4 Tips for Writers
When I began my writing journey I literally had no idea where and how to start.
In fact it took an entire year before I had enough knowledge to try to put pen to paper.
English wasn’t my strongest subject at school and I remember coming up with ideas, but I could not get words down on a page without a struggle. Which would then lead to be getting tired and then the project would end there.
I went from genre to genre and in the end found my first success in the games I played with my child.
The games became songs and the songs became stories.
This marker made it possible for me to get from idea, to writing, to finished piece.
After completing a piece I was able to see the value of four tips that I have continued to use daily in my writing journey.
I hope it gets you started and lays a foundation for success. You might even find something that works for you along the way or something that you can tweak.
Tip 1. Read
Reading other people's work is the hugest tip I can give writers and ghost-writers.
It enables us to see how to draw a reader in whilst giving us examples of structure, character development, plot lines and much more.
If you are at the starting point, reading another authors' work will help you arrive at a style and genre / subject that gets you excited.
This is paramount to a successful career because you don’t want to spend your life storytelling about topics and dialogues that doesn't make you long for your writing chair. You want your writing filled with passion and expertise.
Writing is hard work.
It is tiring work.
And therefore it is best to be writing on a subject, genre or on a matter that feeds you rather than depletes you; helping you to become specialised. Which in turn helps you to find your audience that will want to buy or invest in your work.
2. Carry an ideas book
Let’s face it… life is chaotic sometimes. I know that in my life it feels like I blink and suddenly months have passed.
Carving out time to sit and muse over where your story is going doesn’t always happen easily. Therefore carrying a trusty notebook with you can help jot down all those great ideas when you are out and about.
The fact is as well, that movement, (not necessarily when you are working out), and scenery causes your brain to function differently. You may find that whilst you sit in your chair and stare at a blinking cursor no words come to mind.
Then the total opposite happens when you are commuting, taking a walk, waiting for your child at the school gates or on your lunch break.
Your brain observes and is stimulated by your surroundings.
That is why some writers find that going out to eat, going for a walk, or taking a rest can help with writers block.
We tend to write what we know, or connect to it on some level, through our personal experiences and locations.
Your personal filter of how you see the world can serve your writing.
I remember noting how leaves fell whilst I was walking the dog.
I would pay attention to how people interacted at the lunch table when they met up with someone that caused unpredictability.
I watch, trying not to be creepy with it.
I observe.
I try to deduce what a person's backstory is from the little I can see.
I ask..
Why do they stare out the window?
Why are they in a rush?
What does their eyes tell me about what kind of day they are having?
I attempt to feel what others feel and if it connects with a story, then I write it down.
These people are strangers.
I do not judge.
But they give me the chance to exercise the muscles of character development and backstory.
Having these points helps when it comes to sitting in the writers chair. It means I will often come focused, with purpose and ready to get words on the page.
Tip 3. Use what you have.
I write what I know. I use my feelings in my work.
In my ghost-writing projects this has become extremely useful.
It's an honour to see my work connect with a client as they gasp, laugh or cry at the words I have used to present their story.
Writing isn’t always about information. The fiction market proves that.
People want to connect.
They want to see a part of themselves.
They want to cry when a character does.
Laugh when a character does.
Fall in love when a character does.
Each person that feels a calling to write has something within them and has their own audience waiting for their work.
Good authors write with their audience in mind. The connection between author and reader is so important and therefore using what you have, is crucial to that relationship.
A reader who feels you.
Who feels your words.
And emotions intended.
Will be loyal and will recommend you.
Isn't that something that every writer wants.
To have an impact.
And to make a mark that others then feel compelled to pass on the work to colleagues, friends and/or family.
Every writer has a story to tell.
A skill to share.
It’s just up to us as storytellers to figure out the best way to write for our audience and do it well.
So, whatever experience you have, it is useful.
Tap in to it when you need it.
Dig out your expertise and unique view on the world around us.
Tip 4. Be inspired by the writing community.
Those writers that go before us show us two things.
The first is how to do it.
And the second is how not to do it.
If you read interviews or follow their life and work you will see them share intimate details about how they operate and hone their skill of storytelling.
Jump on social media and follow some people you admire.
Watch what they do.
Seek out writers groups whether that be in person or online.
Wherever you can learn.
Wherever you can develop.
Go.
And whenever you can do so safely, interact.
Be careful of promises.
Be careful of scammers.
But if you find the right community of writers it will support, motivate and develop you in ways you can’t even fathom.
Writing is an honour and a privilege.
I am so grateful to be part of the writing community.
And if you are reading this, then you are too.
Please remember, if writing calls to you, you are the only one that can pick up and answer.
I hope these four tips get you started on your writing journey or give you some solid ground to develop further.
You can follow me on social media for more tips, discussion and stories filled with hope.
If you would like to share your story or contact me please feel free to private message me on our Facebook page or on Instagram and while you are there you can give me a like or a follow for daily encouragements. You can also email me using theencouragerslife@gmail.com address.
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