Writing Tips: Mining for Diamonds

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1. Write the first draft from your heart.
   • That means you must write quickly. Ponder too long and the idea that originally excited you will go stale. You'll be left with dull, lifeless words.
   
   
   
2. Once you have the first draft down, let it cool awhile (an hour, a day, a month -- depending on how long your deadline is).
   
   
3. Practice TLR (Tough Love Revision.)
   • If a bit of writing your eye lingers over looks too good to be true, it probably is. Every word, every sentence, every paragraph must add to your piece. When it doesn't -- no matter how well written -- cut it.
   
   
   
4. READ a lot.
   
   
5. And finally, don't be afraid to write mediocre or even bad stuff.
   • Only when you are willing to open your heart will you find the diamonds.