The Myth of Inspiration
Some new or inexperienced writers mistakenly believe that professional writers are somehow more inspired than the everyone else. They have the idea that writers are born with special gifts, that writing is somehow easier for them, that they are able to produce effective writing without effort. This notion of the inspired writer is, however, a myth. Writers, like anyone with a job to do, are just people who know how to use their skills and who are willing to put in the hard work to do a job well.
Three Strategies All Good Writers Possess
Linda Flower suggests that writing is not a matter of inspiration so much as of knowing how to approach the task with the right tools. She says that although there will always be writers who possess unusual or outstanding abilites, all professional writers possess three important skills that anyone can learn.
Strategies for Composing One's Writing
Accomplished, productive writers understand the nature of the writing process. They know that writing is a complex activity involving planning, generating and organizing ideas, writing numerous drafts of an essay, and reviewing what they've written to see that it accomplishes what they intended it to. They know that first drafts are not the same as final drafts. They know that the first thing they produce may not be the best thing they produce. They aproach writing with a playful attitude; that is, they are willing to experiment. They understand that it's okay to throw out any writing that doesn't work. They know that sometimes they have to put their writing away for a while until they can look at it afresh. And they're willing to stay with the project until they get it right.
Strategies for Adapting Writing to One's Readers
Good writers know that when their first drafts are often written for themselves, but must be adapted to meet the needs of their readers. Consequently good writers work to make sure that their writing has a purpose and that they have communicated that purpose clearly somewhere in their writing. They make sure that they support their writing with adequate examples and illustrations, and they don't include anything that isn't related in some way. They develop effective introductions which invite their readers to engage with their writing; they write conclusions that signal the end of their writing by inviting the reader to take an action, or understand an idea clearly. They check to see that their readers are able to travel from one to another of their points easily and smoothly.
Strategies for Evaluating and Editing Writing
Good writers are not only able to write essays, they are also able to revise them. They take the time to review what they have written to check it against any goals they set for their writing. This means not only that they are aware of their writing goals and have kept them in mind throughout their writing, but they are also aware of strategies for making improvements in their writing anywhere that it doesn't accomplish what it is supposed to. Good writers understand the difference between revision, which involves re-seeing what they have written in order to make significant changes, and editing which involves making mechanical, usage, and spelling corrections to their writing. They understand that mechanical errors may influence the effectiveness of their writing, but it is far more important for them to make sure that their ideas are clear and well developed, and they save editing until the end of the writing process.
Someone once said that success was 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration. That's certainly true of writing. Knowing the strategies that professional writers use and being able to use them yourself can help you go a long way toward becoming a more efficient and successful writer. If you have questions, don't hesitate to e-mail me at closserb@andrews.edu.