While living in Dallas, I took a writing course at SMU. Our first homework assignment was to write a twenty page article, or story, and bring it next time.
During the second class we had to take our twenty pages and slash it down to Five! Write short sentences without much punctuation. Also, cut any unnecessary words. As I recall, that was a tough job.
The teacher's reasoning was as writers we probably posses an above average I.Q. But our readers might only be average, or God forbid, less than average. Our writings must be easily readable for the average dummy out there – those who believe wrestling is real. Makes sense, huh?
I still have trouble doing that today, but at least I try.
Also, remember to appeal to the five human senses: Visual, Auditory, Smell, Taste, and Touch.
One Publisher stated, "If the very first line of a manuscript does not grab my attention, I read no further." Hence, the Power of the first line. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." How can Charles Dickens' first sentence Not grab attention?
Finally, as a writer you already have the Creative Process stored inside your brain. All you have to do is Stimulate it. So, what activity or thought process stimulates your creativity? Think about it.
God Bless,
Dr. Joe K. Reed
Be sure to visit my website at www.doctorjoesite.com
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