Adjusting Your Writing: Focus on Pacing for Better Results
In an article contributed by Richard Risemberg, a writer who has been working in Los Angeles since his teens, we are reminded of the power and importance of consistency in writing.
Risemberg, who has survived long enough to become either a respected elder or a tedious old fart, depending on one's point of view, shares his insights on the writing process. He emphasizes that writing requires sitting down and writing, and it is essential to write a first draft, even if it is imperfect.
One of the key steps for those who are literate but not yet skilled writers preparing to write fiction is to understand the structure and aim of fiction, especially short stories. Begin close to the story’s climax or conflict, avoiding lengthy setup. Open with a sentence that grabs attention and raises questions readers want answered, fueling their curiosity and engagement.
Another important aspect is to write what deeply interests or obsesses you. This emotional authenticity helps create more specific, riskier, and nuanced writing that feels alive and less rehearsed.
Practice showing rather than telling by using sensory details instead of abstract statements. Describe scenes, emotions, or actions concretely rather than relying on “ghost nouns” like “it is” or “there are.” Vary your word choice to avoid repetition and keep prose lively.
Keep language clear and simple, favoring words that instantly communicate meaning without sacrificing emotional depth. This “invisible” style lets the story and characters shine instead of ornate phrasing which can distract readers. Simple writing is often more commercially appealing and effective at engaging readers.
Learn from resources designed for beginners, such as writing podcasts or workshops that offer practical advice and exercises to develop craft, revision, and storytelling skills.
Risemberg also stresses the importance of consistency in writing. Adhering to writing a paragraph a day and not missing a day is crucial to completing a novel within a year. Writing consistently at a pace of 300 to 500 words a day, six days a week, can result in a novel within a year.
The hour of dawn and a relatively quiet neighborhood can be conducive to writing. However, writing can be done at any time of the day, as long as it is done. The first draft's purpose is to be written, not to be perfect.
Lastly, it's worth noting that most modern literature is consumed through reading, not listening. Writing needs to be recorded to be read by others. Richard Risemberg's novels can be found at Crow Tree Books.
In conclusion, preparing for fiction writing involves reading widely in your genre, practicing focused writing exercises that emphasize concrete detail and emotional honesty, and striving to engage readers immediately with compelling beginnings and clear prose. These steps build a foundation to improve steadily from literacy toward skilled, imaginative storytelling.
Read also:
- Weekly update from the German federal parliament, Bundestag
- Promoting Economical Transportation Options for the Elderly Community
- Eco-Friendly Wine Farming and Production Methods
- Women's Grocery Industry Legend Bryan Molnar, recognized as a trailblazer in retail, hails from Whole Foods Market executive ranks.
