Sharing Some Miscellaneous Writing Thoughts (Updated)(

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Category (key words): Writing, Writing Hints/Tips, Writing Course
Web Sites: http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html and http://www.craiglockbooks.com
Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles.html
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, 'spiritual writings' (how 'airey-fairey'), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig!)

Publishing Guidelines: This piece may be freely published,
electronically or in print.

"We share what we know, so that we all may grow."
*
Sharing some Miscellaneous (big word, eh) Writing Thoughts
(from Online Writing Course - Updated)

"They say that if enough chimpanzees were put in front of enough word processors for enough time, eventually one of them would write Hamlet."

Writers share their points of view, their unique perspectives of the world and are in a fortunate position to enable readers to view the world differently. "The prime ingredient of journalism is not intelligence, but curiosity."

"When you look into a mirror, you do not see your reflection - your reflection sees you."
- anonymous

"I write because something inside myself, inner and unconscious forces me to." That is the first compulsion. The second is one of ethical and moral duty. I feel responsible to tell stories that inspire readers to consider more deeply who they are."

I believe writers through their 'unique vantagepoint' and by using the power of words in their communications can help offer the reader another perspective on the journey of life - so that people may CHOOSE to view the world and their unfolding lives through a different lens. (A metaphor, btw!).

Some years back I developed a mission statement for my
work and life that has really helped me to focus on what I want to accomplish with my writing and in a broader perspective, with my life's journey...

"My writing mission is to inform, illuminate, uplift, delight, encourage and hopefully even inspire people around the globe through the power of words, so that they can fulfill their individual potentials and lead fruitful and happy lives."

"The activities that have given me the most personal fulfillment, and through which I achieve a feeling of 'calling or purpose', come about when I share my knowledge, life experiences, ideas and insights with others. I hope to be able to achieve that through my "passion" for words in the form of the various books I've written. "

"I truly want to let the light shine through my words to
impact and help others...to inspire people throughout our
(sometimes happy and sometimes dark and sad, yet always
beautiful and magical) world."

*
Here are some writing tips based on my path, that I'll pass on (don't end a sentence with a "preppie" - bad grammar, Craig!)...
I never thought of writing as a career.

It's pretty lonesome being a writer, especially for a "people-person", like me - well, it's meant to be the world's most solitary occupation!

Here are a few suggestions...THINK about your work and write for your target reader - your job is to entice the reader. So let your writing be accurate, brief, concise, clear and simple with short sentences. This makes it easier for your reader...and after all, reading is a very cerebral activity that demands high levels of concentration. For me at least! Nice long word that 'cerebral'. No, it's not a breakfast cereal.

When you stop, writing leave a note how you intend to restart: either a note on the subject or the words you want to use. However, don't stop writing if your words are flowing. When you're going well and have got your momentum, it much easier keeping going.

I start work early in the morning: about 7:30 these days, when I'm fresh. I work for about three hours, then go on a long walk for exercise. It breaks the monotony of the day and refreshes me.

I get inspiration as I walk along alone. Many ideas shoot into my head and I have to turn back before I forget them. Next time I'm bring a small "dick"-ta-phone with me. What will the people on the beach say? Change the tone "sonny boy"! I contemplate our lives: where we are going and so on. Who cares? Usually I turn back in total shock!
Horrors!

Use plain, simple language and be brief with short words and sentences. So said the great American writer Mark Twain.
Another great American writer, Ernest Hemingway said these wise words: Use short sentences and paragraphs, use vigorous language, be positive...and not negative."

"I write because something inside myself, inner and unconscious forces me to." That is the first compulsion. The second is one of ethical and moral duty. I feel responsible to tell stories that inspire readers to consider more deeply who they are.

"Having consulted a manual on suicide, a Taiwanese novelist whose works had been rejected smashed up six luxury cars yesterday, hoping their owners would kill him. They obliged and beat him to a pulp but police intervened."

You really don't have to go to that kind of extreme!

To end off...

For me personally, the greatest satisfaction in my writing has been in achieving something that I have wanted to do for years (without knowing it, that is).

"Whatever you do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it".

The great German philosopher and writer Johan Wolfgang von Goethe said those wise words. And this begs the question, "poor beggar": Are all writer philosophers. Yes, I suppose they are in a way...as we are "observers and reporters on life".... and writing, I believe, is an exciting journey of self discovery and personal growth.

HAPPY WRITING and GOOD LUCK*.

Craig Lock (Eagle Productions)

* luck as 'they' say, is when preparedness meets opportunity.

"It took me 15 years to find out that I had no talent for writing, but by then I couldn't give it up, because by then I was too famous to give up."
- Robert Benchley

"The world would have you agree with its dismal dream of
limitation. But the light would have you soar like the eagle of your sacred visions."
- Alan Cohen

About the author:
Craig likes to share knowledge and insights from his life experiences with dashes of humour to try and help others in 'every little way' he can...
without being too much of a "Mr goody-goody boring two shoes" (as he's lost the other one)
http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html
http://www.craiglockbooks.com

The various books that "Craig felt inspired to write" are available at:
www.lulu.com/craiglock and http://www2.webng.com/writernz/books.html

'Write RIte and be Published': All that I Know about Writing, How to Write Creatively. This e-book is available via email: clock@paradise.net.nz

"A book is small enough to hold in your hand; but when you read it,
the walls fall away and you're in a room as big as the world."

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