Monday, 1 November 2010

Writing: The Personal Transaction



One of the aims of the writing process is successful transaction. What kind of transaction are we talking about actually? Above all, the personal transaction between the writer and the reader. Writing is merely another medium of communication. The way you speak and address other people should somehow reflect onto the piece of paper you have in front of you just before merging into the process. Of course, I am not referring to writing newspaper articles and research papers in which objectivity plays the main role ( however, even in these types of writing you should integrate yourself somehow), but to writing for pleasure mainly. One more thing is also important: do not do anything which simply is not you.

Secondly, don't be fooled by the myth that there are born writers and those who are not. Talent really is important, but not to the extent people tend to think. In order to make the transaction natural and find your own style, be prepared to rewrite endlessly, to fight against clichees and clutter, to reach the level of abundant clarity, without any uneccessary symbols and metaphors for the sake of methaphors.


Be yourself. Let your enthusiasm infect the text and the reader. Although words can never tottaly describe feelings, try to do this as best as you can. Therefore, the first step is being yourself. All other issues are to be resolved, sooner ol later.


Written with reference to: On Writing Well, William K. Zinsser , Chapter 1