Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Make Your Writer Statement Shine

There are many ways to structure the general writer statement and many things to include in such a statement. You can begin by offering a literary quote, a memoir, an example, a statistic, an anecdote, etc. The writer statement answers questions; it responds to questions of past, present, and future. It is your statement. It is a definition. It is a personal choice. In addition, choose a focus and set up a foundation for your statement. Write about your experiences. Give information that tells the reader something. Give something more than just common knowledge. Make it unique. Make it you. Show your passion by showing emotion. Give some depth. Use correct grammar and “show don’t tell”. Use sensory details like how the pen feels when you are writing. Last, what is important to you in your writing? What are your writing goals?

If you cannot think of anything to write here are some questions to get you motivated:

How did you develop your writing?
What will you be writing?
Who do you or would you like to write like?
Where is your favourite place to write?
What do you use as writing instruments – pen and paper, typewriter, mobile phone, etc?
How is today’s writing going to shape your future?
Do you write fiction or non-fiction?
What is the one best piece of writing advice you have received or given?
How has your writing changed you or the world?
Why writing and say not landscaping or something else?
Do you have or believe you need a writing degree, certificate, diploma, etc.?
Do you belong to any writing groups, clubs, or organizations?

Moreover, the point of your writer statement is to help yourself and people understand why you do what it is you do. To share your thoughts and feelings on your writing journey is another reason why one should write a writer statement and make it shine. For each piece of writing you can compose a writer statement for that particular writing project.

More questions as follows:

Do you have a favourite or frequent word that keeps appearing in your work?
If you could be any writer from the past for one day who would you want to be and why?
Do you enjoy word puzzles, games, trivia, etc.?
What are some of your favourite writing movies?
Were your parents or anyone else in the family writers?
What are you writing now?
What fuels or inspires your writing?
What writing books, sites, courses are you currently reading/studying?
When is your favourite time to write?
What is your writing style?
What is your favourite writing device?
What is your favourite writing quote or proverb?
How long have you been writing?
What are your favourite writing snacks?

Finally, the writer statement can be written in the present tense as if you have achieved all that you desired. The length of your statement does not matter. If you wish to make it two sentences or two pages – go ahead. Also remember at any time you can change your writer statement. Check back with it in a month, or quarterly. Review your answers and alter if necessary as you achieve, achieve, achieve!

Further resources on the writer statement:

"A WRITER'S STATEMENT--WRITING WHAT MATTERS"

"Writer's Statement - the shortish version"

Resources on the personal mission statement:

"What Is a Personal Mission Statement?"

"The Five-Step Plan for Creating Personal Mission Statements"