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What Are the Best Tips for Writing Literature?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

Writing literature starts with deciding what type of literature the writer wants to create. The two basic categories of literature are fiction and non-fiction; fiction is writing that focuses on events that are made up, while non-fiction focuses on relaying information about true events or information. Many people obtain higher education degrees that prepare them for writing one type of literature or another, while others may be interested in writing literature of both types. The best way to start writing is to simply start: try writing every day for at least a few minutes to get into the habit.

Reading the type of writing the writer wants to do is also an essential step toward writing literature. A good writer will read often to learn more about writing techniques, to become familiar with the styles of other authors, and to pick up on clichés so they can be avoided in his or her own works. If possible, it is always helpful to take reading classes in addition to writing classes so the writer can immerse himself or herself in literature. The more time a person spends reading and writing, the better he or she will be at it.

Reading the classics might inspire some ideas for writing.
Reading the classics might inspire some ideas for writing.

Keeping a journal or blog can help a person who wants to begin writing literature practice his or her craft on a daily basis. A blog is a great opportunity to have others read the writer's work and offer feedback as well, which is an important part of improving as a writer. No writer is born with all the skills he or she needs; those skills are developed over time, and writing a blog will help the writer identify problem areas and improve those skills over time.

First decide whether you want to write fiction or non-fiction literature.
First decide whether you want to write fiction or non-fiction literature.

Writing reviews of literature may help the writer develop his or her own style based on the preferences he or she develops by reading various other writers. Writing literature is often a matter of developing a style and experimenting with that style over time, so by reading other writers, a new writer can figure out what type of writing he or she enjoys. The new writer's style is likely to be based on the styles of those other writers at first, and from there, the new writer can establish his or her own unique writing voice.

Discussion Comments

anon189137

The compiler above is anxious to make sure that the article is directed at both sexes, and that neither sex is offended by being ’left out’. I am in complete agreement that this is as it should be. However I have been puzzled for some time now as to how this is achieved. For instance, let me quote from the above:

“clichés so they can be avoided in his or her own works. If possible, it is always helpful to take reading classes in addition to writing classes so the writer can immerse himself or herself in literature.”

I find this style irritating in its awkwardness. It brings one up with a jolt. One's absorption in the subject matter is interrupted while we divert to the consideration of the various post-war equality obsessions.

Whatever happened to the very convenient and much more easily flowing possessive “their” as it used to be applied?

Such as - “can be avoided in their own works” - “writing classes so the writer can immerse themselves in literature” These words have always been intended and read as including all - even by a chimpanzee, if it could read. Personally, I think it is time we got back to this older usage. It is by far the better choice.

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    • Reading the classics might inspire some ideas for writing.
      By: Chris Hart
      Reading the classics might inspire some ideas for writing.
    • First decide whether you want to write fiction or non-fiction literature.
      By: mizar_21984
      First decide whether you want to write fiction or non-fiction literature.
    • Keeping a journal can help a writer practice their craft in preparation for writing literature.
      By: Jane Doe
      Keeping a journal can help a writer practice their craft in preparation for writing literature.