9 Writing Strategies From the Greats
If there is one thing writers love — that isn’t writing — it’s talking about writing. We story-crafters love to hear our favorite authors talk about their own love of the written word. We want to hear tricks of the trade from the best. We want up close and personal access to see how our favorite novelists achieved their dreams. Why? Because we have these dreams too. It sounds self-indulgent but in a world where summer blockbusters are no longer seasonal why not relish in our literary interests? That, or you may be stuck with irksome writer’s block and need a tactic out of it.
Either way, here it is. 9 writing strategies from the greats.
Ray Bradbury
The author of Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, and hundreds of short stories has a thing or two to say about writing. Zen and the Art of Writing is a collection of essays that alone can act as a writer’s guide. Bradbury traveled everywhere from the Writer’s Guild Theater to universities and did one-on-one interviews. He’s spoken to professionals and newcomers alike — all which have remarked on Bradbury’s infectious love of writing. Who better to bestow writerly advice than a man who simultaneously gave lessons and spread his literary love?
Bradbury’s Recommendations:
Have a nightly reading regimen. Regimen is right. Bradbury suggests reading one short story, poem, and essay every night. You’ll either find new subjects to write about or learn techniques from other pieces. Mind you, the author had a disdain for modern works so stick with well-renowned works (sorry, Fifty Shades of Grey doesn’t cut it). He also believed essays should go beyond a person’s usual scope to include diverse topics. Suggestions? How about zoology, archaeology, or philosophy?
Write one short story every week. The author believed it’s “not possible to write 52 bad stories in a row.” Set yourself a weekly deadline for each piece. At worst you will force your way out of writer’s block. At best you might produce something you’ll actually want your mother to hang up on the kitchen fridge — or is that just my mom?
The word-association technique. Bradbury admits there were many times he found himself stumped in front of a typewriter. The trick to getting himself out was to “put down any word or series of words that happened along in my head.” Before he knew it (and probably a week later) he found himself staring at a full-length story. And it all started with one word. Just the first that came to mind. Simple enough?
Ernest Hemingway
Do you love magicians who reveal tricks on television? If you do and you’re a writer, invest in Ernest Hemingway on Writing. See, this great American novelist thought it was plain bad luck to discuss writing. It’s the same kind of reason magicians don’t reveal their tricks — you know, cause then it wouldn’t be magic. Lucky for us, Ernest Hemingway on Writing is a collection of this Nobel Prize winner’s advice on his taboo subject.
Here’s what Ernest has to say:
Have a daily word count goal. For Hemingway that was somewhere between 1200 and 3000 words. But, he does note there were many days when even he was happy to get one page out. The point here is to strive for something real. Have a concrete word count every day — and crush it.
Write what you know, really. If writing majors had a dime for every time…I know. We’ve all heard it but if Hemingway agrees there is something to it. Don’t take this lightly, though. According to him, writers should write about the everyday people they interact with. Include those you love and those you wish would just call out sick today. Make your story so true readers will have felt they lived it themselves.
Be mindful of your emotions. Writing emotions that feel genuine is difficult. Hemingway felt so himself but figured out something early on. If you pay attention to your emotions and track the events that led to that particular feeling, you can use that same pathway in your stories. So next time your server forgets your gluten allergy realize you have writer’s gold — as long as you stay Buddhist in the moment.
Kurt Vonnegut
Vonnegut is considered one of best American writers of the second half of the 20th century. He is best known for his idiosyncratic voice that communicates dark topics as comedic relief. His style is well-loved and best known in Slaughterhouse-Five and Breakfast of Champions. The author famous for his existential quote: “I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don’t let anybody tell you different” had writing wisdom just as hilarious and profound.
If this is the kind of off-beat style you dig (I certainly do) read below to see what Vonnegut wants you to do:
Have other interests. Mr. Vonnegut told The Paris Review “Literature should not disappear up its own asshole, so to speak.” It boils down to this: get other hobbies, other fascinations. You’ll gain writing ammo. Not every story needs to revolve around aspiring writers (although there is a definite indie flick market that says otherwise).
Be precise. It’s about clarity. Say what you mean in a way everyone can understand. Vonnegut believed professors forced students to read texts that achieved one thing: saying precisely what the author intended to say. So be specific with every line and word you choose. Every choice needs to add clarity to your intent, not muddle it.
Sound genuine. This is literal. Write in the voice you speak with. You don’t need to sound like anyone but the person who has been and lived through the moments you have. Vonnegut thinks the worst thing you can do is try and “write like cultivated Englishmen of a century or more ago.” That’s a bunch of baloney.
