How to become a "Second-Wind" Writer

by Dorothy C. Lynch

(for "Second Wind" read "Senior Citizen")

Dorothy C. Lynch

Dorothy C. Lynch lives, loves and writes in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Curiosity led Dorothy to the door of Creative Retirement Manitoba after she became eligible to enter the Senior Citizens' Creative Writing Workshop.

In time, her whole retirement lifestyle changed. She learned to meet deadlines, interview celebrities, take action photos and enter contests.

The fun, fun, fun of it all prompted her to want to share her knowledge with others. Hence this booklet.

Table of Contents

It's Fun to Write

1. If I knew then what I know now....
2. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself.
3. If you think times are tough now....
4. It's still a mystery to me....
5. A funny thing happened on the way to....
6. The greatest person I have ever known is....

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How to get started

I'll be referring to these themes in the lessons that follow, to illustrate my points. You'll need a folder or a large envelope in which to keep all your working papers. A pencil or pen, paper and a good dictionary come next. If you are not in the habit of referring to a dictionary as you read, you're in for some fun-time once you start.Next, find a big, kraft grocery bag and turn down the top acouple of inches all around. There you are! You have a waste-basket that will sit nicely beside you on the floor. However, don't throw away any material until you have completed your work-in- hand. Many a professional writer has regretted the loss of a discarded gem of an idea.... You are aiming at professionalism aren't you? When you have developed your ideas in sentence form, keep the unfolded sheets of paper in your folder or envelope. In to write.

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Ready, Set, Go!

The Beginning:

Get to the point of your story or article at once. The opening paragraph or two must "hook" your readers. You want to tell them that if they stay with you, there is some enjoyable reading to follow. This first part should be no longer than to outline the one point, subject or topic you have chosen as your theme.

The Middle:

This is the part that "fleshes out" what you have said in beginning. For example, if you have chosen the theme: "The greatest person I have ever known is...", then you would describe that person in detail and tell your reader why he/she was so precious to you. If you want to write about a place you have visited, close your eyes and think about it. Then open them and verbalize your thoughts.

(Here's a tip: Make believe you are describing the location to a sight-impaired person). All the time, remember the wise, old saying: "Do not allow an original train of thought to get switched off on a side-track". In other words--stay with your opening point or theme.

The Ending:

Like the beginning, the ending should be very brief, but leave the reader with something to think about. He/she may disagree with what you have said, agree with your predictions about the future or even be motivated to take action for a worthwhile cause.

NOW

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Grammar and Syntax

Now, folks, it's time to freshen your memory about four words--nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs.

Noun:

A noun is the name of a person, place, thing, or idea. Nouns are used as the subjects of sentences, and as the objects of verbs and prepositions. Strong nouns give your readers more definite pictures than do weak nouns.

Weak: The man gave orders to weigh the anchor.

Strong: The captain gave orders....

Adjective:

An adjective is a word used to modify (limit, identify, or describe) a noun or pronoun and specify size, color, number or other quality. The adjective you choose, like the noun, should be strong.

Weak: The big man gave orders to weigh the anchor.

Strong: The stalwart captain gave orders....

Verb:

A verb shows the action or state of being, and it also indicates the time of action or being. A verb tells what the subject (noun, pronoun, or clause) does or what is done to it. It should agree with the subject of the sentence in person and number.

Agreement: I say to them, "You are wrong".

Disagree: I says to them, "You are wrong".

Agreement: The man walks.

Disagree: The men walks.

A noun plus a verb can form a complete sentence. e.g. John ran.

Note that sometimes the subject of the sentence is understood but not written.

e.g. Run: ("You" is understood).

Adverb:

An adverb is a word that describes a verb, adjective or other adverb. Adverbs specify in what manner, when, where and how much. Strong adverbs carry the actions forward the most effectively.

Weak: The hound ran quickly after the fox.

Strong: The hound stealthily stalked the fox.

Syntax (or sentence construction):

Each sentence requires the grammatical arrangement of the words in it to show their relationship in thought to one another. If the words are not placed properly, confusion and ambiguity result. The adjective should be close to the noun it modifies and the adverb close to the verb.

Here is an amusing illustration of poor syntax:

The bride walked down the aisle on the arm of her father, dressed in a flowing white satin gown and carrying a spray of mauve orchids.... Poor father!

