Define Your Focus – Write Better

Posted by qpen on July 23, 2009

One of the basic questions that come from someone wanting to break into the writing field is: “How do I get material to write about?” or: “What should I write about?” Of course each of us writes in a different style and tone, but there are certain things that we all need to do to make our job of writing easier.

I had a student in one of my writing classes make the comment that one of his friends who is a best selling author was always talking into a hand held device everywhere they went. He said it drove him crazy the way the guy did this all the time.

I explained to him that this writer was “taking notes” on everything that he absorbed from his environment. This is the modern way of the time honored practice of taking notes on napkins or writing in a small notepad. What this author was doing was collecting information that he thought might be useful to him in future writing projects.

By keeping a sharp eye out in your surroundings, you will have plenty of “fodder” for your next article, blog post, or whatever it is you intend to do with your writing. For instance if you are in a restaurant, make a note of the atmosphere, the table linens, the people surrounding you, the color scheme, the art on the walls, the waiter or waitress, etc.

I’m sure you get the gist of this …but don’t try to rely on your memory…write it down or use a hand held device like the author we were discussing earlier. I can assure you that no matter how good you think your memory is… the daily distractions that we all have can lead to taking for granted those small things which are so very important, the things that will add depth and dimension to your writing.

If you are in the grocery store, a gas station, in the park, in the office, or anywhere else your daily commute or travel takes you….be aware….make observations….give yourself something to work with. You will have original work in your own words and with your own writing style with real life scenarios.

If you make a practice of writing everyday, not much but just writing everyday, you will soon become addicted to writing. But unlike some addictions you can have, writing can help you examine your feelings, wants, wishes, etc., or open up thoughts that you never even knew you had!

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