This article presents three practices that can make your written communication easier and better: free writing, outlining and research. We will also explore three different kinds of writing: creative, expository (academic) and business. I will show you how to change your approach to adapt to each kind of writing task.
This article helps anyone get
started writing, whether for school, pleasure, or business. It is aimed at you if you
are not used to writing, not comfortable writing or just not satisfied with the way
you write. I will start you out with a method known as “Free Writing”, a tried
and true way to get anyone over the initial fear of the writing process. Then I will
guide you through editing your writing with your reader(s) in mind. Creative,
expository (or academic) and business writing have different goals and different
audiences, so your product will be edited differently for each form. Its just
a matter of learning what each form demands, and then applying due diligence. I
will provide the former and the second part is up to you. Remember, anything
that’s worth doing gets better with practice.
How
to get started writing
Make sure you have a comfortable
place to write. Pay attention to ergonomics; and create the right setup for the
health of your back, hands and eyes. It is relatively easy to find information
on office setups, so I won’t go into this topic here. Lighting is also
important. It should come from behind you and shed light on the task in front
of you.
Practice with the Free Writing method that I
describe below. Find out through this practice what works for you and use it.
These practice sessions will result in raising your comfort level with writing.
As you write, you will find out
which writing media you prefer. There is no right or wrong way to write. You
can use any of the following:
pencil or pen and paper
Many writers have rejected
technological innovation and feel that writing with pen and paper connects them to their work.
old-fashioned typewriters
Maybe it's
romantic, but some writers swear the clicking of those metal keys
inspires them