Write more

I need to get back into the habit of collecting metaphorical writing stones, as per Jerry Weinberg’s technique. For starters, when an idea strikes me that I feel passionate about, I need to jot it down. Then I need to develop a practice of expanding on the ideas.

I need to start fleshing out a paper that I will be delivering at a conference in late November. The draft of the paper is due by the end of this month so it’s time to get cracking! I have an outline but I need to start filling in each section with content.

I write quite frequently, usually in little portions. A short blog entry here, a blog comment there or perhaps a 43T entry or an email. These are all good but not substantial. I feel the need to start some writing projects of a larger nature. I must start collecting some ideas and devoting time to develop them.

I recently bought a useful little book called “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. It contains excellent advice about all those pedantic rules of English grammar, many of which I’m unsure about. So I’m working my way through it, and I’m sure I’ll refer to it many times in the future. Hopefully, in time, I’ll feel more able to write fluently using correct grammatical style.

I’ve read quite a bit of his stuff on computer programming and consulting and was intrigued to learn that Jerry Weinberg is now teaching people to write. He’s also writing a novel!

So I’m happy to say that I’m learning from his four decades of professional writing experience by reading “Weinberg on Writing”. I intend to review it on my blog when I’m finished. Meanwhile, I’m practicing some of the techniques that he suggests.

The metaphor that he uses to frame his advice is that of building a wall from fieldstones.

I’ve been practicing writing via my blog (http://squizlog.keithpitty.org) for the last couple of years. I think this has improved my writing but I’m sure I have a lot more improvement to go, especially with my writing style and techniques.