memory, when the memory smoothes over the details. Think of your last stroll in the garden.
However, if this story or chapter is to evoke a profound response, sharpen each detail, just as details are sharpened in vital memory. In that case, it’s essential to firmly root each detail, using references back to earlier story parts. In this way, the basic response is embellished by sharp memories and produces intense feelings.
Here’s an example from a chapter in a novel.
- Setting – a family gathering to celebrate a baptism
- Protagonist is preoccupied with an upcoming challenge
- Enter Character X from Chapter 12, who was not involved in the challenge
- The family gathering reaches high intensity
- Character X whispers to the protagonist that he is involved in the challenge
- The protagonist reacts just as the family gathering reaches climax
While this progression is hardly startling, it can increase the story’s impact if the challenge is vital, and if the family gathering itself brings the story to a new level.
In developing your story, think of story development as a spring. A gentle spring if the chapter soothes. A firmly rooted spring if the story has vital impact. Carefully plan your content and your story will produce the desired impact. |
5 Solutions.... (continued)
You're not doomed. There are five very simple and effective way to get better and improve your writing skills.
1. Blogging is a creative outlet for many people. It allows for freedom of expression and opinions. You don't have to make yourself sound uber professional unless of course that is what your blog is about. Allow yourself to just write on your blog from thought. If blogging is a little too open for you, then keep it to yourself and open Notepad and start writing.
2. It has always been said to introduce books to children at a very young age. Reading books to them builds their vocabulary, speech and language development and as they get older it becomes a life-long interest in reading. As adults reading a variety of books or materials that interest you builds your vocabulary and grammar and improves your own writing style. As hectic as a day can be, read something at least once a day and for at least 30 minutes.
3. One of the key things to improve your writing skill is to find a mentor or someone you trust to critique and proofread your work. Finding someone who is also a writer would be a huge benefit to you as they will know what to look for.
You want someone who is honest and who can provide constructive criticism without the sugar coating. Listen and make note of the critique because if it's the same critique each time then it's area you will need to concentrate and improve upon.
4. You can look for writing exercise worksheets, tutorials or workshops to improve your writing skills. You can find these writing resources online, in a bookstore, library, writing courses offered at a community college or community center, and even in niche community forums.
5. Writing consistently doesn't mean write to publish every day. Take the time to write something each day for a set amount of time or you can set up a small writing project as a goal to reach. If you write to publish, once per week is good and if you can write more it would be great.
Implement these five ways to improve your writing skills so you can write consistently well and to produce great and effective articles each time.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/writing-articles/5-solutions-to-improve-your-article-writing-skills-1509624.html
About the Author:
S McIntyre is the founder of WorkAtHomeSpace.com a free work at home resource offering work at home jobs, home and business resources, article ideas and tips , support and networking forums and much more.
She co-owns WorkAtHomeBusinessOptions.com a comprehensive work at home business resource focusing on helping others who are looking for opportunities and ideas to work from home. You will also find tips and articles on how to balance work, family and play in your daily life.
Please rate this Ezine at the Cumuli Ezine Finder. http://www.cumuli.com/ezines/ra79672.rate AOL Users Click Here
Visit our sister web sites...
http://www.author-me.com/ http://www.reservebooks.com/
http://www.cookcom.net/
http://ww.innisfreepoetry.org
http://www.enskyment.org
Publishing New Writers,
December, 2009 (no. 1012)
Publisher:
Bruce L. Cook
6086 Dunes Dr,
Sanford, NC 27332
Submissions/comments cookcomm@gte.net. Links are
welcome.To subscribe and/or review our archive of past newsletters, go to
http://www.author-me.com/newslist.htm
|