I love the title of Tina Laurel Lee's blog. It's Watch Me Practice. I've been thinking about practice a lot lately.
It takes years to get good at something. And years more, to get great. So, why do we think we can wip out a novel without the same standard? Not that I haven't been writing this thing for years. But still.
I've been through my Work-in-Progress at least three times overall. But, in looking at it critically through the lens of a new class I'm taking through Writer U, I see that it could be stronger. In some places, a lot stronger.
And I thought it was almost done.
How do you practice your craft?
14 comments:
I read books that do something well I want to learn and then I practice with no pressure on myself to produce anything other than crap. :)
I read books that do something well I want to learn and then I practice with no pressure on myself to produce anything other than crap. :)
I read books that do something well I want to learn and then I practice with no pressure on myself to produce anything other than crap. :)
Um, sorry. Dont know what happened.
By writing, writing, writing! I hope I'm getting better!
Reading other books in my genre and writing to improve my own quality. And more writing!
I started writing seriously about four or so years ago. I took a few online classes to help, joined SCBWI and Verla Kay's boards. I have improved my writing SO much in just four short years. It really does take time.
Just by writing whether longhand or using the old word processing program. Write, write, and rewrite. Oh, and reading your work out loud helps, too!
The 3 "R"s - Reading, w(R)iting (and rewriting), and Research. Great practice suggestions, everyone! Thanks!
Kris, There's an award for you on my blog today! Come claim it. :)
Write, write, write. And read tons. Then rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.
Congratulations on your blog award!! :)
I'm still figuring all that 'craft' stuff out.
KRIS! Thanks.
I have to say that it wasn't until I discovered writing as practice, like a calling, like something you do cause you do it (apparently that is what I do with my novel, I just keep doing it! It takes forever, especially with these distractions.)That I stopped sucking at it. Not that it is perfect by any means it just is me looking at it differently. It works a lot better when I don't always hate it because it is not perfect.
You're welcome, Tina! I love that you stress the importance of practice - and I try to keep at it.
And everyong - reading, writing, and rewriting, are all part of practice!
Post a Comment