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Sentences and Paragraphs

Everyone who has been putting pencil to paper since childhood is familiar with the words 'sentence' and 'paragraph'. However, perhaps it is time to do something like housework - sweep away the cobwebs.

The Sentence:

A sentence is an expression of a thought or feeling. It should contain no more than one idea, so that you will give clarity and comprehension to your writing. The sentence consists of a subject and predicate. The subject is the person, object or idea being described. The predicate is the explanation of the action, condition or effect of the subject.

Note that the subject can be a noun, pronoun or phrase used as a noun and the predicate can be a verb or words used to tell what the subject does, has or is. As mentioned previously, the sentence may be complete in form with only a subject and a verb; (e.g. He disapproves) or just a verb. (e.g. Run!)

As sentences of similar length tend to give a monotonous rhythm to writing, seek variation. Make some sentences long, others, short. This is another of the fun parts of writing--establishing your special cadence or rhythm. When you like what you hear, it is as enjoyable as striking a pleasant chord on a piano.

The Paragraph:

A paragraph is composed of statements closely related to a single thought. A brief description of a person, place or object or a short account of a single event or, perhaps details of an amusing incident rates a paragraph of its own.

A paragraph must have eye appeal. Long blocks of words look formidable and you will never "hook" your reader. Conversely, short paragraphs in rapid succession can give a staccato effect; the reader's thoughts become jumbled.

You might take note that the trend today is toward fairly short paragraphs, just as it is toward much shorter sentences than those used in the past.

A tip on evaluating or rating your paragraph is to ask yourself after you have read it aloud: "Do I have a topic sentence?". Then ask: "Have I limited my whole paragraph to the one topic?" and finally: "Have I finished the thought before moving on?" If the answers are "yes" you are well on your way to writing a good story or article for the imaginary contest.

Viewpoint

A good manuscript, be it fiction or non-fiction, should express a clear viewpoint. For instance, if you are writing about a personal experience, pretend you are telling it to a friend or relative in letter form. In this way, the words will flow freely. If you are using the first-person pronoun "I", stay with it from start to finish, otherwise you will be altering the viewpoint. As pros say, "You can't change horses in midstream".

Think about the theme: "If I knew then, what I know now..." "I" should be used, as you, the storyteller are putting down on paper what is inside your mind. If you want to write about something that happened to some one else, the story or article originates in that person's mind--and must be written from his/her or their viewpoint. e.g. They told me they went to Australia to...."

Say you are writing a non-fiction article and want to give the positive and the negative viewpoint regarding a controversial theme, both "we" and "they" are required to express the two viewpoints.

As an example, look at the theme: "If you think times are tough now...", you could write something like this: "If you think times are tough now, we oldsters didn't exactly have a picnic. Today, young adults think they should have a car as soon as...."

Have fun playing around with viewpoint. As you are doing so, keep in mind there are many ways of expressing every thought. If you don't like what you have said, juggle the words around--or reach for your dictionary and go on a treasure hunt for a word or words that will better "tickle your fancy".

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Keep Your Story or Article Tight and Bright

Strange as it may seem, the advent of TV placed all authors on red alert--to produce material with 'tight and bright' writing. TV visually grabs the mind more rapidly than does the written word. Every color of the rainbow can be seen at once. It takes much longer to read descriptive prose-- hence the competition between the two media.

Length

The tightest writing is non-fiction, particularly reporting the facts for newspapers where 'space' is limited. Here, the author's style of writing shines through. A travel article for a daily paper might read: "Tomorrow, I'm flying to San Francisco to pick up the heart I left there last summer." Fictional stories are usually longer, particularly if there are many characters involved, such as in writing a mystery.

Tight

Revise your work to assure yourself that each word has a purpose: to move the story forward to conclusion. (I call it "a value".)

Loose: He's a man who....

Tight: He....

Loose: This is a subject that....

Tight: This subject....

Short, familiar words hold the reader's attention better than long, unfamiliar ones. For example: "He used", instead of: "He utilized...." Abandon as many consecutive words (and, but) as you can. In this way, you avoid run-on sentences and eliminate their boring qualities.

For example: "He went to market and..., but he didn't...or he wouldn't...."

Substitute for this: "He went to market. He didn't.... He wouldn't...."

Avoid confusing detail, or, as the pros say, "cut out the deadwood." Your may want to write everything you know about your theme but resist doing so. This is the sign of a novice writer. Learn what to include and what to exclude.

