turbine

October 13, 2010

"How does one get better at writing? I can’t be a definitive source, citing the basic quality of my own writing, but I’ve always been told that the best way to improve is to read high-quality writing. Then, simply, to write. Over and over. And then again. Practice is not a romantic concept, but it is real."

—

Frank Chimero

I totally agree about reading high quality writing. It’s a very sensible thing to do. Practising is also a good idea, of course, but allow me to add this: go for quality, not quantity.

I’ve had a couple of cyber-arguments about this with other writers and it seems I’m in a minority, but I stick by my argument, which goes as follows.

Some people sit down at their desk and write, write, write. They say that it doesn’t matter what they produce, because it still serves a purpose - they are still practising their craft.

I beg to differ, because for me, practising is as much about analysis as it is the act of doing something. I see no point in writing, writing, writing if you aren’t taking care and thinking critically.

People get better at stuff by moving forward and occasionally stopping to check the route. Those who plough on regardless eventually hit a lack-of-progress-shaped wall and find themselves trudging slowly back to look for the missed turnoffs.

(via iainbroome)

I don’t think the two modes are mutually exclusive as both consider reading good work a fundamental tenet. I would argue that you can’t be a writer of any sort without writing, and I would also argue that you can’t be a good writer without being (or having at your beck and call) a good editor. It sounds as if Mr. Broome does a great deal of editing as he goes along. I’m of the camp who believes in writing first, editing second. I think either is viable, but you have to find what works for you.

However, in addition to reading good work and being critical of your own writing, I would also suggest reading bad work with a critical eye. It’s probably easiest to do this by joining a local writers group or something, so long as the group you join considers itself serious and tries hard. One of the fastest ways to improve your own work is to help others improve their own.

(via iainbroome)

8:35pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZlJiby1E32KA

(Notes: 23)