Learning to Write Action

Posted by Helen Brain Jan 21, 2009

Writing is a craft which has to be learned and practiced. This week I've posted six articles that show you how to cut your descriptions of action, and how to rewrite these passages to build the mood, and to show the relationship between the characters.

The first article is called Learn to Write: How to cut unnecessary words.

Then I've written two series of exercises so you can practice what I've taught you. The answers to the exercises are in separate articles so you don't get tempted to just read the answers. I also explain why I made the changes I did, and what I was trying to achieve.

The first set of articles is in writing for children. You'll find the first at Writing Exercise in Cutting Unnecessary Action. The answers and explanations are in the next article, How to Trim Unnecessary Action.

Even if you're not writing for children, try these exercises as they teach valuable skills that apply to all forms of creative writing.

The second set deals with a passage of writing for teens or adults. Again the skills can be applied whatever genre you're writing, so do try them.

You'll find the first in the series at Learn to Cut Unnecessary Words. The answers to the first exercise are in Learning to Trim Unnecessary Words and to the second exercise in Exercises in Cutting Creative Writing

I'd really like to hear from you if you found these exercises helpful, so feel free to leave comments.