My guide to stay with my theme is to draw a straight line down the center of my paper and write at the top of this line; a sentence from the beginning of my story or article that I "write to" all the way to the end. I have a road map as it were, that prevents me from making any side trips into areas that do not have a bearing on the theme.

Strong, positive words are the bricks and mortar for building good sentences. Let's not have too many bricks or too much mortar!

Bright

You'll enliven your prose--make it sparkle-if you use definite, specific language. For example, rather than: "The weather was unfavorable", how about, simply: "It rained." Try to evoke vivid images by tapping the five senses that are universal; namely, seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and feeling.

Seeing: A vivid rainbow....

Hearing: Fire bells clanged....

Smelling: Cigar smoke wafted....

Tasting: The rum sauce flavored....

Feeling: Her velvet gown.

Use the most specific noun you can find as the subject of each sentence.

Weak: The tall military man....

Strong: The long-limbed captain....

Use verbs that express maximum action.

Weak: He walked down the street and....

Strong: He raced down the street and....

Use adverbs that further enhance the verb, but not otherwise. For example: He raced quickly, instead of: He raced. "Quickly" is redundant as both the verb and the adverb express speed.

The consensus of opinion is that a writer should use but one adjective per noun and one adverb per verb. Two or more dull or slow down the progress of the story or article.

Do try to avoid use of the word "not" unless it is absolutely necessary to express a negative thought. For example, in answer to the question: "How do you feel?" instead of: "Not bad", how about: "Well, thank you."

By now, I'm betting you are well on your way towards "standing tall" about your writing. Great feeling, isn't it?

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Quotations and Punctuation

Two topics today that are important in writing, particularly in story-telling. Everything about story- creation involves people, thus dialogue--or conversation in your work gives your reader a chance to relate quickly to your characters.

Quotation marks are your 'tool' to indicate what has been said by whom. Here, then is a mini- refresher course in procedure.

Regarding quotation marks, there are two parts to consider; the actual quotation-mark placement and the indication of who the speaker is. (This latter part is called 'attribution'-- or, to whom you attribute the conversation)

Right here is where your reading-aloud practice is very helpful. You will locate where the speaker would pause to take a breath or for emphasis, and keep the written conversation about the same length. This example is for your observation regarding both quotation marks and attribution: "Now, my boy, we shall see," he said, "how to tell you have learned your lesson."

When one or more sentences of a single conversation are used, only one pair of quotation marks should appear. For instance: She said, "Is this the truth? If so, then I must tell my husband. He ought to know."

Be sure to put each speaker's words in a separate paragraph, to make it clear the speaker has changed. For example:

"Who gave him a quarter?", asked Mary.

"Not me", said John. "I'm broke."

Punctuation

Here are the principal punctuation marks you will use in your writing. They are listed alphabetically.

Apostrophe (') (Half a quotation mark, if you will!).

An apostrophe is used to indicate possession. For example: "Ruth's dog." Too, it shows a letter has been omitted due to the contraction of a word. For example: "It's" for "It is." (Note the apostrophe is not used however, as a possessive pronoun. For example: "Its function is to ....")

Colon (:) The colon has many uses. Some are: To introduce a list, a long quotation or after the formal salutation in a letter. (Example of the latter: "Dear Sir:")

Comma (,) Used when nouns are written next to other nouns-- the latter to provide additional information. For example: "John, the minister, went...." A comma is also used to separate adjectives that modify the same word. For example: "The tall, slim blonde...."

Commas also set off contrasting phrases and clauses. For example: "The high mountain, not the distant shore...."

A comma is required when a dependent clause precedes a main clause. For example: "When he went out, Earl reminded Mary that...."

Exclamation point (!) The exclamation point is used to mark an exclamatory word, phrase or sentence, as well as to express many emotions such as surprise or fright. For example: "Really!" or "Help!"

Semi-colon (;) Like the colon, the semi-colon has many uses, principally as a punctuation mark of intermediate value between a comma and a colon. For instance a semi-colon is used to separate clauses in a sentence when they are long or when they already contain commas. When you have an abundance of commas a semi-colon should be used. For example: "We started off for the beach; carrying a towel, a ball and a lunch."

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Clarity

Keep your quills quivering, folks! The deadline of the imaginary contest is fast approaching.

Clarity

Choose words with great care to make your writing clear. Unlike someone speaking--who can go back and correct what has been said, once the writer sends a story or article on its way for publication, it cannot be retrieved for alteration.

