Have you ever been amazed at the choice of strong words you've used in your old essays or writings?
I came across a stack of my older printed essays. After reading some, I realized that the frequent comment from members in my very first adult writing class confirmed it: "You have a writer's knack for using strong, powerful, and effective verbs." That's just my writing style. I am pretty much self-taught although twenty + years ago I was learning the ropes and paying attention to reading material and classes.
I was shocked by the heading on one: Cut your babies and leave them on the floor. (Yuck! Ugh!) But that was a most valuable class. I learned that the action should be prompt and prominent. Don't lead the reader astray. Your character doesn't have to slip into her coat, grab her purse, open the door, get in the car, insert the key, start the engine... place her in the scene faster.
On this rainy day I am reminscing about and thankful for the many publications that have published my work over the years, and the many people who have helped me along the way.
Whether you are a writer or a reader, it is nice to leave your legacy in print. Write a love letter to a family member, recall a memory, or write about your fears, fantasies, and future plans. When you look back in a few years you will be amazed, too.
3 comments:
It's funny that you mentioned this on your post today, as it's a cold day here as well, and I read some of the stories I wrote back a few years ago. They are about my childhood, and I wanted my children to always have them. And Yes, my writing was a bit different back then....sometimes bold, and sometimes sweet. Isn't it funny how different we write through the years? It may have something to do with what we're going through at the time.
That's so nice that your writing has been published over the years. Keep it up, Linda. It's such a wonderful thing to express ourselves in writing, especially when it exudes goodness.
~Sheri
You have a great style, and have given me much advice over the years. I would let my darlings languish, sucking in labored breaths in an iron lung, rather than kill them off or allow them to fade away in a dignified death! You gave me the gumption to murder a few.
Linda--You're encouraging Val to murder a few of her "darlings"? If I were Farmer H, I would sleep with one eye open...
Write a love letter? I think I will follow your advice.
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