Simple Writing Tips

Where Do I Begin?

The word 'composition' can mean different things in different circumstances. It could be a personal narrative, a short work of fiction or prose, an essay, a dramatic work or a poem. Each of these works has its own set of rules. This will give you a general overview of the composition. In the case of “The Benefit of the X” Personal Stories of Gratitude, essays, a personal narrative or a short story will be the only form accepted at this time.

  • Know your purpose: What type of composition is this going to be? Make sure you understand the expectations. 

  • Choose your topic: Decide what you will write about. Here are suggestions based on different types of compositions.
    Essay:Practically every essay topic can be approached from multiple perspectives. Choose a topic or a single experience and take a stance; your essay will seek to convince readers of the legitimacy of your stance. Choose something that is important to you. It is easier to write about what you believe in. Write this in 'first person' -- 'I' (like you are talking) to 'second person'-- 'you' (a person you are speaking to).
    Personal Narrative: Personal narrative is a story about you. Choose something that made an impression on you, and decide how it affected you and moved you toward gratitude. It might be a vacation, an experience at home with a family member, a crisis, a death, a dangerous or frightening situation you encountered, etc. Write in first person. Short Story: This is a form of prose fiction, a creative non-poetic kind of composition. Write this in third person (as if you were a narrator) or first person if you speak as your main character. If first person voice is your choice, then your short story will read much like a narrative, but it is not necessarily something that happened to you.  It could have happened to someone else that moved you to your experience of gratitude. You may base it upon something you have experienced, but you tell it as a general story. While your options are unlimited; please write about anything that exists in reality.  Do not “make up” a short story.

  • Write your introduction: For every composition, you will need to introduce your topic and position or characters, plot and setting.

  • Develop the 'body' of your work:
    Brainstorm or Mastermind with friends if necessary to create a list of a half a dozen points you want to make about your topic. Jot down 6 details or ideas that will support the point you are making. These may be facts, examples, data, statistics, quotes from a source, or just common sense ideas.  Group the 6 points into three groups. Organize your list of details into three categories based upon similarity. Like the bicycle, these will be the supporting 'spokes' of your topic.

    Label three groups to ultimately become the topic sentences for each body paragraph of your essay. The three or four details in each group will be the supporting sentences. Using this outline, you will have the substance for your essay.

  • Write your three paragraphs: Write the main points and details into complete sentences. Remember to keep each organized and follow your outline. This will form the body of your essay. Children, women, men, communities, the world, can use your knowledge.
  • Write your conclusion:This simply wraps up what you have said in your composition. It can basically restate what you said in your introduction. If you composition is longer, you can sum up your main points. Try to phrase them a little differently so it will not sound repetitive.  Usually something happens at this point and you begin to realize your level or gratitude and how your experience has impacted your life.  The grand finale or last line can offer the reader as well as you, the most important piece or stepping stone to move forward in life.  You will recognize it when it happens.
  • Wrap up:You have done the P-preparation, O-organize and W-write components; now you will finish with E-edit and R-revise. You will do this for every type of writing. Reread your work. Look for spelling, grammar, and content problems. Use your computer spell and grammar check.   Use your own wisdom and have someone proof read it too.  Every good piece of writing goes through a couple of revisions. Let your thoughts 'gel.' Sleep on it or give it a day or two rest.  Come back to the composition and you will see improvements you might not have seen when it was still 'hot.' A composition is like a music band: first it's gathering of musicians or players, then it’s figuring out the how to make the sounds or words come together, then it's harmony and finally a concert or symphony and your story is complete!
  • Rewrite your final copy.If you type your story, be sure to save a copy for future reference.

Never underestimate your writing skills. Writing is 'art in words.' Everyone has a composition - or many – hidden within and a story to tell. All you need is to practice the skills to write. Think about “how does my story come off” or sound. Is if from a place of victim consciousness? Then how can you express in words that the choices you made, were what set you up for the success you have in your life today. Some stories definitely go to that place of "it was his fault" and then evolve toward, "when I figured it out". This makes sense because it is about the journey that we are on, that gives us the opportunity to talk with like-minded people who have also grown from all kinds of adversary... not just a marriage that didn't last.

The cup is ALWAYS full, when "I" decide to see it full, that's when things in my life begin to change!   Cheers to great writing. 

Never under estimate the power of your words.

Aloha,
June

Fresh Start After Divorce Community

See Joanie's site