Starting to Write

If you see some unnecessary sentences, cross them out. If, while revising, some new idea popped up to your mind, you may consider adding it up. Make sure that your work has enough “salt and pepper” on it. Just enough: Never too much, for if you write too much, you may appear showy. And always look for “loops” in your work…

Writing is not only fun, it is revealing oneself. Who knows who would be reading your essays? Who knows who would be influenced?

Writing is a means of preserving ideas. It is a modern way of conversation. But not everybody can write effectively. Some fail to attract readers; while others, though they have sane ideas, don’t know where to start. There’s always an advantage for one who can write. But the world isn’t over yet if you are in the “pen-hating” majority of the population: Writing can be learned. Not all people started to write as Shakespeare and J.K. Rowling. Writing is studied gradually; in this essay, you’ll read about the basics in writing. Then, you may formulate your own writing styles and hopefully be as prominent as your idolized authors.

If you don’t know where to start, don’t be bothered. Just start writing. Don’t think of a finished work: Jot down all that came to your mind related to the topic you’re writing about. You may also write an outline for the desired pattern of your essay. After that, revise. Think of your readers: What kind of words shall you use? What may interest your readers more? What kind of approach shall be more applicable? You may not use technical jargons to normal people. So if you’re expecting different types of readers, use simple words and never use archaic words. You should not talk about unknown things to people who would not recognize them easily.

If you see some unnecessary sentences, cross them out. If, while revising, some new ideas popped up to your mind, consider adding them. Make sure that your work has enough “salt and pepper” on it. Just enough: Never too much, for if you write too much, you may appear showy. And always look for “loops” in your work. “Loops” meaning repetitive sentences added just to make a longer essay. These loops impede the progress of the reader into the essay or story. Bear always in mind that your goal is to invite the reader deeper into your work. Impediments would make the readers impatient. They would think that they are going nowhere; just like running in a loop. For example, if I wrote something like this: “The students are studying inside the school. Where else should they study if not in the school? They are students and not scientists who can research in a laboratory instead of a school which is a place where students study…” or like: “I know what he has done on the first night that I ever saw him doing what he does at night.” Readers value their time. If they see your work as irrelevant or time wasting, they’ll turn away from your work.

Next, read your article once more: have you elaborated your point sufficiently enough for them to keep up with you? Use other ways to explain your point: Narratives and anecdotes are easier to understand and more attractive. And finally, use a conclusion that would make them agree to your point completely- a coup de grace.

Writing is not only fun, it is revealing oneself. Who knows who would be reading your essays? Who knows who would be influenced? And who knows up to what time and era your work would be read? Your opinions can matter forever.