Post # 4 How to get it down on paper (WordPad)

      Hello everybody.   Welcome back.
 
     Took a break Saturday, and visited the LA Zoo with my daughter and grandson.  The day turned out to be perfect.  I didn't want to leave, but now I'm home and ready to continue with my promise to make you a published author.

     Got my Kraken and ginger ale, and a spoonful of peanut butter (Organic, smooth), so I'm all set.  (Top Ramen at the ready.)  So, let's do this.

    To become a writer, you have to get your thoughts down on to paper; or spiral notebook, or WordPad/Notepad. 

      Post # 3 gave you one of the two books you'll need.   Here is the other.

      'Writing Tools.  50 essential Strategies for Every Writer,'   by Roy Peter Clark.  (Buy it, or check it out from your library.)

     Here's how this book will help you.  The author claims writers are made not born.  I think he's right.  Writing is a craft you can learn.  You need tools not rules.   There's only 50 tools, that you can use every day.  With these tools you'll become more affluent, and effective, you'll write with a purpose, and a plan. 

     The book is broken up into four sections.

     First Section.  NUTS AND BOLTS. 
          1.  Begin sentences with subject and verbs.
          2.  Order words for emphasis.
          3.  Activate your verbs.
...and on.

     Second Section:  SPECIAL EFFECTS.
          11.  Prefer the simple over the technical.
          12.  Give key words their space.
          13.  Play with words even in serious stories.
...and on.

     Third Section:  BLUEPRINTS.
          24.  Work with a plan.
          25.  Learn the difference between reports and stories.
          26.  Use dialogue as a form of action.
...and on.

     Fourth Section:  USEFUL HINTS.
          40.  Draft a mission statement for your work.
          41.  Turn procrastination into rehearsal.
          42.  Do your homework well in advance.
...and on to 50.

      That's a taste of what this book is all about.  It gets you organized and makes you sound like you know what you're doing as a writer.  Turns you into a professional.  I made a two page summary of this book, and I read it over every Monday morning before I begin to type.

      First time visitors here, who are serious about becoming professionals, should go back to post #1, and catch up with us.

     Your assignment; Get this book.  I suggest a quick read through, then go back and study each tool.  50 days?  Might take more.  l read the whole thing  twice a year. 

     Next Post, #5, I'll give you the final piece in the puzzle.  I do it every day, when I'm finished with typing.

     But Max, I don't want to buy books, I want to start writing.  Well,  Good Luck.  How many high school football players go directly into the NFL.  None that I know of.  Don't they first go through four years of college ball, with managers, coaches, acquire agents?   Your book, off the top of your head,  becoming a NY Times Best Seller?  How serious are you?

     Come back for Post #5, and get the final piece to the puzzle.
 
     Together we can get this done
 
     Later...