Write like your favorite author: Imagine it (and do it)

Writing can be a demanding craft while luck can make (or break) any aspiring author's dream of a literary career. Authorship may be the farthest thing on your mind at the moment, but paper writing can take up much of your time. You must get used to it instead of complaining about your lack of a social life. You should embrace the struggles instead of resorting to procrastination. You have to think of your favorite authors, if not the great authors of yesteryear, in able to come up with impressive essays.

Paper writing is part of a student's life, and it's only natural for first-year students to try to impress their professors. Doing the same thing, again and again, can sap the enthusiasm out of anyone, though. The brilliant writers need to find distractions, if not inspiration, to start all over again. You don't need to lead a decadent lifestyle, getting stoned before the end of a student party. On the other hand, there's no need to sit in the corner of your darkened room. (No one is expecting you to channel your inner Lovecraft, but it might help when you must write your assignment on a particular Gothic novel.) There's really no secret behind the success of some of the greatest authors. As a matter of fact, most of them were six feet under long before a new generation of readers appreciated their works.

You may not owe these esteemed authors, but you could get some helpful tips from them. (And they won't mind you not asking for their consent.) It's about having a keen observation of the surroundings. Listening would be one of their skills as well. Authors are also aware of the limits to the imagination. They would be aware of the possibility of rejection (or ridicule). They learn one valuable lesson at a young age.

Let Your Favorite Authors Show You The Way

Look around, and take note of special details. Jane Austen's novels reveal the author's keen observation of social gatherings during the Victorian era. It was far from the informal set-up, which the likes of you would take for granted. The unwritten customs on womenfolk meant that Austen couldn't go around different circles, but she didn't mind at all. There wasn't any trace of bitterness in her description of characters from high places, but the subtle sting would be gleaming in many pages. What could you learn from Austen's romantic tales? You should note certain chapters from a book, which reveal the important themes. Don't forget the main characters, and how their distinctive traits reflect these themes. The political (or economic) backdrop can tell volumes as well. You don't want to pass up on this one.

Your sense of hearing may be more useful than your sense of sight. Recall Haggard's novels on Alan Quartermain, his journeys into the untamed regions of Africa, and discovery of lost cities. It would be likely that the British adventurer concocted these interesting tales after hearing legends from locals (in South Africa). How could armchair traveling help you get a top mark? Aside from paying attention to your professor's instructions, you must be open to his/her suggestions. Don't ever think of it as a criticism, as you rather look at yourself as a work in progress. Moreover, you can learn a thing or two from your coursemates (or roommates). It can be an informal conversation (over beer and pizza).

There are no bounds to one's imagination. Your favorite titles in Fantasy should convince you, as Philip Pullman managed to turn an academic ground into a stepping stone to different worlds beyond the northern lights. Don't restrict yourself while composing your draft, as there's no tested template (in essay writing). Your professor will be impressed at your attempts to be creative about your approach to your assignment, as long as you allot time for proofreading.

No pain, no gain. Writers are sensitive about their lack of success, if not their writing style. It's hard not to compare to other writers particularly the ones who find themselves on the bestsellers list. Luck may play a part, as it's hard to gauge the readers' preference. Some opt to join the bandwagon. (There will always be a fan base for Young-adult fiction.) All aspiring novelists have gone through bouts of self-doubt, even depression. Rejection would be expected, and they could only keep on trying (until they have found success). Don't expect exceptional remarks from your professor on your very first assignment unless writing has been a hobby of yours since your tenth year. Take those setbacks in stride, which should motivate you to do better next time.

Here's a valuable lesson for you. Artists learn to be passionate about their craft, even loving it above anything else. They won't know excellence unless someone (or the public) tell them. It would be nice to read glowing remarks from your professor, but don't let it get to your head. There's room for improvement, and it's not hard to spot it.

Don't Ever Forget The Basic Rules

You want your readers to understand your written work, so choose simple words. Go for short, direct sentences. (Ernest Hemingway had been renowned for such style.) You don't want to confuse your professor, even cause a headache (for the pile of unread assignments).

Nothing is impossible if you think you can do it. Two thousand words may be too long for an essay assignment, so expect a struggle on your first attempt. It won't be the same feeling on your next try. You might not be gaining confidence, but practice can make you better.

Writing can be an exhausting task, which is far different from getting dead tired after being spent on a physical activity. You can take a rest (after a grueling exercise), but you may need a good night sleep to let your mind recover from an arduous writing job. Moreover, there's a thing called writer's mood. (If you're in a mood, then don't let that feeling slip away. It may take a longer time to pen your next five hundred words.)