BEST WRITING ADVICE (PART TWO) : DON’T LOOK BACK! By Penny Hutson

If you’ve read a good deal in the genre in which you plan to start writing, as I recommended in “Part One” of my “Best Writing Advice” series, then you’re ready to consider this next tip.

Never try to write a great or even good novel (or other piece of writing) on the first go-round. Even Hemmingway said, “The first draft of anything is shit.” While that’s a bit extreme not to mention a little vulgar, I get his point. Don’t try to write every line perfectly or worry too much about the final draft while you’re creating the first one. Not only will it take much longer to finish, but it can also get in the way of your creativity. Another drawback, especially if you do not have a very detailed outline, is that you may forget what you were planning to say next. Worse, you may never finish the piece. Trust me, I have files full of the beginnings of many good books.

BEST WRITING ADVICE (PART ONE) : REMEMBER THE THREE Rs - READ, READ, READ by Penny Hutson

 

Like many writers, I’ve received a ton of advice over the years from various sources, including other writers. Naturally, some were more useful than others. So, I’m beginning a series of the best writing advice that contributed directly to my own writing. I’ll cover one piece of advice in each blog and explain how I used it and/or the difference it made in my writing. I hope you find them useful.

The first one is that you must read a lot. And, according to famed novelist, Stephen King, “if you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.”

I’m starting the series with this piece of advice because it seems the most logical. First, anyone can do it. No need to be an accomplished writer or have a completed draft. Secondly, it’s best done before you begin writing. If you want to write a gripping novel, for example, you’re not likely to be successful if you haven’t read a bunch of gripping novels beforehand.

There are always exceptions. However, as I used to tell my students, if they were one of them, they’d probably know it by now. It’s like thinking you can become a great chef or successful baker when you haven’t tasted any great dishes or baked goods. You’d have nothing to go on.

Writing is similar.

You must read a lot, but what you read can be just as essential. For instance, if you’ve haven’t read a young adult novel since you were one many years ago, don’t expect to create a good YA novel without reading some good ones first. Likewise, don’t try to write a memoir or self-help book without reading some in those genres.

My first manuscript was YA because I had spent the previous thirty years as a middle and high school librarian and English teacher. I read hundreds of YA books during that time, and I knew what kinds of stories were popular with young people. All of this informed my writing. I am certain I could not have written that story prior to my educational career. I simply would not have had the necessary tools. And if I continue to write YA books, guess what? I must keep reading the new ones coming out, so I can keep up with what’s popular now and changing in this genre.

So, if you want to be a good writer, don’t forget to do lots and lots of reading.