How to Write with Meaning

Whether you're writing a school paper, a letter to mom, a Squidoo lens, or a novel, it's important that you know how to write with meaning.

By writing with meaning, I simply mean that your writing, in almost all cases, should tell a story and be written from the heart. Let a little of yourself out to drive home a point, unless of course you're Sargent Joe Friday. In that case, you want to deliver "Just the facts, ma'am."

If you're describing a sign, don't just write "There was a funny sign." Get in there and describe the Ham Bone Bar and Grill. Make the reader feel like they were there.

The following quotes by writers on how to write well and with meaning will drive home the point better than I can. Carry on.

Photo Credit: Peggy Hazelwood

Anne Lamott is a character. She writes like she's speaking to you--just you. She's wise and funny and can write like nobody's business.

Anne Lamott has also written novels and non-fiction books that entertain; her writing style is like no one else's.

The quote shown above is from the novel Slam by Nick Hornby. The narrator is describing the story he's told us so far, which are just the facts. But, the facts don't tell the entire story, do they?

He continued by writing "I'm just saying that if you stick to the facts, then the whole point of a story has disappeared."

So true!

British author Nick Hornby also wrote About a Boy, High Fidelity, Fever Pitch, and lots of other great books.

This book helped me tighten my writing so I wasn't quite as guilty of leaving in extraneous BS.

But Don't Tell All, Please

Writing with meaning involves opening up and sharing a bit about yourself to make a point. If you don't personally have experience with what you're writing, find out how it affected other people and write about that.

But please, don't spill your guts. Unless you're prepared for what that brings, of course.

Some events are too personal to share. Family members might be involved, so ask yourself these questions:

~ Is it your story to tell? If not, don't write it (or at least change the names).

~ Do you really have their permission or blessing to share this stuff?

~ Do you want the whole world to know your business? Maybe. Probably not.

But on a more positive note, the feeling you have about those personal events can be harnessed.

Share the feeling.

Let your readers in on the meat of the story but putting them there. Use feeling and meaning in your writing.

I adore Elizabeth Berg's novels, but I truly love this writing book. She is like a good friend--who knows of what she writes--giving sound advice (and recipes!) on improving your writing.

The tangible act of writing with pen and paper helps make thoughts real. Start carrying a journal and special pen for ideas that come to you throughout the day.