Writing can be tough, especially when you’re starting out. Here is a list of ten top tips to inspire you on your writing journey.
1. Read, read, read
Reading is a powerful tool for writers. It can build knowledge of genre, improve vocabulary, enhance concentration and stimulate the imagination. The key is to not always read the books you know you’ll like. Exploring new authors and genres will help you discover your own style and voice.
2. Observe the world
All writing is, to some degree, based on reality. Even fantasy writers draw upon aspects of the real world to inspire their magical realms. The world around us is a fascinating place and writers can learn a great deal from it. All too often, writers sit in one place, trying to generate ideas. Go out into the world – explore unknown places, analyse human behaviour, try new things. Only through observing the world at close quarters can you begin to create truly convincing stories.
3. Create a schedule
Many new writers struggle to complete their first manuscript. In part, this is due to not having a strict enough schedule. It is easy to say ‘Oh I’ll write ten words today and maybe 100 tomorrow’. Erratic writing habits make it difficult for writers to reach the finish line. Creating a schedule to write or edit a fixed number of words or pages per day will foster a sense of purpose. If you’re not good at sticking to plans on your own, ask for help from friends or family or investigate finding a writing mentor.
4. Write and don’t look back
Another significant reason writers struggle to finish their manuscripts is the continual need to review their work. The temptation to re-read finished pages often causes writers to start the draft again. While reading back to familiarise yourself with work from a previous session is advisable in some cases, it tends to be counterproductive as it fosters unhealthy critiquing. Few writers like their first drafts (and often their third, fourth and fifth drafts too!). To avoid this pressure on yourself, try to not look back. Just keep writing until you finish and then you can review to your heart’s content.
5. Writer’s block
Writer’s block can be divided into two sections – the blocks that come before you’ve even started writing and those that come once you’ve begun. Many writers sit stewing over blank pages or going mad over a single sentence for hours at a time. Writer’s block is only an issue if you make it into one. Instead of trying to come up with the perfect idea, just write down something – anything to get yourself started. If you’re struggling with an idea, leave a section blank and return to it later. If you can’t work out a sentence – walk away. You’ll come up with a solution eventually.
6. Persevere
As all writer’s know, being a writer isn’t easy. There will be days when you want to give up and times when you’ll think ‘Is there any point in this?’ Or ‘I can’t look at this page anymore!’ While it’s fine to feel downhearted and to need a break sometimes, being a writer is all about perseverance. Only you can make yourself keep going. If you can persevere in the face of writers block, self-doubt and rejection, you will eventually succeed in achieving your goals.
7. Hold the vision
Perseverance and visualisation go hand in hand. Where perseverance involves physical and mental steadfastness, visualisation is all about you forming and maintaining a mental image of what you want to achieve. If you’re constantly telling yourself, ‘I’ll probably finish this book’, or ‘I might try to get it published’, you’re providing yourself with vague targets. If instead you visualise yourself finishing the book or already published, it will help you to maintain a positive mindset.
8. Remove useless words
This tip might seem irrelevant here but it is extremely important. Before you self-publish or submit your manuscript to an agent, it should already be of a high standard. One of the easiest ways to edit your own writing is by removing useless words. It is commonly advised to remove as many adjectives as possible and to avoid using vague terms like ‘then’ and ‘very’. ‘Very’ especially is a word that rarely adds any meaning to your work. You’ll be surprised at how often you use it in a first draft.
9. Ask friends and family for feedback
Feedback is essential, whether you’re submitting to an agent or self-publishing. You may think that you’ve gone over your book one hundred times and it’s already perfect, but you’ll be amazed at how differently other people will interpret your words. Your friends and family may not be trained editors, but they can tell you if your ideas are consistent and whether they’ve enjoyed your work. Try to find readers who belong to your target audience as well – their feedback will be invaluable.
10. Believe in yourself and your work
Few writers look at their work, published or otherwise, and think it’s perfect. Self-doubt is the devil on most writer’s shoulders and it’s important to know how to deal with it. While self-doubt can’t be banished forever, you can learn to manage it. When you find yourself thinking ‘This is the worst book ever’, remind yourself that you’ve had the stamina to write a book in the first place. Not everyone can do that. If you counter every negative thought with a positive, you will find it a lot easier to believe in yourself and your work.
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