Gray Matters

Brains and Brawn

To write well, you’ll need to get into the practice of exercising your cerebrum (the part of your brain that involves language and communication).  How do you make your content as mighty as the powerful bodybuilder and as attractive as a Mr. Universe competition is to those who follow the world of fitness?  The same way you gain strength through repeated exercise is the same way your writing improves – with much practice and persistence.

Stephen King said it best: “Read and write four to six hours a day. If you cannot find the time for that, you can’t expect to become a good writer.”

Writing: It’s Easy, Right?

I’m not sure about other writers, but when I read a book published by any novelist, I’m more interested in their writing style and the way they think.  Don’t get me wrong, I love a good story.  I look forward to a suspenseful book to keep me on my toes and send my heart pounding through my chest in an Edgar Allen Poe “Tell Tale Heart”-like fashion. But, I’m also critiquing this writer’s use of language, character descriptions, and how he captures my attention. I put myself in this writer’s shoes and think “Where would I take this story if I were this author?”  To be honest, I’m usually thinking towards the end of the book “Wow, I never would have been that clever.”  I admire successful authors and look up to those novelists who can churn out books as if it’s easy.  To rub shoulders with the champions of fiction, such as: JK Rowling, James Patterson, or the almighty Stephen King would be akin to winning the prized trophy for the Mr. Olympia competition – if I were into that sort of thing.

These famous authors make it look easy enough.  Although writing is not, in fact, easy.  These are writers who have practiced their art with a relentless tenacity and confidence in themselves, never lowering their objectives or giving and for sure never uttering the words “This will never work.”  These are talented authors who never gave in to writer’s block, negative criticism, or just plain laziness.  Look up to your favorite authors and put yourself in their heads. Read their words with a fine eye. You’ll start to learn different techniques in plot and story line.  Well known works of fiction and non-fiction – are all written by a skilled mind.  A sharp mind. A strong mind.  It’s what’s inside that truly counts.  I’m talking about the brain. It’s the gray that matters.