Welcome, new writers. Enjoy your journey into the world of writing.

where do i start

VARIATIONS IN WRITING

TERMS

Stephen King said, "The scariest part of writing is just before you put pen to paper." Get a notebook and pen or turn on your laptop and start writing. Make an outline. Keep it simple: a sentence or two for the beginning, the middle and the end. Don't worry about spelling and grammar, they can be fixed later.     

STORYWRITERS' main meeting is from 1;15 to 2:45, the second Monday of the month in the Richland Public Library, Conference Room A. There will be a short meeting afterwards specifically for beginning writers. You're welcome to attend both meetings. 

Writers' tips, for beginning writers, will be Included on this page. If you have questions let me know. We'll answer them in the short meeting or on this page.  

 

This sentence has five words. Here are five more words. Five-word sentences are fine. But several together become monotonous. Listen to what is happening. The writing is getting boring. The sound of it drones. It's like a stuck record. The ear demands some variety.

Now listen. I vary the sentence length, and I create music. Music. The writing sings. It has a pleasant rhythm, a lilt, a harmony. And I use sentences of medium length. And sometimes when I am certain the reader is rested, I will engage him with a sentence of considerable length, a sentence that burns with energy and builds with all the impetus of a crescendo, the roll of the drums, the crash of the cymbals--sounds that say listen to this, it is important.

So write with a combination of short, medium, and long sentences. Create a sound that pleases the reader's ear. Don't just write words. Write music.

-Gary Provost

Alison Timmons' Handout April Meeting 

GENRES

GENRE There are several genres. Each is a category with similar subjects, formats or styles. Some genres are defined below.

NONFICTION is factual and is presented as such.

FICTION is created in the imagination. It may be based on true events, but it isn't presented as true.

HISTORICAL writing may be set at a specific time in history or it may follow a thread, for example maritime warfare, It may be nonfiction or fiction.

SCIENCE FICTION (SCI-FI) is imaginary writing about scientific or technical advances in the future, often with major social or environmental impacts. Time travel and space exploration are frequently used in SCI-FI.

LEGACY writing is a way to preserve and share your story and values with your loved ones.