You've guessed it, now is the time to consult your dictionary and find language that precisely expresses your thought. Stories and articles are written for enjoyment, so keep your introductory words, phrases and sentence fairly short and to the point. For example, the theme: "The greatest person I have ever known..." could read: "is my cousin Mary Johnston. She's been a gold-miner, university professor and an Olympic figure skater."

If you become mired down in a sentence--discard it and start afresh. Many are the alternatives to express the same thought. Then, read it aloud and let your ear tell you whether or not you have said exactly what you intended.

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Similes and Metaphors

These two figures of speech are said to be the greatest tools or aids an author has with which to craft his/her work, for they literally inject magic into writing.

Simile

A simile is explicit, in comparison with a metaphor, which is implicit (or definite instead of implied.) A simile associates one object with another because of any real or supposed likeness between them. For example: "She straightened up like a watered tulip." Also: "Minds are like parachutes--they only function when they are open!"

Introductory words such as "like", "similar to " and "as...as" indicate a simile. For example: "I've been as cross as a blue-jay all day."

Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech denoting by word or phrase, an object or an idea in place of another--to suggest a likeness or analogy between them. For example: "He squeezes a nickel until the Queen cries!" Also: "In a voice that could plane a two-by-four, she said...."

Let me share with you, one of my favorite metaphors. It is the title of a country-western song, namely: "If my heart had windows, you could see right through the pain."

Now. Time to go to your bathroom (in modern language referred to as the 'distress- reduction centre') and read your story or article aloud.

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Plain Simple Style - Active Voice Cliches

Plain, Simple Style Plain, simple style is like a Chanel suit or a cashmere topcoat--it has universal appeal. Therefore, it is wise to use words presently in your vocabulary rather than reach for the unusual. For example, 'elephant' would be better then 'pachyderm.' However, those words should be specific in order to evoke a strong image in your reader's mind. For example, "hamburger and french fries" would be more descriptive than "food."

My pet peeve concerns the adjective "beautiful"; it is much too general. For example: a grandmother would picture a much different "beautiful dress" than would her grand-daughter.

Your style will be most effective if you leave out non-working words. The conjunction 'that' is the worst offender. For example: "The actress said (that) she wanted to be alone." Sometimes "the" can be left out in order to provide smooth reading. For example, "The shopkeeper said the peas, (the) corn, (the) carrots and (the) potatoes were fresh." Just use it once.

Active Voice

The "voice" of your verb that indicates the subject of your sentence is the actor, is the most effective one to use. (In comparison, the "passive voice" declares that the subject receives the action.) For example: "The woodsman felled the tree," in place of: "The tree was felled by the woodsman." You will see that the passive voice weakens your story by slowing down your reader. You want to keep him/her entertained until the very last word.

Cliché (pronounced 'clee-shay', a French word for a stereotype.)

A cliché is simply, a hackneyed phrase or opinion. Each word in it has lost its original value by having been continually associated with the other ones. Do resist the lure to use easy, but oh-so-tired phrases you hear every day. Make your writing distinctive. For instance, the following expressions do nothing but take up precious space: "Few and far between"; "each and every day"; "by the same token." If the words you use don't serve a purpose in your story--to move the action forward or raise a distinct image in your reader's mind, cut them when you revise.

If you have your pen in hand and are in a playful mood, there's infinite joy in writing down hackneyed phrases, then juggling them right out of their ineffectiveness. These "convoluted cliches" are permissible in your writing. Once you become adept at using a convoluted cliché, you add surprise as well as individuality to your writing. I have two favorite clichés: "Time wounds all heels" and "His roaches-to-riches climb to success." Get the idea?

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Bridging

Not all writers use this "tool" to pass from one paragraph to the next in such a way as to give your story or article smooth reading-quality; however, I have noticed many professionals do--so why not you?

As each paragraph deals with but one idea, yet it is part of the whole story or article, the reader finds it easier to pass from the expression of one thought to another, if the writer uses transition between the paragraphs.

Many are the words you can use to start off the second paragraph to bridge it to the first. The following are good bridging words: "Whereas", "therefore", "besides", "accordingly" and "nevertheless".

Spend some time studying newspapers, magazines and books by well-known writers. It's great fun trying to spot some good bridging words of your own.

