The Blazed Trail for New Writers - Following the Path to Success

The phrase "Blaze a Trail” originated from the blaze mark on a horse’s face. When explorers moved through the forest, they notched the trees in the shape of this “blaze” as a marker. It was a map for followers; a guidance system to help travelers move through unknown territory.

Today I am walking through a blazed path for writers; I’m following the notched trees.

• First Notch – Tools

New writers should have basic tools; a couple of dictionaries; a thesaurus; and a grammar reference book. You just can’t produce good writing if you lack the essential means to communicate. And no, you don’t need any special schooling to create quality work. Formal education doesn’t always equate with talented writer. But you should possess a love for learning and have a deep curiosity about the world you live in.

• Second Notch – Learning

Increase your skill through immersion. Reading is a natural way to improve your grammar, spelling and vocabulary. You will be amazed how polished your writing becomes by simply reading. If you have this burning desire to write, and write well, become an avid reader.

• Third Notch – Have a Plan

Order is expressed in the form of a plan. I must work the fundamentals in my mind to apply my skills. No willy-nilly, haphazard, hit-or-miss ideas. Solid research is the foundation for any endeavor.

• Fourth Notch – Don’t Hurry

Patience is a Virtue. Yes, it’s an old adage, but carries a profound Truth. Writing takes time to develop. This notch reminds the traveler that Time is generous; Time is always bountiful. No need to hurry through the forest. If we forget this lesson, we often favor quantity over quality, and the reader is left with a shoddy product.

• Fifth Notch – Clean Up Your Writing

Always remain conscious of the reader by checking your grammar and spelling. Try to stay in the “sweet spot” by combining interesting facts with artistic flair. Re-read your work; look back to the fourth notch; be patient.

• Fifth Notch – Be Original

There is no one, and I mean no one, like you. No other writer can express what YOU see; self expression is highly individualistic; whether you’re writing out facts, or taking the reader into a world of fiction; it’s all you. Speak with your own voice and try not to imitate any other writer.

These first five notches on the trees have guided me far into the forest. There are many more “blazes” to follow as I work myself through this path. Perhaps at the end of the journey I’ll learn the skill of blazing. It’s always fun to create our own trail.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Nancy Ayash is a freelance writer currently residing in the Pacific Northwest. She can be reached at www.creativewordz.com

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