Author Tips: How to Start Writing

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Essential Tips for First-Time Writers

Carrow Brown

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to embark on the exciting journey of writing. Whether you’re dreaming of penning the next bestselling novel, crafting captivating short stories, or sharing your knowledge through non-fiction, taking the first step is often the hardest part. As a professional author and editor, I understand the challenges and uncertainties that come with starting out as a writer. However, I’m here to tell you that the most important advice I can give you is simple: start writing. In this blog post, I’ll share essential tips for first-time writers to overcome procrastination, silence self-doubt, and unleash their creativity onto the page.

Embrace Imperfection:

When I first began writing, I met someone who said he spent ten years researching his book before he started writing, aiming for perfection. In my opinion, that was 9.5 years too long. One of the biggest hurdles for new writers is the fear of inadequacy, which often leads us to occupy ourselves with trivial tasks. We convince ourselves that we’re working on our books when in reality, we’re just procrastinating.

It’s easy to become consumed with the pursuit of perfection, but no one creates a flawless first draft. The key is to accept imperfection and permit yourself to write poorly. Allow yourself to make mistakes, understanding that you can always revise and improve later. Ultimately, the most important thing is to get your ideas down on paper.

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Establish a Writing Routine:

Consistency is key in writing, though it may be challenging to establish at first. Balancing writing with work, family, health, and other life aspects can be difficult. However, setting aside dedicated time each day or week for writing, treating it like any other appointment, can help. Find a time that suits your schedule, be it in the morning or at night, and stick to it. Establishing a routine assists in conditioning your mind for writing, making it easier to overcome writer’s block. For instance, I write early in the morning before anyone is awake due to my life’s demands. This dedicated hour allows me to concentrate on my writing before focusing on other tasks, making it significantly more productive.

Set Realistic Goals:

Often, we become so excited about our aspirations that we lose sight of our capabilities. It’s crucial to set realistic goals to maintain motivation and focus on your writing journey. As such, instead of setting an unachievable target of writing a 200,000-word bestseller in your first draft, start small. Short stories are great for beginners and can help you maintain control of your plot. Set daily or weekly word count goals – I suggest starting with 250 words a day if you’re a beginner. Alternatively, commit to writing for a specific duration each day. Celebrate your progress, no matter how minor, and adjust your goals as necessary.

Find Your Writing Space:

Having a dedicated writing space can boost your writing mindset. Find a place that inspires and comforts you, like a cozy corner in a coffee shop, a quiet room at home, or a bustling library. Limit distractions and incorporate elements that stimulate creativity, such as a beloved playlist, motivational quotes, or your favorite drink.

Silence Your Inner Critic:

Often, the most challenging aspect for authors is dealing with self-doubt, which can lead to abandoning their writing. We all have an inner voice that questions our abilities and the value of our work. It’s crucial to quiet this inner critic and allow ourselves to write without judgment. Keep in mind that writing is a process, and every word penned brings you nearer to your goals. Don’t fear making mistakes or taking risks in your writing. Believe in your unique voice and perspective.

Read Widely and Analytically:

If you’re writing in a genre you don’t read, many authors and editors may be skeptical. Staying informed about the trends and pitfalls in your chosen genre equips you with a common language when discussing your preferred setting. One effective way to enhance your writing is to read widely and analytically. Observe the techniques of your favorite authors, focusing on their use of language, pacing, dialogue, and character development. Note what works well and what doesn’t and apply those insights to your own writing. Don’t confine yourself to one genre or style. Exploring different genres and mediums can broaden your perspectives and stimulate new ideas.

Join a Writing Community:

Writing can often be a solitary pursuit, but it doesn’t have to be. Joining a writing community can provide essential support, feedback, and encouragement. Whether it’s a local writers’ group, an online forum, or a social media hashtag, surround yourself with individuals who share your writing passion. Engage in writing challenges, workshops, and critique groups to refine your skills and connect with other writers. This also allows you to become more resilient to commentary and gain exposure to the diverse personalities in the writing world.

Revise and Edit:

Editing is a part of the writing process. Viewing it as such can make it seem less daunting. There are two common approaches to editing your draft. One suggests that after completing a draft, you should put it aside for some time and then revisit it with a fresh perspective. The other recommends starting the editing the following day. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal work style.

Regardless of your approach, be ready to revise and edit rigorously. This includes removing unnecessary words, honing the prose, and refining the dialogue. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from beta readers, critique partners, or professional editors. Constructive criticism is crucial for developing as a writer. Embrace it with an open mind and a readiness to learn. Remember, if you’re not satisfied with the feedback, you may find book reviewers’ comments even more challenging if you publish anything less than your best work.

Believe in Yourself:

Above all, have faith in yourself and your potential to succeed as a writer. Writing is a journey, with its highs and lows, but with commitment, persistence, and a dash of luck, anything can be achieved. Surround yourself with positive influences, remain faithful to your vision, and never abandon your dreams. Keep in mind, the only way to fail as a writer is by not starting to write at all.

What now?

Now that you’ve learned essential tips for first-time writers, it’s time to act. Stop procrastinating and start writing (finishing reading this blog first, kkthx). Whether you’re scribbling in a notebook, typing on a laptop, or dictating into your phone, the important thing is to get started. Your voice deserves to be heard, and the world is waiting to hear your story.

Recommended Reading

Working on your craft is an ongoing skill no matter what industry you are in. As you embark on your writing journey, consider diving deeper into the craft with these following recommendations.

  1. “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
  2. “Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within” by Natalie Goldberg
  3. “The Making of a Story” by Alice LaPlante
  4. “2k to 10k: Writing Faster, Writing Better, and Writing More of What You Love” by Rachel Aaron
  5. “The Fantasy Fiction Formula” by Deborah Chester
  6. “Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author’s Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development” by K.M. Weiland
  7. “On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Non-fiction” by William Zinsser
  8. “Your Screenplay Sucks!: 100 Ways to Make It Great” by William M. Akers
  9. “Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life After Which Everything Was Different” by Chuck Palahniuk
  10. “How to Write Dazzling Dialogue: The Fastest Way to Improve Any Manuscript” by James Scott Bell

I’ve read all these books and they all have something to offer you to help you with your writing journey and provide information to consider when working on plot, writing habits, and even mentality.

Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. What are you waiting for? Start writing today and unleash your creativity onto the page.

Stay Jazzy!

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