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erhaps there is no exact science to writing. There are, of course, quite a large number of books available on the market that can offer writers excellent advice and information regarding technique and style. However, understanding the mechanics of writing is only a portion of what is necessary to becoming a highly successful storyteller. Consider this:
Musicians may reach into the rich and varied vibrations that surround them, molding discernible tones and patterns into an ever-changing portrait of sound. A painter may find in the simple lines of a snail shell, the elements to create the divine proportion connecting us all. A dancer may crouch and unfurl in such a way as to both exhume and communicate the roots of their emotion.
A writer can learn to do all of these things—creating detailed textures, images, harmony, and movement—but with words.
Though what makes a writer successful may not be obvious from how-to books, there are other resources available that are of the utmost importance—millions and millions of previously published books. Just as a musician can listen to their favorite piece, attempting to glean what notes are being played or what overtones create a specific mood, so, too, can writers. However, this should be done by examining not only what is being presented but also the way in which it is being presented.
Words can be viewed as pieces of a puzzle, and for each thought to be expressed, they must be rearranged and organized until they fit into the whole. This can take time and often requires a great deal of patience, but it is a crucial step in the overall process. Each sentence, thought, or action should have a purpose in the telling of your story.
An Editor's Goal>>
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