I love to bake. I love the fact that I can take a bunch of seemingly random ingredients and turn them into something tangible and delicious like a loaf of home made bread, brownies, a savory dinner or a pizza pie! A key to baking well is having and using the right tools. We just moved across the country and I'm happy to say that my new home has a fantastic place in it to have a baking station. I was unable to do that in my last kitchen and it was always a challenge. Now, with my baking station, I can whip things up quickly and easily on a whim if I want. Today, I found a recipe for "Gobs" aka "Whoopie Pies" and decided to make them while my boys studied in my home school. They turned out great! My baking station, always at the ready, made quick and easy work out of baking up the wonderful treats. My favorite baking tools include my wonderful Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer, my Pampered Chef microplane, parchment paper, my vintage mixing bowls and my home made vanilla extract. These five things have enhanced my baking a great deal and made it even more fun.
My writing isn't much different. What are my essential writing tools? Are they always "at the ready" to assist me in my writing endeavors? What about you? Below is a list of my greatest writing tools. Have you inventoried yours lately?
* Great Ideas
Writing starts with a great idea, whether it comes from observation or personal experience. Start with your great ideas and see how far they will take you. Don't be afraid to write it down.
* Your own method
Your method is your comfort zone for making your writing happen. Famed author Danielle Steele uses an old-fashioned typewriter rather than a modern word processor for her books. I love my word processor, but when I'm developing an idea, nothing beats writing it out on a legal pad with a soft pencil. This method helps me capture the mood of what I'm writing, which assists in complete development.
* A love of reading
Reading makes you a better writer, so read, read, read to your heart's content. Read a variety of genres, not just your own. Read, then write.
* An objective opinion
Find someone you trust to give you an objective opinion of what you write and ask them to give you honest feedback. You can offer something in return so you're not taking advantage of that person if that is an issue, but by all means, get a trusted, objective opinion on your writing.
* Write
Writing is the best way to improve and hone your writing. Write a journal. Write an article. Write a note to someone. Write a how-to book in one weekend and e-publish when finished. Just write. And continue writing your way to success.
~Tricia
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