Creative Writing Tips for An Aspiring Writer

1. The first step has to be reading the works of other writers who have made it big in this field. It should be a critical reading, with senses alert, soaking up details and analyzing them constantly. This equips the writer with tools for his own creation. It increases his vocabulary and reveals different perspectives and styles. Over a period of time, the subject for writing comes to the writer spontaneously.
2. The next step which the aspiring writer should keep in mind is to mull over the experiences he has drawn from life instead of putting it down on paper immediately, as it is. This is because his aim is not to report writing. Experience should become personal, authentic, and believable on paper. A few details may be omitted, others imagined and added. The outcome then is smooth, complete, and satisfying.
3. Experiences may be new and unique or old and interesting but common. If it is the former, the writer has won half the battle as people will be intrigued to read on. In the latter case, however, the writer’s narrative technique, his perspective on the experience or situation, and his handling of the subject will decide the extent of his success.
4. A good way to begin the business of writing creatively is by maintaining a diary. Consistent writing over months will give the writer certain confidence to take on more difficult forms of writing.
5. Once a writer is determined to get started and assuming that he has processed his thoughts enough, he must visualize it in its totality- its theme, plot, situations, characters, dialogues, action, and denouement. When this picture is crystal clear in his mind’s eye, it is time for him to put his pen to paper.
6. The beginning and end are very crucial. This is because there are a fairly large number of readers who decide the fate of a book by its first and last pages. If the book is too slow or fails to intrigue the reader and lure him on, it loses a reader. There are certain points to be kept in mind for this:

• First and foremost, is clarity of thought and expression. Without either of them, the work is seldom appealing. To make a piece stand out, it should be clear. This cannot be over-emphasized.
• Secondly, the writer should aim at precision. Words should not be wasted. The dictionary and the thesaurus are tools for this and must be reported to. Your work should speak your thoughts precisely. To quote Mark Twain, “Use the right word, not its second cousin.”

7. In today’s world, ornate prose is not too popular. Simple sentences are appreciated. Descriptive and flowery language is often skipped impatiently. The writer should also take care not to sound either pompous or flippant. Be natural. In using adages, clichés or jargon, be sure it does not stick out. It must go with the mood.
8. The length of the work is the writer’s discretion. If there is clarity of thought, the length will sort itself out. Over-explaining must be avoided, though. The reader gets more involved and interested if something is left to his imagination.
9. A touch of humor, if appropriate to the situation, does wonders to the script.
10. Once the writing is done, read it aloud. At places, the language will sound suave but superficial. Cut it mercilessly. Read critically and make corrections. Leave it aside for a week, maybe even a month, and then read it again. This gives a fresh perspective and is usually followed by a lot of many corrections.
11. Show it to friends, serious readers who will read it critically. Listen to their opinions. Go over the script again in light of the criticism. Make your judgment.
12. Once done, it is probably time to send it to the publisher.