When writing, write

MANY a writer has difficulty taking off from the first word, more so finishing the first sentence. And after the first sentence had been constructed and properly ended with a period, making the second sentence requires more effort than the first.

This usually happens when a writer thinks, and believes, he or she can develop any idea that crosses his or her mind with a sufficient stock of verbs and adjectives, coupled by a good grammar. But when he or she starts pounding the keyboard away, he or she suddenly hits a snag – how to go on from the last sentence or even the last word or if he or she is lucky to reach the third sentence, he or she is suddenly at a loss on how to end the paragraph.

Basically, writing is putting across – in a sheet of paper or on a digital document – what one has on his mind that he intends to share to others. On a more deliberate purpose, writing is putting together an idea for others to read. Or more specifically, writing to earn money.

In the past, creative writers just write to put their ideas across, regardless of who reads it. They can observe grammar at its highest order or mangle the Queen’s language with the arrogance only a master of words can do away with, especially in poetry.

In today’s writing, the bottom line is information – does a reader learn something from what he or she reads?

Take for example on how-to topics. In writing how-to articles, the basic rule is clarity or putting across precise information. Short sentences, not beyond 18 words, are ideal. Two to three-syllable words are perfect. And opinions are definitely out of place.

In organizing how-to topics, better prepare an outline before sitting down in front of a computer. Like the topic one intends to write, the article should be written step by step. And ideally, sketches or photographs of the step-by-step process would be a big help.

As how-to topics are intended for all types of readers, no matter their educational attainment or literacy levels, it should be as simple as possible.

In other topics, like essays and impressions, a writer should have extensive knowledge of the topic he or she intends to write about. While the Internet is a good provider of instant information, it is stock knowledge that enriches a good essay and makes profound a readable impression.

Stock knowledge is gained from reading and experience. What one gains from reading, he or she compares, and affirms, with his interactions with other people. One doesn’t simple take as gospel truth what one has read. Rather, it would be good to find affirmation in life’s dealings or even in simple neighborly discussion. Also, you don’t get a good working stock knowledge overnight.

So when you have a topic to write about and you have what it takes to write, start writing. But when you write, go on writing and finish what you have to write about before you edit your work.

Editing a work in progress will not help you any in finishing a good work. It will just stall the smooth flow of ideas. Take care of the redundancies, dangling modifiers later. Just write and finish putting across your ideas first before attempting to edit.

The rule is: Write your ideas first and do the refinements (editing) later.