George W. Kaufman
Three pieces of advice.
First, read books from as many kind of writers and as many kinds of works as time permits. You will learn as much from bad writing as you will from good writing. Be critical about what you read and consider what drew you into a book, or what kept you aloof from being engaged by the book.
Second, write every day. Writing is muscle that needs to remain sharp and fresh. Cheat on this commitment and the results will show up in your writing. Honor this commitment and the results will also show up.
Third, keep notes of comments you hear, settings that are unusual, or people with quirky or strange habits. Lock them away until an opportunity appears when the comment, or setting or habit becomes part of your story. No matter that a bar you saw in Kansas might now end up in South Africa in your story.
Many writers when writing about their craft will offer similar advice, while others have their own unique ways of framing what is inspirational for them. If my suggestions are helpful - give them a try. If you are still looking for more direction, consult the work of authors with their own singular approach. (W. Stegner; E. Welty; N. Goldberg; A. LaMott; R. Bradbury; B. Euland; N. Aronie; etc. - the list is almost endless).
First, read books from as many kind of writers and as many kinds of works as time permits. You will learn as much from bad writing as you will from good writing. Be critical about what you read and consider what drew you into a book, or what kept you aloof from being engaged by the book.
Second, write every day. Writing is muscle that needs to remain sharp and fresh. Cheat on this commitment and the results will show up in your writing. Honor this commitment and the results will also show up.
Third, keep notes of comments you hear, settings that are unusual, or people with quirky or strange habits. Lock them away until an opportunity appears when the comment, or setting or habit becomes part of your story. No matter that a bar you saw in Kansas might now end up in South Africa in your story.
Many writers when writing about their craft will offer similar advice, while others have their own unique ways of framing what is inspirational for them. If my suggestions are helpful - give them a try. If you are still looking for more direction, consult the work of authors with their own singular approach. (W. Stegner; E. Welty; N. Goldberg; A. LaMott; R. Bradbury; B. Euland; N. Aronie; etc. - the list is almost endless).
More Answered Questions
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more