Writing Tips From Ernest Hemingway
Learn about writing from the very best
There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.
― Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Miller Hemingway is an inspirational name to all aspiring writers. He is one of the best writers who emerged out of the 20th century. He won a Pulitzer Prize for one of his best works, The Old Man and The Sea, in 1953. The following year he was awarded Nobel Prize in literature. His works are a treat to the mind and a guide to writers.
Ernest Hemingway’s writing was appreciated by many great personalities. His writing style was called an impressive one. His writings had just enough words to convey the scene. Not one word more, not one less. His precision is what made his writing so special. There were no words wasted, neither did the story fall short of words. It was just in the balanced amount- just enough of it.
Writing is an art that was mastered by Ernest Hemingway. While most of the other popular writers left behind their secret of writing in a book that was written or narrated by themselves, Ernest Hemingway did not do so. Although he did share his tips and techniques with his friends, colleagues, or basically with the people around him. That is how the writing techniques were able to reach us directly from the great American novelist, Ernest Hemingway.
Here are the best 7 writing tips from Ernest Hemingway.
Tip 1: Write using short sentences
Hemingway believed in precise writing. He used a minimal amount of words to express what he wanted to. He truly stood by the practice of getting to the point. His writings have a structure where the sentences are short and precise but relay the entire information perfectly. This is also why his books are easy and fun to read. The flow of words is as smooth as butter.
When we write short sentences, the writing becomes limited. Also, relaying the same amount of information in fewer words just feels good to read. Using too many words or wastage of words can make the readers bored. It is a good suggestion to use smaller sentences that are limited with the information a writer wants the reader to know.
Tip 2: Practice and apply positivity
It is true that the story cannot be always positive. A writer cannot always write about good things. What Hemingway wanted to tell through this tip is to use positive phrases instead of negative ones. Instead of using prefixes like ‘non-’, ‘in-’, ‘un-’, etc., we should use phrases that give off a similar meaning but sound positive.
When a reader goes through the content, he/she would get a positive vibe while reading it. It leaves a stronger impact on the mind of the reader.
He also suggested that people apply this positivity in real life and abstain from self-doubting thoughts. Any insecurity about being incapable of being consistent with the work should be banished from the mind right away.
Tip 3: Know what to leave out while writing
A piece of writing becomes boring when the writer states the known over and over again. Some things are better left out from being written down. The writer has to believe that the readers are not dumb. We have to trust the readers’ understanding.
By not doing so, we might be underestimating the reader and as a result, stating the obvious again and again breaks off the interest in them. If a character has a sad story, the readers need not be reminded of that whenever the character takes any stand. The readers know it. Things that are known and understood are better omitted, just to enhance the writing.
Problems arise when the writer deliberately leaves out stuff because he, himself, isn’t aware of it. Unless that is the case, omitting a few things should be good enough. The catch is knowing when and what to omit.
Tip 4: Stop writing when you are going good
Ernest Hemingway preached to the writers that the only way to not get bored or inconsistent while writing a book was to stop exactly at the point when the writing is going well enough. He told people not to worry about producing a fixed number of word count every day. Instead, the goal should be getting to the point where writing is going great and just stopping mid-paragraph, getting done for the day.
Now some people might be confused about it as, if writing is going well, aren’t we supposed to get it all out so that it makes the book better? Truth is that when we know what exactly to write, it becomes easier to get in the flow the following day, and the cycle goes on.
Tip 5: Study the best books
A good writer has to be a good reader as well. Quality reading not only provides a good mind space but also tells the writers where they stand in that very moment. A writer should be well aware of the competition that they have to surpass in order to make a way for themselves in the hearts of the readers.
Reading the bestselling books gives a benchmark for the writers to judge their own work. A writer’s aim should not be just to write well, instead, a writer’s aim should be to write the best. Reflection on oneself is extremely important.
Tip 6: Put your observational skills at work
This tip follows right behind the saying ‘Show, don’t tell’.
When a writer is a good observer, he can automatically make readers see things instead of letting them know about them directly. The best way to connect with the readers is to write using observational skills so that the readers feel exactly what the writer is feeling. This shortens the gap between the mind of the writer and the reader.
These are very minute things that can make noteworthy changes in the writing style. Making the readers feel every emotion is the target. This is impossible without the involvement of observational skills.
Tip 7: Learn the art of putting yourself in others’ shoes
Being a writer, we should never take sides. When we are on to the task of writing, each character should be a separate entity who we treat equally. We should remember that as writers we aren’t there to judge anyone but tell their stories to the readers.
You may also read: 13 Foundational Steps to Write a Book by Jerry B. Jenkins
This is what makes a huge difference. Being able to understand what each and every character feels is very important in order to draft a great story. We should be able to understand every character.
Previously published on PrasantaBanerjee.com
About the Author: Prasanta is a storyteller in the pursuit of happiness and peace. He is a content marketer specializing in SEO and outreach. He has worked with clients from all around the world including Spain, England, the USA, Ireland, and India.
His motto is to be free both financially and mentally and not being bound by place or time. Traveling the world is one of his goals, much like publishing a novel. He loves cars and is a die-hard Arsenal FC fan.
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