YOU WANNA BE A WRITER? Here are my 5 basics to get you going.

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Writing is art.

It is beauty.

Expression.

Life.

And a writer conveys ideas using words in different styles and techniques.

So, you want to be a writer? Welcome. Here is a list of tips perfect to get you jumpstarted and be on your way!

1. STUDY WORKS IN THE GENRE THAT YOU WANT TO WRITE -

Writing is a craft.

And like every other craft, you’ve got to invest your share of apprenticeship before you can wield mastery.

You can’t produce what you do not have. Input comes before output. To begin writing in a given genre, you must read, research and analyse books and other materials by old writers in that space.

I say “writers” and not “writer” because, with one person, it is easy to copy them and not develop your style and voice.

But when you study different writers, and across genres, you balance perspective and birth a unique cocktail of styles and voices that can be enhanced and mastered over time.

2. JOIN A WRITING COMMUNITY -

There is strength in numbers, and it applies even to writing. As a beginner writer, surrounding yourself with like-minded people will be one of your greatest strengths.

We are greatly influenced by our environment, both physical and virtual. When the daily conversations you are exposed to are about writing, your mind is programmed to stay in line and maintain focus.

You are also able to get help and collaborations when you need them. Many writing communities create daily, weekly, and monthly challenges that help members stay consistent, which is important in a beginner writer’s journey.

3. CREATE SYSTEMS OF ACCOUNTABILITY-

A writing community puts writing on your mind, and an accountability partner or group sets the spotlight on you and makes sure you write.

Connect with people from the community and build mutual relationships.

Draft a plan; set deadlines, penalties, rewards, etc.

Fear is a naturally stronger motivation than happiness. The harsher the penalty, the higher your chances of meeting your scheduled writing goal.

For example, a popular method is sending something of importance to your partner to hold while you work on your goal, with the clause of them keeping it for themselves if you fail to meet your deadline.

Discipline is an easy habit to create.

But, indiscipline is an extremely difficult one to break. Give it your all.

4. BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT EVERY WORD YOU WRITE-

When you are starting, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the “write every day” advice that experts give. But, it doesn’t have to be so. With the advent of social media, you already write every day but, you just don’t utilise it.

What you have to do is be intentional and see every comment and direct message as writing practice.

Proofread your direct messages and be creative with your replies to other people’s posts. This is a fun way to write every day even if you don’t feel like it.

Also, copy out paragraphs of your favourite writer’s works on paper with a pen. you don’t have to force creativity here, just copy and copy.

This helps you feel the pulse, flow and structure of the writing.

5. TAKE WRITING LESSONS FROM TRAINED PROFESSIONALS-

You can develop your writing by taking lessons with a writing trainer to learn proper writing methods. For example, how to structure your writing, the flow of thought, how to evoke your reader’s emotion, create dialogue and develop a style.

6. WRITE AND PUBLISH-

After you have gained relevant knowledge, it is time to put your writing out and get feedback. Start with writing about what and who you know, then move outwards.

The key is that you are consistent and passionate.

You will have times of frustration, times when you feel like a fraud. How dare you call yourself a writer? You’ll feel like an imposter.

But equally, you will have times of absolute thrill.

Writing is a multipurpose tool, so, whether you want to make money from it or change the world, what matters is that you get started and ruthlessly execute.

Pick the points above, give them your best shot and the next time our paths cross, it could be me reading your story.

Happy writing!