Seven Tips to Practice Focusing Your Writer’s Eye
By
Edie Melson
By and large, writers are an observant
lot. Things others might brush over or miss entirely stay with us, sparking
ideas that blossom and grow. An overheard conversation can lead us to the plot
of an entire book.
But like any skill that comes
naturally, there's still room for improvement.
I call it focusing the writer’s eye.
Today, I want to give you seven tips to help you focus your writer's eye.
1. Stop hearing, and take time to listen. The
world around us is filled with words. So much so that it becomes a kind of
white noise. As writers we need to be able to pick out the bits and pieces that
resonate with the souls of our audience.
2. Search out the music. The spoken word can have a lyrical quality. As writers it’s our job to capture that music on a page. Develop an ear for the cadence in words and sentences.
3. Take what’s being said—not what’s meant—and follow it to an unexpected end. For example, I overheard someone talk about another person’s downfail. No, that’s not a typo; I meant to write DOWNFAIL. From the context, I know he meant to use the word DOWNFALL. But that lead me to a cool devotion on the difference between the two concepts.
4. Paint a picture … with words. Look at something that intrigues you or inspires you, and recreate it in words. Try to boil it down to the essence in a way that others can experience what you did.
2. Search out the music. The spoken word can have a lyrical quality. As writers it’s our job to capture that music on a page. Develop an ear for the cadence in words and sentences.
3. Take what’s being said—not what’s meant—and follow it to an unexpected end. For example, I overheard someone talk about another person’s downfail. No, that’s not a typo; I meant to write DOWNFAIL. From the context, I know he meant to use the word DOWNFALL. But that lead me to a cool devotion on the difference between the two concepts.
4. Paint a picture … with words. Look at something that intrigues you or inspires you, and recreate it in words. Try to boil it down to the essence in a way that others can experience what you did.
5. Expand your horizons. I’ve heard it said that the English language is limiting because it’s not a large language. There just aren’t as many words as in other languages. That may be true, but while the average adult is said to have a vocabulary of between 20,000 – 30,000 words, they probably only use about 5000. As writers, we need to strive to be above average. As a matter of fact, it’s my opinion we should set the standard.
7. Practice, practice, practice. It doesn’t matter. what discipline; every artist will tell you it takes time to become proficient with your medium. This is just as true with words. Get familiar with your medium. Take time to learn the nuances and master the graceful ins and outs of language
What are some things you do to help
you see the world around you in such a way that you can capture it on the page?
Share your own tips here. Also, I’d like to issue a challenge. Take one of the
above points and practice it every day this week. Then, on Friday, report back
and let’s share what we’ve learned. I’ll do it too.
And don’t forget to join the
conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net, Stuart Miles, and Vlado.)
TWEETABLE
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing
life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to
writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your
voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged
and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous
books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their
God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website,
through Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.
Such great words of wisdom and reminders to the writing mind to be alert on all occasions to pick up ideas and create exercises for thought. Thanks, Edie! And thanks Andrea and Alycia for your great site!
ReplyDelete