Looking for resources for writing

[yb1]

This is probably a very good place to ask but I am looking for resources for developing stronger writing techniques.

Areas of concern:

Building a broader vocabulary

Developing better grammar techniques/ editing techniques

Developing a voice so any resources that anyone might have on short story development, fiction, roman a clef style of fiction, anything involving the writing process that you might suggest.

Any advice would be appreciated

[dfrecore]

For building a broader vocabulary, nothing beats reading great literature. Actually, just reading a LOT is good. I love my Kindle for this, because any time I come across a new word, I can look it up in the dictionary. You cannot imagine how many times I do this now - I read daily, and I probably look up at least 1 new word every other day or so. If you don't read electronically, I have hard people say they highlight things they don't know so they can look it up later; I also know people who keep dictionaries handy to look things up while reading.

For editing, I love the Institute for Excellence in Writing's program. My kids are both much better writers using this program for the last few years. It's not cheap, but I absolutely LOVE how he teaches the program, and how easy it is to get started and write better almost instantly. You start by paraphrasing/summarizing a paragraph, using key words, rewrite it in your own words but with those few key words, and then have to start implementing new techniques weekly. One week, you choose a verb and make it a "strong" verb - just better, more descriptive vocabulary instantly makes your writing better: The boy walked across the road --> The boy sauntered across the road. Another week, you add an LY adverb: The boy walked across the road --> The boy quickly walked across the road. They have "banned words" (go/went, good/bad, etc) that you have to replace with better words. You then start to put them all together. After you learn these little techniques, you start to implement them in your first draft without even thinking about it. After a while, my kids stopped using the "banned words" altogether, started using better vocabulary in their writing right from the first draft. The nice thing is that you could probably just buy the "Portable Walls" folder thingie he sells and start doing this right away without going through the program at all. It lists the banned words, with replacements, lots of LY adverbs, etc. So you're not coming up with these words off the top of your head, you're actually looking through a list of great vocabulary and trying to find a word (or several) that will fit the context and what you're trying to convey.

Don't know about the voice part, so can't help there.

[yb1]

No doubt reading is key.

I'll look into the class your kid is taking.

I was thinking more along the lines of prepping for grad school. I am considering a mfa program in professional writing with a focus on creative writing.

I wonder if an mfa is a waste of money.
I can tell you that my current job would be easier if I was a better editor.

[bjcheung77]

This is probably a very good place to ask but I am looking for resources for developing stronger writing techniques.

Areas of concern: Don't be concerned! If you complete your BSBA, you'll be well prepared!

Building a broader vocabulary I agree, reading, and borrowing a book from the library, especially for vocab building such as a mini dictionary

Developing better grammar techniques/ editing techniques Again, library will have great grammar books. Nothing beats free!

Developing a voice so any resources that anyone might have on short story development, fiction, roman a clef style of fiction, anything involving the writing process that you might suggest. You'll feel more confident when you're done with your degree, you'll have your own tone/voice, the confidence will be greater and you'll feel more in tune to using that confidence for whichever type of writing style you choose.

Any advice would be appreciated If you would also like to better yourself in speech, you can join a speech club/toastmasters, etc.

Hopefully this is what you're looking for.
This is what I would do if I was in your shoes, and you don't have to rush yourself.
The more you get along with your BSBA or whichever degree it may be, the better as you finish the courses.
You're already improving without knowing it!

[dfrecore]

Hopefully this is what you're looking for.
This is what I would do if I was in your shoes, and you don't have to rush yourself.
The more you get along with your BSBA or whichever degree it may be, the better as you finish the courses.
You're already improving without knowing it!

Ok, I'm curious to know why you think completing a BSBA via test-out will get you any of these skills? I am almost done, and in the last few years of doing this, I haven't had to write a single paper. For anyone doing this via test-out, they may have the same experience - no writing skills to speak of at all.

[mednat]

Ok, I'm curious to know why you think completing a BSBA via test-out will get you any of these skills? I am almost done, and in the last few years of doing this, I haven't had to write a single paper. For anyone doing this via test-out, they may have the same experience - no writing skills to speak of at all.

I tend to agree. Writing is definitely an art. My MBA helped me with my ability to write research papers, however I would still not consider myself a 'good writer'. Can I bang out an accurate and well formatted research paper? Absolutely! Will it sound eloquent and be artistically written? Absolutely not!

My tested out undergrad did very little to help build my writing ability.

[bjcheung77]

Ok, I'm curious to know why you think completing a BSBA via test-out will get you any of these skills? I am almost done, and in the last few years of doing this, I haven't had to write a single paper. For anyone doing this via test-out, they may have the same experience - no writing skills to speak of at all.

Ah, that's where the fine line stand and it depends. I believe test takers of CLEP/DSST, TECEP, etc won't gain too much in regards to what the OP is asking.
However, the individuals who are doing project courses for Penn Foster or writing, video/speech for Business Communications/Intro to Comm will learn a few things along the way. There are other courses that will enhance vocabulary as well, when I studied Medical Terminology for example.

[yb1]

What I will do is look for internships and volunteer opportunities in writing/ take writing workshops, get some books on writing. Try and network with writers/ professors and keep planning.

[PasaFino]

Take Latin. Many words in the English language are based off of Latin words. Taking Latin will also help with English grammar. An excellent program I used was "Latin In The Christian Trivium." It's the best one out there because it actually focuses on Latin syntax instead of useless vocab words like most Latin curriculums do. I highly recommend it to you because it would certainly improve grammar.

[Johann]

Take Latin. Many words in the English language are based off of Latin words. Taking Latin will also help with English grammar.

Right on two counts, at least. You'll learn vocabulary, sometimes by osmosis (Greek root - Latinized) ; you'll suddenly understand many words you once might have had to look up. Won't help with words like leitmotiv, perestroika or weltanschauung, though. And once you learn Latin grammar, you know grammar, period. Latin grammar will give you a framework you can apply to many languages. Doesn't work too well for Chinese, though - Latin's not a panacea; oops, that's got Greek roots too, not Latin. Greek is good, too!

What Latin won't do for you is make you an interesting, stylish or sensational writer. One thing that might help with that (possibly - no guarantee) is reading the work of people who are - then practice x 3 and revision x 4. Expressive writing is akin to expressive music. The late, great jazz musician, Charlie Parker, said it best: "If you don't live it, it won't come out your horn."

I took Latin from 1955 - 1960. Loved it! Still do!

J.