Writing, writing, writing...

The most common advice I've been given to become a good writer is to write something every day. It's one of the reasons I've started this blog. The challenging part becomes what to write about. I'm interested in creative writing, so naturally I'd like to write something that is unique every day or find a different way to describe something that seems very normal. Have you noticed that good creative writers do not write the way we speak? They use descriptive language, they try to avoid cliches, they incorporate as much of the senses as you can so you can "see" what they're writing about. It's much harder than you think - try it. Grab a scenic picture from a magazine (or just one you have handy) and write down the best description you can about it and then put the picture away. Have someone read your description and roughly sketch it on a piece of paper. (Forget about the art skills - they just need to draw a rough idea.) Compare their sketch with the picture. Was it close? (If you are trying this, do not read on until you've finished!)

Congratulations if you did well. Do you feel like you thought of everything? How about:
The time of year?
What do you hear?
What does it smell like?
What is the temperature like? Is it hot and dry? Humid?

Another great piece of advice I've been given is to take note of details. Not just any details, but distinct, odd, or unique details - details that will capture the reader. This can add so much more believability to your writing. It can also add intrigue and curiosity. Collecting distinct details can even give you an idea for a character. For example, let's say you see someone who seems to stand out in the grocery store because they are wearing silver rings on every finger. That may be a character trait. Or, let's say that you're envying a co-worker's black high heels and to top it all off, the bottom of the heels are bright red. Another great detail! One you may not be able to just conjure up while you're free-writing. How about an intricate drawer knob or door handle, the beaded pull on a lamp, a bruise on an apple that's in the shape of bird, a stranger walking by humming a tune that you haven't heard in ages - they can all contribute to creative writing! The possibilities are endless and we all know how eager we are to share weird sightings and occurrences with friends, so why not write them down! You never know, someday they may be a part of the next best seller.