Zesty Writing

 

What is it that gives you a zest for writing?

Do you get a buzz from creating characters and plotting what happens to them in a story or novel?

Do you want to share your experiences with others whether you've been on a round the world trip or you have a personal message to share?

Do you want to educate or guide others through your writing?

Take a moment now to think about the sorts of things you really enjoy writing. What piece of writing recently gave you the most pleasure? What was it about that writing that inspired you or was so enjoyable?

The reason I think it's important to consider these aspects are because usually when we write with zest, it's likely to be far more enjoyable for the reader too. I liken it to some wise words that I received from an elderly neighbour of mine who bakes a lot of cakes (and yes, I'm very happy to live next door to her as there are often spare slices of Victoria Sandwich or scones available which she hands to me over the wall). She once told me that she called some cakes she made 'attitude cakes'. When I pushed her for further explanation she said that if you don't have the right attitude when you start to bake a cake, it usually shows. She said that the best cakes were always the ones made with love, care and attention, the ones that she really wanted to make. Attitude cakes often came up lopsided, would sink in the middle or the fruit would all drop to the bottom. These were the ones she made when she really didn't want to do it that day or she was tired.

I've always liked her take on cake baking and I think it can very easily be applied to our writing process too. If we write with zest and the right attitude - one of love, care and attention, I'm sure it will make the writing experience more enjoyable for us and for our readers too.