Write with Purpose

Every word you add to a story counts, when writing fiction short and sweet should be your goal. every word in a sentence should lead somewhere.  Your characters’ should have a reason to go to that specific bridge, or the looming tower at the top of the hill, don’t have your story run by neat little scenes with no purpose, if you review your writing and see a scene that you really like specifically because of the way you described it even though it doesn’t really do anything for the story, cut it. This kind of writing is the writer wallowing in his own cleverness, it is for the writer not the reader. this is not the worst writing practice in existence,  it helps the writer learn more about the craft and his own approach and style to writing may develop this way. but it comes down to one simple thing, in the books you see on bookstore shelves and on the bestseller list, the authors did not pander do the own little writing fancies instead they write to serve the writer. I am going to do a little fiction of my own as a way of example, Sally is an avid reader and would like to have her own book on the shelf someday but for now she settles with her local book store,  Sally is perusing the aisles when she spots a book with an interesting title and evoking cover art, she picks it up and starts the first chapter, which is filled with great dialogue, and beautiful description, but the second chapter seems to lag’s off after a few pages, this is due to lack of purpose, if something ( and I mean anything,) doesn’t have a concrete reason to be in the story there is no need for it. Remember even the most beautiful diamond wont fit every ring, it’s the same for writing even great writing whether it be description, dialogue, action etc, wont fit with every story.

Things To Remember

1. Effective writing needs purpose
2. Serve the reader not yourself
3. Plan ahead at least a chapter or so of whats happening
4. Stay calm and enjoy yourself good writing is never forced