Then once you have idea, RESEARCH well, so you are factually correct.

Accuracy in writing is paramount for credibility- you have to be seen to be an authority on your subject..

If you are writing purely for money (nothing wrong with that!), write what will sell. I only write from heart, either with serious messages (in my novels) or "zany" and hopefully uplifting material for human spirit in my non-fiction "work".

Always remember:

There are too many subjects to write about - not too few!

Remember to collect interesting items for later use.

HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR WRITING STYLE

We all have a unique style of writing, in addition to our unique experiences in life... because each one of us is unique, thank God. So just be grateful for who you are , your unique abilities and gifts and count your blessings. Enough on this subject - this is not a new spiritual book!

Style is our natural way of writing: it can be brief, long-winded, chatty, wacky, breezy, light, heavy and so on - like way we talk. I try and write like I speak: very much to point, but with odd "zany" bit thrown in to startle or get a person thinking (or perhaps just wondering about me and where I'm coming from - Mars!).

My advice...

Build on your own natural style of writing... and best way to do that is to get into writing habit. Then just be you. Incidentally, a word of seriousness (for a change)... Although this road I have chosen is very rocky and financially uncertain, doing this type of work gives me way more fulfilment in my life than ever before, as well as feeling this is "real me". And that's most important.

(Can I start a sentence with an "And". See next "gripping" lesson to find out).

Write something daily; because practice makes perfect.

Be open to growth, to try new styles or new directions in your writing. I find after I've done a serious book (like a novel on South Africa), I try to write to inform and entertain in a light breezy style. Probably just both sides of me coming out.

You could perhaps try adding touches of humour, your natural humour, of course!

This comes with confidence and confidence comes with more writing. My confidence has increased greatly after my tentative first steps down this track.

I believe essence of good writing style lies in precision and accuracy.

Therefore omit unnecessary words. Try to think up some examples of everyday unnecessary words and let me know what they are in our homework. One example to get you started: "actually".

Lots more on style coming up in another lesson.

I hope this information may be helpful to you in your creative writing.

You write book or article and then are so very pleased with what you have created. You proudly send it in and wait for accolades. Instead rejections come and hope fades, but don't let it. Weather out your storms, relax in knowing that someone will appreciate your efforts, but perhaps you will have to take cover and wait. When you can throw open doors of bright world of being a writer, you will see rainbow and colors will embrace you. The pot at end of that beautiful rainbow will be your book or article in print and you will be more confident next time, and face that next storm, as surely as they will come, but never go down to demoralizing pits of self-pity and worse yet, total abandonment. The rainbows are out waiting in wings, and stronger gales that blow with each storm, more welcome is that expanse of wonder and delight that represents myriad of people you will touch through your writing and knowledge you share. So go in and have that cup of coffee, relax in front of fire, and wait out storm. Anticipation of that rainbow will make it all worth your while. You will also notice that with each passing turbulance, colors seem deeper and more penetrating. Wishing you strength to weather storm and welcome rainbows. ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 May