Sharing some Thoughts on Writing that "Great American Novel" * (from Creative Writing Course)

Article Title: Sharing some Thoughts on Writing that "Great American Novel" * (from Creative Writing Course)
* or that of any other countryr
Author: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Writing, Writing the Novel, Writing Course, Creative Writing Course, The Novel, Novel, Writing Hints/Tips (enough there now, craig)

Web Sites:
http://www.creativekiwis.com/course/index.html and www.lulu.com/craiglockr
Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981 (Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, 'spiritual writings' (how 'airey-fairey'), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig!)
We hope that the following article (which is a lesson from our online writing course) may be informative and helpful to your e-zine readers, or on your web site. If it helps others "out there" in any way, then we're very happy.
"We share what we know, so that we all may grow."

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Sharing some thoughts on Writing that "Great American Novel"* (from Creative Writing Course)

* or that of any other country

"Writing is like sex in that it can be very nice when you are thinking about it, terrific when you are doing it, very
satisfying afterwards...and you write because you have to." - anon

"Asking a working writer what he thinks about critics is like asking a lamp post how it feels about dogs." - Christopher Hampton, British writer and dramatist

Take an objective viewpoint in your story. Writing in the FIRST person is probably easiest, especially for first time novelists.

# Don't shift viewpoints. Write from one perspective: first, third person, etc.

# Write as you talk.

# Introduce problems with which the reader can identify or sympathise. Bring in emotions (such as pity, contempt, fear,anger and hatred).

# You can even use the technique of flashbacks. A difficult tool, yet effective, if not overdone.

# Use dramatic symbols, termed 'foreshadowing'. Eg: "When Joe went into the store, he had no idea he was about to make one of the biggest blunders of his life." Foreshadowing builds up dramatic intensity in your story.

Read with care and attention. In her book 'Becoming a Writer', Dorothea Brande suggests you should read a book twice in quick suggestion. First for enjoyment, then to discover how the author tells it. Look at the techniques, successes and failures of the narrative. Do you think the author succeeded in his/her aims at the outset?

You learn by practice - only later think of publishing.

Think of a new angle for your story. For example: opposition to quarry - "greenies" vs businessmen for "progress". Instead of describing the protesters chained, write about the child injured.

See your story, is if it's taking place before you on a lighted stage...make the reader see it. Then they'll FEEL it. In summary, write smarter not harder.
*
I think that words have such power in them (did I need to include those last two words?). I only write about subjects, about which I'm passionate - for a PURPOSE:

"My writing mission is through my words to inform, illuminate, entertain, uplift, delight, as well as hopefully even inspiring people. I aim to do this by sharing a bit of my knowledge and life experiences - through supporting, encouraging and empowering others to be the best person they can possibly be."

You too can implement a plan, a purpose for your writings. It may be to inform, impact, enchant, dazzle, enlighten, or even uplift others spirits through the immense power of your words. For example, as a contrast between writing light-hearted words of entertainment, or ones of suspense and maybe sadness. Otherwise you may use the power of the pen to write incredibly moving words of laughter and love. "You incredible romantic", Mills and Boon, here we come!

You need to be totally sincere about what you write. Write from the heart, even at times from the inner depths of your soul. You will find that it will stir you and touch every fibre of your being. Be proud of what you write. If you think it is good, say so. Who cares anyway (if you are a little "vain")! Most creative people, like artists are. Write with authority - get your facts
right by doing proper and detailed research. Be original, be patient, perservere and don't build up your hopes too high. Accept that no publisher has an obligation to publish your book. Your job is to make her (they usually are in this industry), or him want to publish your book.

"I write because something inside myself, inner and unconscious forces me to. That is the first compulsion. The second is one of ethical and moral duty. I feel responsible to tell stories that inspire readers to consider more deeply who they are." (I wholeheartedly agree with those well-put sentiments from another 'anonymouse' writer).

My writing reveals who I really am (an "airey-fairey/arty-farty type"???)

Use the beauty and grace of language to tell your tale.

Happy writing and enjoy your creative jou
ey of self discovery and self fulfilment.

Craig Lock Eagle Productions Books ("Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder")

"The world would have you agree with its dismal dream of limitation. But the light would have you soar like the eagle of your sacred visions." - Alan Cohen

"It took me 15 years to find out that I had no talent for rnwriting, but by then I couldn't give it up, because by then I was too famous to give up."
- Robert Benchley

About the author:
Craig is a writer, who believes in (and loves) sharing information with a touch of humour, as well as encouraging and helping others to find their talents and gifts, to strive for and accomplish their dreams in life - whatever they may be.

The new online creative writing and publishing course. http://www.creativekiwis.com/course/index.html
15 entertaining lessons by a prolific author. Learn the craft of writing creatively and have fun at the same time.

The various books (including novels) that Craig "felt inspired to write" are available at http://www.webng.com/write
z/index.html
http://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html + www.lulu.com/craiglock

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children - MINE

What's the definition of an aspiring author?
A waiter!

What's the difference between a writer and a family pizza?
The pizza can feed a family of four!
PPS: Craig's new blog with thoughts and extracts from various writings is at : http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock22+ www.craiglock.wordpress.com

"They say that if enough chimpanzees were put in front of enough word processors for enough time, eventually one of them would write Hamlet."