| TIPS FOR YOUNG
WRITERS |
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1. Play a contact
sport.
Rugby Union was excellent
training for life as a writer. You get accustomed to being pummelled
and learn to get up and keep jogging.
AFL, karate and hockey are
good. Netball is definitely a contact sport
-despite what it says in the rules! If you surf like I
do, that's fine - plenty of pounding into the ocean floor
etc..
2. Switch off the TV.
It's a huge time waster, and
rarely gives you a fresh idea or approach on
anything. Most of the best writers I've met (young
or old) don't watch it much. Have three or four
days a week TV/video-free zones.
3. Read heaps.
Don't get stuck in a groove. If
you like horror, that's fine, but don't just read
horror. If you like Tracks or Chicks,
that's great, but don't just read surf mags.
It's like only ever ordering vanilla
icecream.
4. Pull off the
shades.
Observe. Don't stare.
Don't gaze. Really L O O K. Ask an artist.
5. Eavesdrop.
It's great for dialogue and
little ideas you can put into your stories. Warning!
Don't get caught outside your big sister's door!
6. Find an honest
critic.
Without my family and closest
friends being blunt about my drafts ("Dad, this
paragraph sucks!"), there's no way my writing would
be anywhere near as good. Most publishers make your
fussiest English teacher seem totally laid-back.
7. Write heaps.
Try everything - even your
English assignments. Use unlined paper. Write long-hand
in different coloured pens. Draw pictures. Experiment!
Let it marinade, and fry it on a hot griddle before
serving.
TIPS
FOR OLDER WRITERS
1. Avoid photographers.
2. Read the tips for younger
writers.
3. Mark 10: v 15.
© Warren
Flynn On the net? yeah, right!
Well, just tell people it's from Warren Flynn's website,
okay?
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