By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
We writers want to see our manuscripts published. We work hard on blogs, articles, devotions, fiction, and nonfiction projects. And we are always looking for new techniques to strengthen our message. The following 10 suggestions can help every writer create a more powerful project.
- Develop three sentences describing the writing project. As difficult as this may sound, the clarity and conciseness not only helps the writer focus on the fiction or nonfiction project but also provides an overall pitch to others.
- Incorporate the five senses. Today’s readers yearn for an adventure. If the project is fiction, the reader must experience the story. If the project is nonfiction, the reader needs to be entrenched in the material.
- Instill proper grammar. Nothing is more frustrating or throws a reader out of the experience more than poor grammar and punctuation. With textbooks and websites available to teach and correct our errors, there isn’t an excuse. My go-to site is https://app.grammarly.com/. I also value the Word Frequency Counter at http://www.writewords.org.uk/word_count.asp Paste a document into the site and it prints out the number of times every word is used.
- Network with other writers. Most creative types see life with a bit of quirkiness. We’re often labeled as eccentric, bizarre, or advised to take meds. The truth is we have a distinct perspective on the world that allows us to communicate through the written word. Creative people feel and experience life differently. When we can share our thoughts with like minds, we’re encouraged and inspired to continue. Consider forming a writer’s group.
- Nurture your writer’s voice. Each person has a unique way of stringing together words. It’s the writer’s brand as sure as a hot iron sears the page. The best way to develop voice is to keep writing.
- Provide opportunities to imagine. Some of my best writing happens when I close my eyes and type. Initiate prompts with heartfelt questions. Place the writer in various settings. Explore the sensory perception of nature.
- Read. Read. Read. Underline passages that thrill you. Study favorite books like a workbook. Analyze why the writer has captured your attention. Those who seek publication have a need to know what’s hitting the bestseller’s list and figure out why.
- Research is critical for every area of the project, always more than what the writing requires. Just like we enjoy expressing our views about our life’s work, so do those who specialize in areas in which we need research. Don’t ignore this critical part of writing. I’ve been to Southern Sudan, ridden the line with the Border Patrol in McAllen, interviewed treasure hunters in West Texas, explored the Appalachian area, Interviewed Secret Service agents, forged an ongoing relationship with Houston’s FBI, and I’m a member of the FBI Citizens Academy.
- Value “show, don’t tell” by creating an evocative experience for the reader. This means showing emotion through body language, understanding the power of color, numbers, and other symbolism techniques.
- Edit. Edit. Edit. Consider a critique partner, writing group, or text-to-voice software, such as Ghost Reader.
How do you deepen your craft?
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian Fiction books of 2014.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook: www.facebook.com/diannmills, Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills or any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
The Conversation
DiAnn, This is one of the most clear and concise articles I’ve read about going deep in writing. Thank you. My favorite line, “It’s the writer’s brand as sure as a hot iron sears the page.” It reminds me that our written words are there forever, so we must choose them carefully! God bless you as impart wisdom to us.
This is good DiAnn. I forget to do the first tip and then my writing is all over the place.