Joyce Dunn

Some Thoughts On Writing



Posted: Wednesday, December 02, 2009

by Joyce Dunn

Some people will tell you that writing is hard work. Personally I don't find that to be true. It does take some work to make your writing as good as it can be.

I find I'm happier with my finished product if I let it sit for a few days, frequently re-reading, editing, eliminating, adding, and tweaking the spelling, grammar and punctuation. I find the advice Anne Lamott gives in her book about writing, Bird By Bird, to be very helpful. "Just write, get it down on paper." Then go back and refine what she refers to as "The shitty first draft."

The other thing I find helpful is to have someone else read it; someone who is willing to give constructive feedback. I may think what I've written is crystal clear, while an objective third party can point out the ambiguity in some of my statements.

I hope this is helpful. Now, go and "Write On."

Joyce has been writing for her own enjoyment for many years, and only in the past few years has gained the courage to "go public" with her writing. She has had two books published, and is involved with the Fine Lines magazine as a special editor. Her writing primarily reflects her own experiences, or the life experiences she has observed in others. She has her own blog, New Post on my blog: http://jottingsfromjoyce.over-blog.com/ Then click on " view comments" in the green box to read the blog.

Her website is www.strinz.com/healing.

Joyce would like to add that she always welcomes constructive criticism comments.

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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by Gerry Charbonneau
 2 years 156 days ago.
Two very important points Joyce. Good article.
 
Some writers suffer from constipation of the mind and diarrhea of the vocabulary as they churn out paragraph after paragraph of useless drivel.
 
The first important step involves  taking the time to sit down, compose your thoughts and then write them down.
 
The next step is to have another person read your work and appraise the masterpiece you have finished composing.
 
Writing takes a lot of work that's true . But with time and much practice and patience the words will flow as your thoughts develop.
» left by Joyce Dunn 2 years 156 days ago.
33 fans.
Thanks for your comments Gerry. Still can't totally agree about writing taking a lot of work. :) I find that's true only if I'm trying to write something I'm not all that interested in, or excited about.
» left by Carolyn Tytler 2 years 155 days ago.
32 fans.
I agree, Joyce. My problem is finding an interesting topic.
» left by Joyce Dunn 2 years 155 days ago.
33 fans.
Isn't that the truth! :)
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