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| Jo Rowling's outline map for Order of the Phoenix. |
Published or not, if you take a little time every day to read words and sentences that are strong and put together properly, you will take that into your own writing and begin to emulate it.
It doesn't matter if you prefer to read Tolkien, Twain, or Austen, or more modern writers like Hale or Sanderson. If it's a well-crafted book, you'll be able to learn about writing, simply by reading it.
Here's an example: I'm a Harry Potter fanatic. *high fives Dash & Hero* I can listen to the Harry Potter audio books any time, while doing anything. Dishes, driving, running, whatever. I love the way Jo strings words together. It's not heavy reading, but it's very well-written. If you haven't read them, I highly recommend you do. She creates atmosphere so well, and her characters are genuine, but above all, these books are well-crafted.
Last night, as I fell asleep listening to Jim Dale voice Harry's goodbye to Dobby the House Elf in the garden of Shell Cottage, I couldn't help but hope that I can craft words as beautifully as those. That some day, someone will appreciate my stories as much as I do these and so many others.
But to do that, I have to remember the three most important rules of writing:
1. Write.
2. Write.
3. Write.
Get the words on the page, and it'll work out, right? Right.
-Page
Love it! Harry is awesome I must agree.
ReplyDeleteLove your three rules of writing. and i agree if you are going to make great writing you have to read great writing. i find this very helpful. my nano book i writing in omniscient 3rd person so to help me get a feel for who to write this i am listening to the Count of Monte Cristo. (it is also secretly one of my goals to write something as awesome as that book ssshhhh it's a secret)
ReplyDeleteRight. ON!!
DeleteGreat post, Page. I know I've said this before, but I have to say it again.
ReplyDeleteI love us.