When you are describing, A shape, or sound, or tint;Don’t state the matter plainly, But put it in a hint; And learn to look at all things, With a sort of mental squint.
~Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (Lewis Carroll)
The downside of having a writing niche as I do is feeling like I’m repeating myself, or wondering, “Haven’t I written this before?” That’s why I found this advice from Carroll especially relevant and refreshing.
Writing full-time every weekday (sometimes 5 or 6 articles or blog posts daily) means that I must challenge myself to find new ways of saying the same thing, or I need to completely change my perspective on an old issue. Sometimes this process is fun, sometimes it’s frustrating… but I’ve also found that even the smallest “mental squint” can produce a completely unique point of view.
If I can learn something new about writing, my subject, myself, or all of the above, then I’ve been successful (and this continuous learning cycle is what I love so much about being a writer).
Sound off: Share your favorite tips from writers, about writing, in the comments section below.
Great post, and I love the quote from LC. I’m going to keep this one in mind and work with it.
Thank you! It’s a great quote, I agree. Appreciate you stopping by the blog and sharing your comment.
Wonderful quote! I will share with my granddaughter who will be a sophomore in college, studying to be a high school English teacher.
Isn’t it? Glad you liked it too, Sharon. Yes, please do share it with her. It will be a great one for her to use in her classes someday!