Three Tips to Improve Your Spiritual Writing

When writing a spiritual story, there is really no exact formula. The intent behind the writing and the spiritual growth you receive during the process is what matters most. You may be writing the story initially just as a part of your own personal spiritual journey, or you may be writing the story because you really have a tale to share with everyone. Either way, you should go about the basic writing in the same manner. Following are three tips to follow to make sure your writing is the best it can be.

1. Just Write

One of the most difficult things about spiritual writing, or any type of writing for that matter, can simply be to get the thoughts flowing. To avoid hitting a wall, allow yourself to just simply write. Try very hard in the beginning stages to not over analyze what you are saying or judge your writing. You don't even need to edit in the beginning; just let the ideas flow. It is much simpler to delete, insert, and polish after the bulk of the content is written rather than trying to do it too deeply as you go. By following this tip, you may find that content emerges that is not what you originally had in mind...maybe even better.

2. Let Someone Read It

After you have your main ideas down, and maybe after a very basic re-write, find someone you know and trust and alone them to read your story. This is even helpful if you don't intend to ever have the material published because their feedback may help you to clarify your thoughts and feelings on the subject matter more objectively. It may even spark new inspiration to add to the spiritual story or for a new story entirely. If you do intend to have the writing seen by the world at large, ask the person to really give you a harsh critique. They should look at all aspects of the writing from the content, to the syntax, to grammar, to appeal. Have them discuss their feelings about the story and what type of thoughts reading the story lead them to. This is another great way to judge if your writing is effective and causes the reaction you intended. You may even find it brings up thoughts and feelings that were not intentional, but still very positive.

3. Edit and then Edit Some More

A great spiritual story is all about the message it contains, but if the writing isn't properly polished that message may get lost. Make sure your grammar and spelling are perfect. Reword any sentences that feel awkward or stilted. Reduce the content to only what is absolutely necessary to relay your story in the way you intend. Million dollar words are worthless if they aren't the right words. Analyze how you might better use common literary devices in your writing such as alliteration, symbolism, and fore shadowing. Once you think you have it perfect let someone read it again. There will almost always be places it could still be perfected. You do not need to feel you must take the advice given, but if you choose not to take it, you should have analyzed it long enough to know why you don't find it appropriate.