The only difference between writing and speaking is that in speech, one can correct/withdraw something and reason out the error as slip of tongue, or inadvertence. This is not possible in writing as one is supposed to have planned and strategize things before writing and, above everything else, revised after writing. This leaves little or no scope for backing out except in exceptional cases and, that too, on grounds of harboring wrong facts. This makes planning and strategy indispensable where writing is concerned.
What is common to both writing and speaking is that one must be sure of what one is writing or speaking about. Being certain of the subject matter is not only to be aware of what one is writing about, but to have an in-depth comprehension of what is said.
This will involve:-
- A through study of the subject with a knowledge of all that is relevant to the same.
- An awareness of the material that is in opposition to the stand taken in the writing and the reason for the same.
- Arrangement of writing material in a logically orderly manner so as to make it sound like a story with sequential consistency.
- Presentation should be convincing, persuasive, creative, impressive and authentic.
- As far as possible, all relevant material on the subject should be reflected in the presentation so that it does not lead to the impression that something has been omitted with a tendentious purpose.
Writing requires that we carefully plan when and how to undertake the task. Assiduous attitude to manage time and organizing to writing content can hold stress at bay. Time management is critical, as it is to every undertaking. Postponing writing when all presentations have been made should be made as unacceptable. The difference should be seen clearly between process of thinking, which may involve mental arrangement, and other process and simple procrastination.
Creativity, Imagination and Inventiveness.
An impressive writing will combine all the three attributes in a well balanced proportion. Creativity is not an exclusive preserve of the few nor does it belong to the arena of humanities alone. Everybody is creative. It is only to be educed. Some get opportunities or face circumstances which compel by their very nature the eduction of creativity. Others can make it manifest by sheer will. The recipe is brain storming through departure from lineal thinking and pushing one’s self into the often dreaded realm of lateral thinking. Approaching a subject, issue, matter fearlessly in an unconventional manner, departing from structured ways, is the stimulant to widen imagination, educe creativity and consequently inventiveness. The formula is bold, intrepid approach. And to achieve this just begin by challenging, in your thinking, belief which we hold firmly as final and unquestionable. That is how people have developed creative imagination. Holding on to convictions as sacrosanct lead to stagnation of creativity and imagination. This is not a suggestion to turn into a social or moral rebel.
It will only be an intellectual exercise. In practice we do most of the things out of habit-whether family habit or social. Thoughts are said to neither create habit nor demolish them. What non-traditional intellectual approach does is believed to assist in overcoming prejudices, creating tolerant approach, expanding imagination which in turn leads to inventiveness.
Writing has often been held to be an unpleasant task except by those whose profession is writing or who are used to it. It is some sort of a phobia which may be rooted in disappointing experiences of childhood when the child’s writing was corrected. Hyper-sensitivity, whether in a child or an adult, expresses itself in more or less identical manner. An eminent author from Russia, Dostoeviski says,” Sensitivity is a malady. A grievous malady”. Yet, it is sensitive people who have made colossal contributions to mankind. Be that as it may, the only way at present to conquer the phobia is to jump into writing. Get into situations which you are afraid of is the way.
Rules of writing are another factor which stands in the way of making a foray into the writing domain. Here the need is to be enlighteningly aware that if one puts his view point with convincing authenticity and has consistency, it is good enough. The only thing is that the reader’s expectations of form etc. Which are conventional, should not get transgressed. Ordinarily, the writer will not do so because he/she too is conditioned by the same conventional practice. However, too rigid a notion about rules may deprive the writing of its originality. Writing, like speaking, should embody the writer’s idiosyncrasy – which means, “Any quality, characteristic, tendency, or mode of expression peculiar to an individual”. Let this idiosyncrasy flow into your writing. That will make it unique. The sum of it all is, be yourself both in speech and writing. Everybody has his own peculiar style of walking, talking and writing. So, do not try to copy someone’s style unless that is yours too.
Complete concentrated focus on writing is of critical importance to create effect. This focus is possible in an environment that is ideally conducive to attentive writing. A peaceful, calm, quite atmosphere is often helpful, though some people, whose number is small, do not necessarily require a total freedom from distraction. How comfortable you are while writing is another significant factor.
Finally, when everything is in place – the material collected for writing, quiet environment, mental preparation – then let the zeal get going and begin with the spirit of doing one of the most valuable jobs. The result product will be delightful to the writer too. Do not postpone indefinitely unless the mind is busy with arranging thoughts. The reason for procrastination may be any but the solution is to tell yourself- “This has to be done; and has to be done now”. And having said that begin. Once you begin, you will come out of every inhibition or hesitation. The magic formula is whatever you are scared of, do that and the scare is over. Stay scared and it will stay.
With this, take up your pen and begin. One single push of a firm resolution is enough to set the ball going.