More Tips for Writers

Yuri Baranovsky once wrote an article about writing that I responded to in humor.

I'd like to add to it.

1. Figure out why you're writing what you are
Of course, everyone comes to an idea because they like it. It sticks. But every writer has to ask themselves if it is an idea worth doing. You need to know if it is going to write itself, because any good story WILL write itself. You just have to be the guide.

2. Figure out why you are writing NOW
This one is important. You may have an idea in you, but it just won't come out. Then one day, it does. A key to good writing is figuring out who you are, and this is very much intertwined with that. Whatever is currently going on in your life, no matter what the genre of story you are writing, will more than likely heavily affect the style of your work. This goes for psychological as well as emotional. If you don't know why you need to write your play about rats, you probably should figure it out, or you will never feel comfortable with your rat play.

3. Don't be afraid to ask for help
I think this has more to do with pride and a messed up version of dignity than ego. Being able to say that you wrote something yourself. Being able to say that you didn't need help. This can severely hurt a writer, especially a young one. When, in reality, a writing partner can be a great tool for pitching and refining ideas. You also shouldn't be offended if they come up with a better idea.

Okay, I'll be here all week. Tip your waitresses.