Imitation of form and structure–to use a model, used by another, to help organize one\u2019s own material effectively.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhen it comes down to it, very few writers have ever been innovative. You will find imitation everywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Begin reading literature to become comfortable with various forms: essay, short story, poetry, prose. Pay attention to construction, use of words, and imagery. Those who read a lot have seen others put words together in such a way to create a beautiful visual picture. Whenever you read something that impacts you, use that form as a model to express your thought.<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThis is what we\u2019re after when we write our personal story: to use a familiar form, easily understood by others, but using our own beautiful words, creating pictures in our reader’s minds. Personal stories don\u2019t have to be boring. They should, however, create a feeling of emotion through words, rhythm, and dimension.<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nYou want to show rather than tell when you write. Explain the story in such a way the reader can see what you see, smell what you smell, hear what you hear, and taste what you taste.<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHere are a few pointers:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Do stretch your language by using new words; not faked expression, but broadened expression.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Do eliminate unnecessary words, tighten your story, with every rewrite.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t repeat words in a single paragraph, unless your use is for emphasis. Discover new words.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t begin sentences with passive expressions. Be direct, purposeful, informative, and tactical.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIf you need a refresher on the rules of writing, buy a copy of The Elements of Style<\/em> by Strunk and White, or any other language usage book. Quickly review sentence structure, spelling, and common word mistakes. You might want to buy, or access on your computer, a Thesaurus. You are going to be using more words than ever before, but with these guides, you can move forward without fear.<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n***The most important thing to remember is keep what you write \u201cshort and sweet.\u201d Use the very best words. Use descriptive words. Use few words with deep meaning.<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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