Atwood's 10 Writing Tips


I enjoyed reading Atwood's tips.  I think that they are universal and can be applied to any writing.  I think numbers 1 - 4 were more biased to Atwood as I know plenty of people who prefer writing in pen or typing.  Number 5 said to exercise to avoid pain because it is distracting.  I relate to this statement as I have been distracted from writing before due to an uncomfortable position or pain in my muscles from sitting.  Number 6 is important to writing; holding the reader's attention is one of the most important and difficult things to do.  It is something I have struggled with especially now with college essays, but it is such a key skill to have moving forward.  Her point also is reassuring that it is nearly impossible to please every reader.  Not everyone will enjoy what you write or interest them, but someone will like it.  Number 7 shows how writing is hard work that is not something to complain about because you chose to write.  It also explains the importance of correct grammar and a vast vocabulary that you must always work to improve.  Number 8 stresses the impact of having a "blind" reader or someone who is not close to you read your writing.  As the writer, you already know what is going to happen and having someone close to you read it could produce false feedback.  Number 9 explains that if you are stuck in your writing, don't stop and wait for the writer's block to go away.  You need to go back and change the tense, opening, etc. in order to move forwards in your writing.  Finally, number 10 looks to the future and visualization of the finish product of your writing as motivation.  Overall, Atwood's tips were relatable and helpful in writing.

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