One thing that we all have in common, despite the differing of opinions and the varied interests and writing styles on this site: is that we all want to write, and I hope that we all want to write better.
Yet, to me, the most uncompromising prerequisite that any self proclaimed writer must have, is a clear love for language. Sentences and words and proper grammar are our tools for the trade. Writing is a skill, but it is foremost a love affair with language.
To my chagrin, I have noticed the rather thin posts under the topic of Literature. And this topic is critically important for writers to read in order to evaluate, discuss, and enrich our vocabularies. Perhaps you don't write fiction, but nevertheless, there is truly nothing better to do to sharpen our intellects and develop a sense of tone, of poetry, and appreciation for the art of writing, than to read classical literature.
There was recently a study completed in America, that found that only one out of four people have admittedly read one book this past year. And I think that this is a very sad declaration of our times.We simply must read, and read books that are well written, and this is especially true when it comes to being or becoming a great writer.
The literary genre is already on the verge of extinction in our country. The Europeans know it, and they are far ahead of us in every aspect of writing, and by leaps and bounds. I know it, and even my own writing is on hold as I study the literature of antiquity and philosophy, in order to expand my horizons intellectually, and develop powerful themes. I am truly self taught, but taught by the giants that have come before me, and all I must do to glean the insights that has inspired the greatest writers of all time, is to read their stories, or their criticisms, or their poetries.
If you are like me, a great lover of words, and you also enjoy reading as much as I, then this article does not pertain to you. And to all the others, might I recommend you start with Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment' or Gustave Flaubert's 'Madame Bovary' or Richard Wright's 'Native Son,' all great books to get you going on your journey.
And please do not aim to write something that is 'easy to read.' Instead, try writing something that is clear, coherent, intelligent, and eloquent.
Over to you.
