What’s a Good Foundation for Good Writing?
Visited 2374 Times Published by Rico June 6th, 2007 in What and Writing.
Now I wouldn’t say I’m the best writer around, but I do all right. Especially since I’ve been blogging for more than a year now.
Any writer worth their salt should blog, because the constant writing is great practice for the skill. But it’s also important to lay the groundwork, and here’s where I want to thank my parents profusely. They made learning how to write much easier.
As far as I can remember, my parents read during their free time. And since children unconsciously pick up the habits of their parents, I was a voracious reader. Short stories, novels, and even encyclopedias, dictionaries, and product manuals were just some of my regular literature. My childhood was driven by six simple instincts: eat, sleep, watch TV, and read, read, read. Bathroom reading was a particular favorite, while a constant complaint of my parents was that I’d read anything—except for my textbooks.
It’s too bad I don’t spend as much time reading right now, because that’s what helped me learn how to write. By seeing how other people do it, I discovered how I could emulate them. Some of my first written sentences were practically rip-offs of my favorites, but copying is always a great way to learn. And I only picked up the reading habit in the first place because aside from my parents’ example, our house is practically full of books. Every room (even the kitchen) had them, so it was practically impossible not to read.
In short, reading sets the foundation for good writing. If and when I have my own family, I’ll also fill my house with books, more than my parents did. And I’ll enjoy a real paper book when I don’t have to work online. So that my children will also become addicted to reading. But even if you didn’t enjoy a childhood full of books, its not too late. I’ve found that no matter what age you are, if you read read read, it’s easier to write write write.
Read away, dear readers. Read away! Especially since reading also has its emotional benefits as well.
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Yea, I have to agree with you there. Had I not grown fond of reading, I wouldn’t have been enticed to write — in a vain attempt to capture minute thoughts and emotions that would seemingly blanket my senses. (Get it? Hehe)
I also suggest journal writing if blogging is too much of a tech hassle. That’s how I started and even when I am already blogging, I still keep a journal. I want a Moleskine!
Personally, I’ve been writing too long with a keyboard that old-school writing is very tiring for my hands. My handwriting was never legible to begin with!
But I do miss the feel of smooth notebook paper, and the gliding pen leaving its mark. Speaking of Moleskinnes, I think the folks over at PinoyCentric are fanatics. Maybe they can help you get one?
….my parents was that I’d read anything—except for my textbooks…..
….Some of my first written sentences were practically rip-offs of my favorites….
You so remind me of myself.
Well, they say great minds think—and act—alike. *cough*
Ow. We are so modest.
Very true Rico! ako din natutong magsulat dahil sa pagbabasa. uy talaga mas masarap magbasa ng novel/book kesa sa school textbook. pampaantok lang ang school textbook! grabe naalala ko tuloy ang aking reading under the kulambo with flashlight days. ha ha ha. i miss reading. wala akong masyadong time now. pag true blue school boy na si Raine, read galore at bili ng books galore na ulit ako.
My contact at Avalon.ph sells Moleskines for P600. And well, we have a Moleskine up for grabs on the Ika Nga cartoon caption contest on PinoyCentric.com–if the jury likes your caption, that is!
I interviewed fictionist Nikki Alfar (Dean Alfar’s better half) before, and we both agree that an aspiring writer should have a strong foundation in grammar and style because–and I see this so rampant online–nobody will take your work seriously if you don’t know style. By style, I mean punctuation, spelling, correct use of words. If you interchange “their” and “they’re,” or “you’re” and “your,” that’s really sad. Form and substance really have to go together.
Of course, it helps to have an editor (which is primarily what I do–I edit manuscripts, among other things), but that’s only because as a writer, you need an extra pair of eyes to see things that you have overlooked.
And certainly, you have to read, read, read. I felt sad when I came across an article about a fashion guru who said that he DOES NOT read books. BTW, there’s a local group, Read or Die (they allowed us to reprint Rio Alma’s speech on reading), that espouses the love of books.
Gloria: Do you read books with Raine? I can imagine how cute you’d both look if you do!
Karla: What is it about Moleskines anyway?
Great point actually, about not being taken seriously if you don’t write properly. Maybe proper writing is an easy way to stand out online? Maybe more people would write better if they knew about five common mistakes that make you look dumb.
And thanks for the heads-up about avalon.ph, I’ll be buying a Moleskine for Sasha soon!
Yeah i have to agree on the importance of reading and writing, becuase during my times i have constantly been driven by written assignment and i still never think of it as more important to imporving my writing skills, and understanding. though i have to say reading was not one of my favourit interest when i was little, but now i have constantly read novel, articles, and newspapers. which had provided me with some idea to how i may construct my senetence into a logical meaning. And as of today i’m still working on it.