Writing is Like an Army Campaign

Writing well can be compared to an army campaign. For example, the army *could* be quoted to say the following (or close to the following):

1) Do what you need to do and get the hell out.

Just like in writing. Don’t linger in a scene. Say what you need to say, briefly (don’t babble, use good, strong, appropriate words) and exit.

2) Prepare for any eventuality.

You never know where the story is going to take you–even if you plan it out ahead of time. Be prepared and go with it.

(Cool pen. It has a light in it, but really, it looks like you are writing something profound.
Hairy knuckles not included.)

3) Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes.

Bring your reader in close to your work, then slam them with some emotion. Don’t go spouting off, assuming your reader is close enough to the story that your hits are going to land.

4) Too many men can be as much of a hindrance as not enough.

Too many words can be as much of a hindrance as not enough. Same goes for characters. Scenes. Chapters. Slang/Colloquialisms. Etc.

5) Always prepare for battle.

Always prepare for inspiration to strike. Don’t leave home without your notebook. If you are writing, always prepare for that essential conflict in your scene. There must be something, no matter how minor, that pulls your reader forward, deeper and deeper into the story. Keep them wondering what’s going to happen, how things will play out–really, it’s just a warm up for the main show.

6) In peace, always prepare for war.

Like above. Always build to that major conflict in your story. The reader may think it is peaceful times, but there’s a big conflict coming. Just. Around. The. Corner.

7) Victory through skill.

Need we say more?

Surmount all obstacles.

You can do it, writers. Don’t give up. If there is a will, there is a way.