The Art of Writing with Intention
Learning to grab the readers’ attention in a meaningful way
Some of us live to write.
We may be spending anywhere from three to forty hours a week pouring our words onto a screen.
Or is it more like sixty minutes?
Ok, let me tell you what we’re doing wrong.
No, I’m not talking about syntax.
Ask yourself this question: Is your writing actually verbal vomit?
Is your story just a rambling string of disjointed thoughts or images?
Is there no purpose or intention to the writing?
Is it raw —
Unstructured?
Undressed?
Unsculpted?
Well then, good for you.
Sometimes, that stream of consciousness type of writing is purely sublime and a refreshing literary style.
Writers like James Joyce, Edgar Allen Poe, Proust, Tolstoy, Virginia Woolf, Joseph Conrad, Stephen King, and far too many more to mention have famously used ‘stream of consciousness’ in their writing.
But, other times, it is quite possible that verbal vomit is the reason your story fails to sparkle. Or why your book doesn’t sell.
How do I know this?
The answer is simple, it’s because I’m guilty of it myself.
When writing, I tend to throw in everything but the kitchen sink.
Then I take my scissors and trim.
It’s all due to the fact that, especially when my writer’s mind is blocked, my process starts with a stream of consciousness purging of words idling in my brain. This is especially true of poetry but carries over to fiction and essays.
I needed clarity and focus:
Does intention change the focus of your work?
What appeals to the reader or your audience?
How can you learn from the best editors how to edit yourself?
Editing is an Art, so is Reading
Resources for Writing and Editing
- Workshops and On-line Writing Courses.
- Writing Prompts.
- Learn from editors, writing coaches and other writers.
Kelly Eden
I’ve learned incredibly valuable, enhanced, simple writing techniques and perspectives through personalized, online courses with people like editor/writer Kelly Eden. Kelly is supportive, and nothing short of amazing. When editing, she asks the most insightful, mindful, soul-searching questions about the intention of what you’re writing. It’s a process that trains your mind to think and write this way.
Sahil Patel
I learn from the lens and vision and prolific profound writing and poetry of editor/writer, Sahil Patel who runs several publications, including Reciprocal and Lifeline, along with The Summit, three of my favorites on Medium, in part due to the uplifting enthusiasm and engagement of an active viewership and writing community, and also for Sahil’s insightful and inspiring writing tips and prompts. (I don’t know how Sahil does it — writing and managing three publications — I wish I had half his energy.)
Amanda Laughtland
Amanda Laughtland is an editor/writer who inspires. I recently responded to her One Sentence writing prompt, and it was the most fun I’ve had while scratching my head, wondering what to write. The things that strike me about Amanda are her articles, her poetry, her writing experiences and credentials. I love reading ‘do it yourself’ pieces and heartwarming stories about next door neighbors. Check out her publication on Medium.
Reading
- Are you a voracious reader?
- Don’t limit yourself — read all genres.
- Find your niche, your tribe, your audience. Reading and writing go hand in hand.
I belong to book clubs where I read aloud a favorite passage that shows exemplary or inspiring writing.
As it turns out, reading out loud is one of the best editing tools there is.
Takeaways
So, go ahead, spew your guts, to your heart’s content.
Then, take a break. Come back to edit.
Know your themes, your intention, the points you want to make.
Look at your structure, your cohesiveness.
Write until your guts stop hurting.
Edit once, edit twice.
Then, you’ll know when you’re done.
“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.” — Henry David Thoreau
Thank you to Reciprocal publication and editor Sahil Patel for building such a wonderful place and community to read and write on Medium.
Here are three shoutouts, three articles by editors I mentioned in this article. They are all worthwhile reading. Enjoy.
Sahil Patel:
© Connie Song 2022. All Rights Reserved.
