Are you new to writing but want to get started, however are
you unsure how to begin?
Let’s start with the basics.
What do you need to start writing?
1.
Exercise book and pen, or
2.
Your mobile: You can use documents as a writing
app if you have an iPhone, Samsung would have an equilvant writing app. Or you
can use your Notes app in your iPhone. Or you can create a blog online and
write directly into that.
3.
A laptop and use Microsoft Word to write in.
What do I recommend you use?
If you are writing one blog post a day about 500-1000 words,
I suggest you type this directly into your mobile. It’s quick and easy.
However, if you are writing a book, I suggest you write it
down in pen first in a notebook and take it everywhere with you, incase
inspiration arises. Or use your laptop.
The reason for this is, as a blogger, I write about 10-12
blog posts a week, plus work on eBooks. I also have a full time job where I use
a computer all day. Now, with blogging all the time on my mobile, my wrists are
getting sore, so I now only blog a few on my mobile and the rest I write on my
laptop and then transfer it to my blog.
How to start writing
Start by just writing, a saying, or a quote. Just write down
anything and then don’t judge it. Judgement is one of life’s frustrating
things, where we want to write perfectly but we judge it, so then we diminish the
result of our hard work. Try not to judge your work.
You can also go on Pinterest and create a story board – keep
it secret if you like. A story board can look at different types of characters
and features as well as locations and scenery. You might also search for action
scenes.
If you would prefer
to write non-fiction, research the topic, through books and resources and write
your key findings.
If you want to journal write about your day, your feelings
or some event. Just get a notebook and write it in, each day.
Set up a routine to write
Routines really do help you write on a regular basis. You
don’t have to write daily, but once a
week is ideal. Have a day and start time to write each week. You can
write as much or as little as you want.
Even having a place to write can be special, although not
necessary. As a professional writer, I like to write in most places. I enjoy writing
outside in the sunshine in Spring and Summer and tend to write inside during
winter and autumn, because its windy and wet and a bit gloomy. I also write
when I am on the train, nobody is watching.
Read more
Actually as a writer, I don’t read a lot, because I am too
busy writing. However, I will admit, I do enjoy reading and I also find I learn
a lot from reading. Not just the subject but also how to format a book, how to
add dialogue to a fiction story using the correct punctuation.
Reading is not mandatory, but it does helps us grow by using
new words and learning more about the language.
Write how you want
They say a writer has a written voice. To find your written
voice, its best to write in “me” styles, like blogging or journalling, to help
you find your voice. Your voice is then carried across through all writing platforms.
When I was a freelance writer, I used my voice to write
articles for businesses. Readers would enjoy and trust my voice in the articles,
that they would then convert to sales for the business.
Don’t underestimate your writing voice
I also remember one time, I thought, writing this article is
too simple. So I changed my writing voice. The client immediately wrote back to
me and said, “Are you ok? This doesn’t sound like you.” I re-wrote the article
and put it back in my voice and stopped trying to pretend to be a voice I wasn’t.
So your writing voice, is you. Don’t try and make it sound
better or worst to “feel like” it will read better. Just find your writing
voice and stick with it.
Attend a writing course
If you feel like you want to try a writing course, then do
it. I am a professional writer and still do writing courses. Why? Because, I
always learn something new. An online writing course can be around $80 - $400.
I probably wouldn’t pay any extra, unless it was at some writing retreat getaway location.
No matter what you do, just write. Have fun with it. Nobody
ever needs to read it if you don’t want or you can transform it into a blog or
book, down the track. But most importantly, don’t put pressure on yourself to
write.
#writing #writingforbeginners #meltoye
Also if you are a beginner in crocheting, you may appreciate reading my ‘The journey of crocheting for beginners’ ebook by Melanie Toye. You can purchase here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1808619
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