An ideal writer weaves magic with words casting a spell on his readers and evoking myriad emotions in them. A poignant piece of literature can move the readers to happiness or tears, can inspire and influence, motivate and buoy your spirits. However, there are no set guidelines to be a great writer. No formulae to create a magnum opus. Flair for writing is an inherent quality that is induced by the love for a language, the yen for playing with words and a spark of brilliance that sets the exceptional apart from the ordinary, a masterpiece from the mundane.
If the basics are in place and some simple steps are followed, then your writing can attain an enviable level of perfection and flawlessness. Below are some tips to master the art:
To become a good writer, you need to give wings to your imagination so that your readers are transported to a different world. A humdrum life can be the backdrop of your story with very ordinary characters. But the same characters when put in difficult situations should rise to the occasion and display extraordinary characteristics that make them exceptional.
The most dreaded and detested word in the literary world is plagiarism. If you are dubbed as one, your professional life is doomed. Originality is the cornerstone of all literary works. You can get inspired by another author’s work but direct lifting of story idea or pattern of writing will mar your credibility and ruin your career as a writer. A unique and fresh theme, which packs in a lot of surprises in terms of style and literary merit, makes it a delightful read.
Write in a language that you are most comfortable in. It is very important to master a language before venturing into its depths. The nuances of syntax, sentence and the finesse of the words can be best expressed if you are proficient in the language.
Lucid and simple writing is appreciated by all. Avoid verbose words and complicated sentence structures. Your writing should reflect your pedagogy rather than imposing it on the readers. The key is to connect with the readers and strike a chord with them. Ambiguous and impenetrable writing will estrange your readers.
Wrong spellings or incorrect grammar is a huge turn off for readers. It immediately raises questions about your credibility as a good writer and relegates you to a sub-standard category. So be very meticulous and even after you have checked and re-checked it yourselves, and after self-editing, make sure you vet it by a professional and capable editor to be doubly sure.
Extensive research is a foundation of any good piece of writing. Delve deep into the subject and do a lot of reading and cross references. Your knowledge will reflect in your capability to analyze and the intricacies of detailing, thus establishing your authority on the particular subject. Incorporating anecdotes and analogies, statistical data or published facts will add to your credibility.
The title of any work attracts the immediate attention of the reader and arouses his curiosity and anticipation at the first place. A good title provides the reader a glimpse of what is in store for him in the following pages. A boring and run-of-the-mill writing takes away half the charm even if the work is exceptional. So devote considerable time and settle for an appealing title that does justice to your work.
So wield the power of the mighty pen to make a statement with your writing and your repertoire of work will be lauded by the world.
