Lessons in writing from the master

IM Soni

A young man aspiring to become a writer sought Dr Samuel Johnson’s advice as to what was needed to become a writer. The literary dictator of the 18th century said, “A pen and a piece of paper.”

If you read Ruskin Bond’s book ‘How to become a writer’, you will find that you need a lot more than ‘a pen and a piece of paper’. And he should know well because he loves writing, finds it a ‘pleasure’ and has been doing so for about 70 years?

My only regret is that after going through the book, I think it should have more pages than it has. My reward is that opened the book with great expectation and closed it with greater satisfaction.

One quality of a good book is that it has something for everyone who years to yield the pen. It is useful, a lighthouse for youngsters and a beckon light for those who are striving to get into print or are greeted by editors compliments and regrets. The wise words are, “Never give up”. Bond explains, “Writing for me is the simplest and greatest pleasure in the world.” Those who have read Ruskin Bond’s books know it well that he writes as if he was born with a copy of ‘How to become a writer’ in his hands!

He simplifies the task of the aspirants with; “A love of books, of language, of life, an observant and a good memory along with enthusiasm, optimism and persistence” are the musts.

My picks are Bond’s recommendations: “writing needs reading”; “the tide goes out only to come in again,” about rejection slips. “Waste-paper baskets were invented by frustrated authors.” And I use one “Before I sit down to write my story, I write it in my head.” The implication is that all you need to write is a head! Greenhorns may note, “Be original”.

Good writing is all about style. Take up any dictionary, choose any word randomly and see what you can do with it. Or what other writers have done with it.

You see an old type-writer on the front and the back page. Bond wrote an interesting article in a prestigious newspaper on his talents. Illustrations add to the beauty and simplicity of the work.