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Revising Your Rough Draft

Congratulations "Second-Wind" writers. You made it to the top of Basic-Writing Mountain. If you found it to be a vigorous climb--relax! Now you can glide all the way down the other side to Happy Finishing-Line Valley! Before proceeding with the topic of revision, I've got a big surprise for you and I'll purposely use some very tired clichés, to tell you what it is. This method will illustrate how boring clichés can be to the reader. "Rules are made to be broken", in writing as in other facets of Life, so "take with a grain of salt" much of what I have said in previous lessons.

Like long-time writers, you've now "been through the mill" and are entitled to substitute the word "guideline" for what you previously considered was a writing rule. Discriminate while reading through my "pearls of wisdom"; use some pointers, discard others. Now, you have the freedom to establish "a style all your own." Go ahead..."breathe a sigh of relief" that you're more than "half-way there." Revision of your first, second and following drafts of your work does not have to include every "do" and "don't" I have mentioned.

Each day you take out your writing folder or envelope to "have another go " at your story or article, "let it all hang loose." Your confidence will shine as sun through a cloud!

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Presentation of Final Copy

We're still thinking "imaginary contest" for two reasons. Firstly, I'm hoping you will be on the look-out for contests to enter. Secondly, you may (and should) feel you have achieved sufficient confidence in your writing to submit it to a newspaper or magazine for possible publication. In each event, there are basic rules for presenting your story or article in acceptable form.

Supplies

Standard-sized bond-quality plain, white paper. If typing the material yourself, a well-inked ribbon, carbon paper and a kraft envelope large enough to send your material out flat.

Page Set-Up (See accompanying illustration).

Page 1.

Arrange margins first; 1½" at top, bottom and both sides, creating a blank "frame" around your work.

Page 2 and subsequent pages

Arrange margins the same as Page 1.

Information

Page 1.

Top, left-hand side; Name, address (including postal code) and telephone number.

Top, right-hand side; approximate number of words you have written. (Just count lines - 10 words per line are the approximate count if you have used the above margins.)

Story Title on Page 1

Drop down several more inches and center your story title. Then drop down several more inches and start your story, indenting each paragraph. Note: All submissions must be double-spaced to leave room for corrections by an editor.

Story Title on Page 2 and subsequent pages

One word from the title, a diagonal stroke (/), then last name of the author. Perhaps this is the place to mention submission of pictures along with a story or article. As pictures pass through many

hands between the time they have been sent for publication and they appear in print, they should be well identified. The best method is to use a glued label. On it, print name, address and telephone number of author, plus story or article title.

If identifying people in the picture, look at it, and from the left-hand side, list the names, working towards the right-hand side. Identify the site where the picture was taken. Then, and then only, attach the label to the back of the print. (If attached first, the typing or writing may damage the picture for reproduction.) Should your picture be irreplaceable, undoubtedly you will want it back; in which event, the words: "Please return, if possible" should be sufficient.

Covering letter

Write a carbon-copied letter to the editor, showing your name, address and postal code, plus the date. Place this information at the top right-hand side of the page.

Then slide down the page and write something brief such as:

"Dear Editor Kelly:

I am enclosing (title of story)--a 300 word article which may be of interest to you for publication in...."

If you want your manuscript returned, in the event that it is not accepted, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and mention in your letter you have sent it. (The abbreviation "S.A.S.E." (Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope) is sufficient at the bottom of the left-hand corner of the page.

Before you glue the envelope flap to the envelope, check to see you have everything in the package that you intended to send. Be sure you have sufficient postage on both envelopes--otherwise your manuscript--your creative art--may end up in postal Heaven!

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Illustration

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The Tale End

Here are a few random thoughts for your consideration. Join a "second-wind" writers' workshop. Daytime classes are available at minimal cost in many urban and rural communities. There's a bonus at these classes too--sociability. Many rewarding friendships have blossomed around a table strewn with notepads, pencils and coffee cups!

Frequent your library. The stacks contain a broad range of information on writing techniques. Staff assistance is excellent either in person or by telephone.

Carry a notebook and pencil everywhere you go--at home or abroad. Jot down a few details of an amusing incident, a conversation overheard on a bus or an emotion felt at sunrise or sunset. Use the notes as reference material when you're in a writing mood.

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Conclusion

Let me conclude with one of my favorite quotations.

  "Now is not the end,
  It is not even the beginning of the end.
  But it is perhaps, the end of the beginning."

Winston Churchill (1942)

May you be at the end of the beginning in creative writing and on your way to success!

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