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7 Tips for New Writers
Marie
Landry
1.
Write. This seems like an obvious one, but you’d be surprised. Most of the
writers I know (including myself) are world-class procrastinators. Even though
we love to write, we’ll often do anything but actually sit down and
write - browse Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, chat with friends online, tidy
our desks, sort through files - you name it. For any number of reasons, it can
be daunting to get started, but it needs to be done. You need to plant your
butt in the chair, eliminate distractions, and write. Find a time that works
for you, a place that’s comfortable and quiet, stop making excuses, and just
write.
2.
Read, and read widely. I’ve always attributed a large part of my intelligence
to my love of reading. I have eclectic tastes and will read pretty much
anything. My favourite genre is contemporary young adult, because that’s mainly
what I write, but I also regularly read paranormal, fantasy, science fiction,
and mystery, both in young adult and adult books. Reading is to a writer what
exercise and practice are to an athlete. It makes your mind sharper, gives you
inspiration, and lets you see what’s out there so you can be sure to write
original stories.
4.
Become part of the writing community. Blog about your writing, join Facebook
groups, tweet using the hashtag #amwriting. Here’s a sad fact: it’s hard to
find support among non-writers. I’ve heard so many people say that they started
writing a book and expected their friends and family to be really interested
and supportive, but they weren’t. It can hurt and be discouraging, but you
can’t let that stop you. The online writing community is wonderfully
supportive. You can also check locally for writing groups or critique groups
that meet in your area.
5.
Think outside the box. They say write what you know, and while that’s good
advice to a point, if you’re a writer you likely have a vivid imagination -
dream things up. Create your own worlds, don’t be afraid to take chances, and
write what makes you happy, even if it isn’t necessarily considered conventional.
6.
Research and learn the ins and outs of publishing - both traditional and
self-publishing. Learn how things work from beginning to end and what kind of
work is involved, especially if you’re self-publishing and have to do things on
your own. Before I published my first novel I spent months reading every
blog and article I could find that had to do with self-publishing. I wanted to
know what I was getting into and make sure it was the right decision. 
7.
Never give up. It’s easy to get frustrated, it’s easy to make excuses, and it’s
easy to doubt yourself. You’ll likely have days when you think everything you
write is absolute garbage (and there’ll be days when it may even be true), but
you can’t let that stop you. If writing is what you really want to do - if
you’re passionate about it - you won’t let anything or anyone stop you.
There might be naysayers - whether it’s friends, family, coworkers, or just
random people you meet and tell ‘I’m a writer’ - but the only thing that really
matters is how you feel. If you love writing and feel like it’s
something you have to do, you’ll do it no matter what.
Books:
Waiting for the Storm
The
Game Changer
Blue
Sky Days
Awesome article! Thanks for the tips, Marie!
ReplyDeleteAwesome tips, Marie, thanks for sharing. To your list I'd add that if you choose self-pubbing ensure your novel is edited by a professional. It's worth the money if you want your work to be taken seriously.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Marie. Good tips for seasoned writers to remember as well.
ReplyDelete