February 2, 2010
Top 10 Writing Tips
Today’s post is from Bonita, writer, publisher, and Relevant speaker.
1. Write from the heart. Tell your head to be quiet and let your heart bleed on paper.
2. Write your passion. What excites you, ignites you, and makes you want to shout from the rooftops? That’s your topic.
3. Write what you like. If you don’t like it, your readers won’t either. Write the article you want to read or the novel you can’t put down.
4. Write what you know. Everyone is an expert on something. Use your writing to teach others.
5. Write regularly. Practice makes progress. The more you write, the better you’ll write.
6. Write for enjoyment. You don’t need an audience or a publisher. It’s okay to simply enjoy the art of stringing words together.
7. Write with a purpose. Are you trying to inform, persuade, encourage, confront, or vent? Decide your purpose for each project and stick with it.
8. Write tight. Less is more. Avoid wordy clutter and write with clarity and precision.
9. Write well. Anything worth doing is worth doing well. Read a book, take a class, find a mentor. Do whatever it takes to master the craft.
10. Write now. Don’t wait. As soon as inspiration hits, jot it down before it sprouts wings and flies away.
Most importantly, just write. How, where, when, why, and for whom doesn’t matter as much as the fact that you’re writing. Just do it!
Bonita bleeds ink. She believes she was put on this earth to write for the Lord and to equip, encourage, and inspire others to do the same. She fulfills this mission through her blog, Encouraging Words for Writers, through a weekly email of the same name, and by teaching writing classes and developing curriculums for kids.
Though Bonita adores writing, her greatest joy is being John’s wife, David and Breanne’s mom, and God’s child. Most days you’ll find her at home hidden among piles of dirty laundry and homeschooling books. Most nights you’ll find her sneaking to the computer to type just a few more words.
Bonita is the featured speaker on the Relevant site today – stop by for some Q & A!
Make sure to check back tomorrow as Serena Woods from Grace is for Sinners offers up her best writing tips!
What’s your best writing tip?
16 Responses to “Top 10 Writing Tips”
Thanks for sharing! This is awesome advice and I’m so glad Bonita shared with you–and us!! Sarah Mae I’d also like to invite you over to my blog. I’m learning so much these days, and I’d like to share with you as well. You are a huge inspiration to me and I hope to continue to grow in God and that our friendship grows as well.
Kristen´s last blog post … Never Good Enough–A lesson in Grace
I have no tips to share….that’s why this article comes at a very important time for me. Extremely encouraging!
Thanks!
Kelli @ SustainingCreativity
Kelli´s last blog post … Follow Me Friday!!
I so enjoyed this encouraging post. I feel like I often struggle with how (grammer) and what to write (topics). IS it even worth my time? Does it even encourage and inspire others? I can tell by comments – sometimes, yes! and that is encouraging.
I agree though, that the more you write, the better you are with it… and that is where my journey has taken a pause. I am okay with that. I’m just using my blogging as a means of personal growth and in the end, hopefully someone will be blessed.
Ah, so true! Words from a Wordsmith no doubt. I will go check out the site.
Look forward to hearing from this lady more.
Thanks Sarah Mae :)
Angela´s last blog post … Do you have unrealistic goals as a wife and mother?
Loved this post – thank you. {And yes, Sarah Mae, I heard it – write tight.} ;)
Kristi_runwatch´s last blog post … Human Trafficking – the unheard cries of the forgotten
I did #1 last night and got an amazing response from people :) It was quite encouraging! I don’t have any additional tips — I think all of Bonita’s are great and I must go sign up for her newsletter. I struggle with #5 writing regularly, so I’ll probably work on that first. Thanks Sarah Mae for sharing Bonita’s tips today!
Lisa B @ simply His´s last blog post … Prayer is the most important thing
Great thoughts, thank you for sharing them. My best writing tip … edit! And cut … then cut some more. I’m trying to train myself to keep every post to 350 words … it’s hard for someone who is such a talker. :-)
TeriLynneU´s last blog post … {BIG QUESTIONS} But heeee *insert your best whiney voice*
I so enjoyed this encouraging post, Bonita and Sarah Mae! This baby will be bookmarked! I especially need to pay attention to #8 and #10. :)
I am praying about attending the Relevant conference. It looks simply amazing!
Have a blessed week!
Thanks for sharing!
This post was great! Thank you! I love to write, and needed this! Blessings!
Thank you for this post. I like #1. That is a relief to read. Sometimes my head gets in the way of what the heart is saying. I printed it out and I am saving it by my computer. I will need to remind myself of some of the top 10. I think I might have more of a response when my words come from the heart. thanks Sara Mae! And thank you Bonita!
Tiffany´s last blog post … Pieces of the puzzle
Another great one. I’ve read Bonita’s blog. She’s a very good writer.
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