Advice from Writers: George Orwell

George Orwell (From Why I Write)

1. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
2. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
4. Never use the passive where you can use the active.
5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

Advice From Writers: Henry Miller

Henry Miller (from Henry Miller on Writing)

1. Work on one thing at a time until finished.
2. Start no more new books, add no more new material to “Black Spring.”
3. Don’t be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is in hand.
4. Work according to the program and not according to mood. Stop at the appointed time!
5. When you can’t create you can work.
6. Cement a little every day, rather than add new fertilizers.
7. Keep human! See people; go places, drink if you feel like it.
8. Don’t be a draught-horse! Work with pleasure only.
9. Discard the Program when you feel like it–but go back to it the next day. Concentrate. Narrow down. Exclude.
10. Forget the books you want to write. Think only of the book you are writing.
11. Write first and always. Painting, music, friends, cinema, all these come afterwards.

New eBook Available: THE JOKE'S ON YOU: HOW TO WRITE COMEDY

Been away from blogging for quite some time working on a new eBook:


http://www.amazon.com/The-Jokes-On-You-ebook/dp/B0088EWD1O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338736571&sr=8-1

THE JOKE'S ON YOU: HOW TO WRITE COMEDY is a comprehensive guide.   Nearly 300 pages of information, purchasers will receive updates to the book as well.

Appreciate feedback posted here.   Been quite a project but a ton of fun!