Overcome Your Fear of Writing

A free article on Writing and Speaking

By: Jessica R Hartley

Having been sold on the dream of the paperless office many breathed a sigh of relief that they would no longer be required to write. What they hadn't bargained for was the need for written content in emails and web sites. Even if we ignore the internet there are still many times when a written communication is more appropriate than any other format. Being willing and able to write is, in my view, essential.

Pianists practice at the piano. Tennis players practice at the net. Athletes practice at the track. They all recognise that skills need to be developed and honed if they are to be maintained.

When we write we are simply translating our thoughts into a more tangible format. Those ideas that float in and out of our minds are captured and recorded. It really is as simple as that. The difficulty comes in discerning which thoughts to capture and which to ignore. If your mind is anything like mine, you will possibly not even be aware of many of ideas that flit around your head.

Good writing is clear, concise and fit for the purpose. Most writing needs to be planned, possibly even researched, depending on the subject matter and the existing knowledge of the writer.

I know a number of writers who are so keen to start the writing process they skip the planning and preparation stage which, almost without exception, makes their job much harder in the long run. Having said that, it is important to get on with the process of writing and not get so bogged down in the thinking, research and planning that the piece never quite makes it on to paper.

It is because all writers have their own distinctive style that as a species we are blessed with such a rich literary background. New writers are sometimes tempted to emulate the style of a successful writer and whilst I can understand this, I would encourage everyone to have confidence in their own uniqueness.

My definition of good writing is something that makes me think and question any previously held views I may have had on the subject. It is writing that elicits a response in me. I want to have reason to stop and think about the words I am reading. I want the words to tell me something I didn't already know or to provide me with a new angle on my existing experiences.

Time is probably the most valuable commodity we all have and it is something we want to spend wisely. How cheated we feel when we invest time to read but find the words provide no value in return.

Once the planning and writing has taken place, the writer's job is still not complete. Clear and concise written pieces are not the result of the author simply writing. There is at least one other stage in the process. Outstanding pieces of written work are the result of tough, unsentimental editing.

Some confuse editing with proofreading when in reality they are two different processes. A proof reader looks for errors. An editor looks for opportunities to improve the text by shortening sentences, removing adverbs and adjectives and removing ambiguities. Editing is the process which turns a manuscript into a masterpiece.

I am an avid reader and passionate writer so I have to declare myself as biased. I want to encourage others to write - either for themselves or others. I want you to experience the joy of creating a piece of written work that adds value to others. It's a way of connecting and sharing. If this piece has demystified the process of writing and given you some inspiration, I shall be happy.

Information about the Author:

Jessica R Hartley provides a complementary online writing course and writers forum to support anyone who wants to write. A professional writer she is enthusiastic about encouraging writing skills in others.

Writing and Speaking Articles: http://www.article-buzz.com

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