20 Jan Want to write? Tips for getting started.

It can feel impossible sometimes, to get started with something we have wanted to do for a very long time. Or to get back to writing when we have abandoned it after a set-back, or a period of distraction. But like with all things in life, it’s actually such a small step to go from not doing, to doing. It really is as simple as one, two, three. All that has to happen is that you make a choice. You choose to start writing. And here, I’m offering my top tips for getting started…

Always write about something that excites or genuinely interests you.

It sounds obvious, but you’d be amazed how many people wrestle with feelings that they ought to be writing in a certain genre, or about a certain topic. Don’t fall into this trap. You’ll always find it easier to write, and your writing will be more engaging to others, if you’re writing what you really want to write. Give yourself permission to write exactly what you want to write.

Find the time to write, and make a habit out of it.

Start with just ten minutes if that’s all you have. We’ve all got ten minutes, haven’t we?

Don’t try to be clever, or brilliant or original – that’s too much pressure, and it doesn’t work.

As I’ve already mentioned (because I cannot stress it enough), the trick is to tap in to what inspires you personally. That’s where you’ll find the magic.

Nothing to write about? Look around, choose an object, put it in front of you and write about it.

Don’t wait for the flash of a brilliant idea – you’ll never become a writer that way. Some of the best ideas come from tiny moments of inspiration – ideas that would sound like nothing if a writer tried to describe them in their infancy. Writers gather together a multitude of ideas over weeks, months and years, never really knowing what will grow into a short story or a novel. Sure, sometimes ideas come fully formed in a single moment of inspiration. But honestly, that’s rare. Find something to write about, and write. See what happens…

Read widely and voraciously.

You simply cannot be a writer if you’re not a reader too. We absorb all sorts of learning about craft and quality through reading. If you want to write in a particular genre then read the best of those books. But don’t stop there – read great authors in any genre that have stood the test of time. Soak it up and enjoy!

Never stop writing because you think your words aren’t good enough.

All writers lack confidence and get stuck at some point – it doesn’t mean you’re not up to the task. Doubt and uncertainty are all part of the process. The very best writers were novice writers once – and they all doubted themselves at some point.

If you feel stuck, do something different.

Perhaps go out for a walk and mull the issue over? Come away from the computer and write with pen on paper. Draw pictures of your characters, paint the setting of your story, have an imaginary conversation with your narrator. But most importantly – do not feel that something is wrong when your writing isn’t flowing. Our words don’t pour from us endlessly. There will always be days (maybe weeks) when finding our words can be a struggle. Don’t worry! It’s perfectly normal. It’s all part of the process. And the longer you keep yourself part of the process the better you’ll feel about it – the ups and downs will feel more familiar and less scary.

As Aristotle said ‘We are what we repeatedly do’. We become a writers by writing. So, whatever it takes, make sure you pick up that pen and get started… there really is no time like the present.