Questions

One common element whenever human beings gather is the need to talk and share experiences. Often that need turns into something a little more fun, a little more dangerous — gossip. Gossip is often fun but it can also be dangerous because it spreads quickly (because it is fun) and often distorts or even completely avoids the truth. Gossip creates myths in many fields and professions, and the field of writing is especially prone.

The top five myths about writing are:

Myth 1: Writing is easy for some people. Let me tell you that is just about the biggest myth going. I have been a professional writer for going on three decades now. I also know many other professional writers of various ages, experience, and income. I don’t know a writer that will tell you that writing is easy. Writing is brutal, hard work and there are times when I think it would be easier to simply open a vein as Red Smith said. However experience and practice can make many writing tasks easier. There are some writing tasks that I can almost accomplish on autopilot because I have written that specific format and/or topic a lot.

Myth 2: Writing requires talent. I won’t lie. Talent can certainly help and talent is what separates the great writers from the good writers. But the truth is that talent is not enough to make a writer great or even good and talent is not a necessary requirement to be a good writer. Writing is a skill that can be learned, developed and honed. If you practice your craft, if you read the writing of others to learn more about your craft, and if you seek and accept guidance and suggestions about your writing then you will improve and grow as a writer. Dedication harnessed with talent can create amazing results but if I had to pick just one then I would go with dedication. You can always increase your skill level through dedication.

Myth 3: Writing isn’t a useful skill. I have made my living as a writer for my entire professional life but even if you don’t intend to make your living with words you will need this crucial skill. There simply isn’t a profession that does not involve writing. Perhaps the form will vary, but written communication is the cornerstone in every professional field. Your writing ability will often impact landing a job as well as advancing in your career. Today written communication is even more crucial in professional and personal relationships.

Myth 4: You can’t make a living as a writer. I can remember when I told my father that I wanted to be an English major in college. He was very worried that I wouldn’t be able to support myself. The truth is that I have never had trouble finding a job and today I own my own business because of this flexible and important skill. Not only can you make a living as a writer but writing is an essential tool for many other careers and professions.

Myth 5: Writers block is alive and torturing writers as you read this. I’m not dismissing the difficulties inherent in dealing with writers block but whenever I talk with writers purportedly suffering from it they fall within two general groups. The first group actually creates their own block by insisting on the perfect place, mood, or alignment of planets in order to write. This is beyond ridiculous. One of the many benefits I gained from years of newsroom experience is the ability to write in almost any condition or mood. Deadlines will teach anyone how to give writers block short shrift. The second group I have more sympathy for as their problem really is internal in nature. Usually the problem is that the particular story (whether fiction or nonfiction) they want to tell is not yet finished cooking in their brain. In this case, while the writing may be stalled I don’t agree that it is blocked. The writer must listen to that inner voice and respond appropriately. Sometimes the idea needs more time to percolate and sometimes more research and/or planning is necessary. Once the proper adjustments are made the writing will begin to flow again.

Don’t let your writing fall victim to these five myths about writing.


- Deanna Mascle

Really think about your feelings for the special person in your life. Set aside time to write down some thoughts for your wedding vows. A wedding vow is a promise that a couple will make towards one another and not just hollow words that they will choose to live by. They are your honest emotions that you wish to share with your loved one. So how does one simply start? It can be a daunting task that you will not want to take lightly.

1. After you have made the decision to create your own vows instead of using something standard, find some quiet time for yourself where you can feel comfortable. You will want to imagine how your life will play out even in sadness or sickness as with happiness and laughter. Even when you have arguments, that you will both be willing to compromise and work through your troubles.

2. Talk with people you feel comfortable with whom you respect their views on life, love and relationships. Be it your parents, friends or spiritual leader. Some religions may not allow for altering of wedding vows and traditions, so you should research that beforehand.

3. Don’t be afraid to be romantic and use poetry, the English language can be used beautifully and you should try your hand at it. Otherwise, don’t be shy about finding guidance from great writers and poets that you can look up online. If you feel you just can’t do it right and feel awkward and false, then keep it simple and try to make what you do write the most powerful statements as you can.

4. Once you have written the vows, you can go back to the people you spoke to whose opinions you respect and perhaps they can give you some good advice on what may or may not need to be changed for tweaked.

5. Don’t be afraid to speak truthfully and be yourself. This person knows who you are and being yourself is what got you to this point, so share that with them. Also after it is written, give yourself sometime to dwell on it. Make sure it is everything you want to say, most times the first thing you have written will be great, but there is always room for finessing and fine tuning.

6. Say your vows, remember them if you can. You will want it to be from the heart and not something that you are only reading off a piece of paper. You will want to look into your partner’s eyes if you can and not down at your note. Having your vows in hand is okay just in case you get nervous and lose your place, but it can be more powerful if it feels like they are words that you are saying from your heart.

7. Lastly, keep it under two paragraphs and don’t write and say something you don’t mean, borrowing language to help you express yourself more eloquently is one thing, but don’t be dishonest with your meaning.


- Sebastian Marders

I believe that great writers also do a great deal of reading. I want to know what books i should be comparing my romance/fiction novel to. Any suggestions?
- kairi

Hello. What are some of the best short stories you guys have read when you’re in a really lonely and heart broken mood? I suppose short stories about people in similar situations would be good, preferably ones by great writers, Mansfield or whatever, but anything you think will do the trick. Eh?
Also, a poem of a similar aspect would be great too. But I mean a really good poem, heh.
- Chicopac

I have been told to improve your creative writing you need to read a lot.
What great classic books, can I read (from any period or country) that will improve my writing.
Genre is unimportant, though I am not writing for children.
I said classic, I read science fiction/recent literature as entertainment. But to improve the quality of writing, read the masters. Can any one write a list of great writers to read.
- Bernadette S