Professional Writing

Lesson 4: Manage to Write!

Read!

The only way to master your readers is to be one. Make a point at hunting for topics you enjoy. Reading is the only research you need as a writer. As you've learned, reading the work of others allows you to add new words to your vocabulary - and new twists to your writing. It is the source of inspiration master of horror Stephen King uses to create his novels. King reads everything from Science-Fiction Ray Bradbury and Graham Joyce to legal-thriller John Grisham books. Elements of each style have shown up in King’s own.

Now think of some calm place where you are isolated from the world. Fifty percent of a typical person's day (sometimes more) is spent in the car. Why not buy an audio book? Bookstores like Barnes and Nobles offer this form of reading for sale. You can just slip the audio book into your car player and enjoy a crafty story while you drive. I can't think of a better way to stay focused on the road AND your career. King does it!

Suite University offers several meaningful reading/writing courses you might like to investigate. Each one can be checked out at http://www.suite101.com/suiteu/school.cf... and each is taught by a talented instructor. For example "Introduction to Creative Writing" is instructed by well-known Children's author Sally Odgers -- who has, by the way, taken the course you are now taking!

One course in particular should stand out, since its instructor has already finished the reader's hunt for you. "The Joy of Reading" http://www.suite101.com/suiteu/school.cf... is geared toward writers and book lovers alike. It discusses works of fiction, non-fiction, short stories, poetry, and essays. It is a chunk of professional pie you ought to taste, since it teaches students how to speed-read, build vocabulary, start book clubs, develop book-club newsletters, make money reviewing, and promote clubs and reviews. A quick way to satiate your writers' taste buds, it covers a world of topics, and you will have become a professional reviewer and editor by course end.

You can also stay inspired by professional writers and their riveting subjects on the Internet. Think of a subject you find fascinating. Type it into your search engine, and begin a search. Read any intriguing articles that catch your eye. When you are through reading, reread a piece that had a certain style that seemed to flow. Think of how you might incorporate a similar style into your own writing.

You have probably already thought of a subject that interests you. That's wonderful! If not, how about, fittingly, "book reviews?” If you type this into your search engine, you will be taking a new career direction! The exciting thing about writing is you can put new visions and goals into written expression!

Read a book review. Is the writing concise? Look at the top or bottom of the review to see who wrote it. Search the net for the particular author. Study their style.

Or, continue to study Catherine Wald's work. From her writing diversity, it is easy to see she won't be fading from the net - or the professional world - any time soon. Her work will always serve to inspire other writers.

By reading the works of professional book writers, reviewers, corporate writers, essayists, and poets, you will keep your career alive.

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