The Writer’s Avenue

All in itself, skillful use of the tools and devices is important but it will not make you a good writer. I believe the magic of good writing is rooted in having something of substance to say, a message. That is the starting point. The HOW is crucial, all the literary tools and devices, the foreshadowing, showing instead of telling, a snappy dialog--yes, the HOW is vital, but the WHAT comes first. The HOW, sitting there pretty all by itself, looks silly without the WHAT.