Generally we are all tuned to think that Writing is an art, that only lucky few can do it well. But expert argue that it 's an excuse - a justification that many of us say and use prominently. But the truth is the that the key to being a better writer is, essentially, to be a more productive one or more simply, the key to being a better writer is to write.
We think that great writers would have special inspiration or contrived stimuli to boost their output where as the world's most brilliant writers stressed regular routines and schedules for writing.
Maya Angelou, Ernest Hemming way, Charles Dickens, and Oliver Sacks kept regular hours to cultivate creative rhythms. They might 've had certain quirks (Hemming way wrote standing up, and Maya Angelou kept a room in a budget hotel to escape the distractions of her domestic life), but many kept schedules and routines that look as ordinary and predictable as those in any individual's life.
Mostly many have a schedule of writing like everyday work. Like a routine because it demands such efforts. Becoming a better writer & working on muscles are some what similar advices an expert as they both - writing and strength training can feel awkward and a little painful at first. But the point is to keep at it, even when it's uncomfortable and you 'd rather quit.
Simply put, the key to being a better writer is to write.
Make a regular Habit of it, because as author Gretchen Rubin writes, ''Habits are the invisible architecture of everyday life." In this case habit lends the necessary scaffolding to support better writing.
"Write like crap if you have to . But write every day. Keep the streak alive," says Beth Dunn , author of Cultivating Content Design
So, How to make this work?
* Set aside time each day especially when you are fresh meaning the first thing in the morning. For many it may be different. You can choose the time of the day that would work for you.
* Don't write a lot . Just write often - The advice to write often is from author Jeff Goins, who points out that - " Spending five hours on a Saturday writing isn't nearly as valuable as spending 30 minutes a day every day of the week. Especially when You 're just getting started."
Jeff also says habits "Practiced once a week aren't habits at all. They 're obligations.'' He adds "If you're doing something once a week, it's probably only a matter of time before you stop doing it altogether."
Finally we have to understand that there are no short cuts to becoming a better writer. So show up at your desk and get to it. Daily
Writing daily not only helps in establishing ourselves as writers but also as healthy individuals. The center for Journal therapy confirms that Writing help the user to propel their personal growth, practice creative expression and feel a sense of empowerment and control over the user's life.
These are possible as expressive writing can result in a reduction in stress, anxiety and depression, improve sleep and performance; and brings greater focus and clarity. These effects of writing as a tool for healing are well documented.
Writing in seniors stimulates cognitive function & memory retention. Writing something down help them to remember it.
It has been demonstrated, across a variety of investigations , that writing activities yield a number of intellectual, physiological, and emotional benefits to individuals. These benefits include improve memory function, decreased symptomatology, and greater feelings of happiness.
Then what are you waiting for ? Without any further delay, start the worthwhile activity of writing everyday.
( This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.)