Practise, Practise, Practise
Writing is not just an art -- it is also a craft. Our artistic ability may be given, something we are born with. Our ability as craftspeople, we are certainly not born with: this we have to learn. Although some of us learn quicker than others, there is only one way to learn a craft: by practisce. And the more you practise, the more you will become a master of the form and discover that words do your bidding like willing servants. The more time you spend at your desk the less time you will gaze out of the window scratching your head. Set yourself a routine and support yourself to keep to it. Even ten minutes a day is worth doing.
~ Writing a Novel, Nigel Watts
Very true. :O)
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it there's a blogfest over at mine so that everyone can practice their writing ;O)
ReplyDeleteSounds like solid (and true) advice. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOr, as the old saying goes, writers write!
ReplyDeleteexactement! this advice makes sense, thanx 4 d tip
ReplyDeleteWell said. Thanks for the reminder ;)
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice! I have to ask -- and I'm not trying to be an ass -- is practice meant to be spelled that way? I know there are different spellings in America, Canada and the England, but I'm not sure about South Africa. And I've never seen practice spelled that way. Just curious.
ReplyDeleteI like it! Thanks for the advice!
ReplyDeleteHa ha! As far as I understand America and Canada use American English and England and South Africa and Australia use British English. We use "practise" with as s as the verb and "practice" with a c as the noun. And let's not get started on the o vs ou (humour, valour, neighbour etc) and z vs s (realise etc). I'm wondering if it would be wise to go back to my ms and change my British English to American English for when I submit to American agents...
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. And yes, if you are going to submit to American agents, then you will need to change the language. I have the same problem -- I live in Australia.
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice!
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree. As a singer, practice not only improves my skill, but before long, it became second nature. Something I can just open my mouth and do without thinking. Writing should be approached in much the same manner. Only working on it diligently will bring out your skill, to the point it becomes second nature.
ReplyDeleteSo true,
ReplyDeleteThe more I write, the better I am able to express myself in words. Writing is like every other art ... painter's paint, sculptor's sculpt, musicians practice hours on their instruments ... it is the same for us.
Michael
Great tip Rachel. Yep, I'd agree with Lynda to change to US spelling. Mary Kole wrote a post on it once - not sure of the link but you might find it if you look around her site. I've gotten in the habit of using Americanized (*wink*) spelling most of the time now, even with blogging ;)
ReplyDeleteRach
I agree with this. I think it's important for a writer to be able to take criticism as well and edit their own work. That falls into practicing, right?
ReplyDeleteWell said! I think any type of writing- even a blog post- helps.
ReplyDeleteI saw the comments on the spelling- honestly, I think the british spelling of words make them seem more romantic ;p I want to use "colour" but people will look at me weird if I do ;p
I love the second quote! It is SO true. Magical things happen when you are writing.
ReplyDeleteLorena