4 Writing Tips Taught by the Literary Authorities

One Google search for "writing tips or advice" will produce endless notions on clarity, inspiration, passion, diction, and so much more in writing. While much of this advice is no doubt worthwhile and apt, taking advice from the experts is always a great way to go. Writing is an extremely challenging endeavor (as we can all attest to). But, of course, successful writing is one of the most important skills any individual can possess, particularly in a professional atmosphere. The only real way to gain knowledge into the writing process is through experience. Successful writing is all about composition, practice, and passion. These four quotes directly from the pens of the world's greatest literary minds can help you improve the substance and craft of your writing.

Show Don't Tell
"Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass." —Anton Chekhov

As possibly one of the most essential rules to good writing, Chekhov voices the importance of vivid writing. Though it will always depend on the type of writing you are doing, in creative exposition you are most successful using imagery and metaphor to capture the essence of something. Work to create a picture of a scene for your reader, rather than merely telling them what is present. Of course, (as the most important things always are) this is one of the most difficult writing tactics to master. We have a natural tendency to just explain a scene what is there, who is present, and how the characters are feeling. No doubt this makes for easier writing. However, to elicit a real emotional response we much make our readers feel what the scene is feeling rather than just see what it is feeling.

Write Only What is Necessary
"I try to leave out the parts that people skip." —Elmore Leonard

Clear and Concise writing is held above all else. This tip in particular is something I struggle with. I have a tendency to write in longwinded and verbose sentences. It's easy to find numerous words to fill in a page; the difficult part is choosing exactly what you want to say and just saying it. Writing in any sort of professional way means writing for an audience. You must create prose that interests and inspires your readers. Cut out the things that are not necessary; if they are not necessary, they are not interesting.

Revise, Revise, Revise
"The first draft of anything is s**t." –Ernest Hemingway

Known for his brief, exact prose, Hemingway is no doubt the master of precision. In writing, there is nothing more important than revision. Every draft is an improvement upon the next. Though this point has been argued by some, most will agree that revision and editing are essential steps in the writing process. Speaking to more than merely revision, this quote touches on the importance of patience in your writing. Creating something that feels complete takes time and effort. As I know from personal experience, it is easy to feel beat down by your writing. Completely your first draft is exhausting and then re-reading it to find that it is not what you had hoped can be devastating. Keep faith in your work and give it more time and more effort.

Write with Passion
"When genuine passion moves you, say what you've got to say, and say it hot." –D.H. Lawrence

If you are not excited by your work, then no one else will be either. It's a fairly simple equation. Write what you love and that passion will be apparent in your prose. Though there will always be days that challenge you, you have to truly love what you do in order to prosper at it.

Byline:
This is a guest post by Kimberly Wilson. Kimberly is from accredited online colleges, she writes on topics including career, education, student life, college life, home improvement, time management etc.