Simple Steps to Becoming a Writer
Have you ever thought that you'd like to be a writer but just don't know where to start? The fact is, if you can talk, you can write. There are those who are more naturally talented toward this craft, but the main thing you need to do every day in order to learn to become a writer is write.
Whether you decide you want to write non-fiction, magazine articles or novels, take the time to study your craft. If it's magazines, you'll want a copy of "Writing for Publication" on your desk. Listen to your inner voice as to the type of writing you'll want to pursue, and then study your craft. Read as many books as you can on your chosen genre and then, just listen to your voice and start putting words down on paper.
It's important to set a schedule and stick with it. If you wait for inspiration, you may be waiting a long time. Set a time and a place to write and make it a habit because the discipline of writing is the hardest part. You must write every day; no exceptions.
Set attainable goals. If you like the idea of sitting down from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. every day, then that is your goal. You are at your desk everyday between those hours, and even if you just write a paragraph, you stay there. Eventually, your mind will be trained and you'll start producing more. Or, if your goal is to write two pages per day, then do that. Again, make it a habit and stick with it no matter what.
Here are three of my favorite books that have helped me along my way. They're simple, straightforward and thought provoking: "On Writing," by Stephen King, "Writing from the Inside Out" by Dennis Palumbo, and "This Year You Write Your Novel" by Walter Mosley. The key to becoming a writer is to write - both when it's easy and when it's the last thing you want to do. After all, that's the only way we get better at any craft. When the words start to come to you, keep putting them down and you'll be on your way to becoming a writer.
Whether you decide you want to write non-fiction, magazine articles or novels, take the time to study your craft. If it's magazines, you'll want a copy of "Writing for Publication" on your desk. Listen to your inner voice as to the type of writing you'll want to pursue, and then study your craft. Read as many books as you can on your chosen genre and then, just listen to your voice and start putting words down on paper.
It's important to set a schedule and stick with it. If you wait for inspiration, you may be waiting a long time. Set a time and a place to write and make it a habit because the discipline of writing is the hardest part. You must write every day; no exceptions.
Set attainable goals. If you like the idea of sitting down from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. every day, then that is your goal. You are at your desk everyday between those hours, and even if you just write a paragraph, you stay there. Eventually, your mind will be trained and you'll start producing more. Or, if your goal is to write two pages per day, then do that. Again, make it a habit and stick with it no matter what.
Here are three of my favorite books that have helped me along my way. They're simple, straightforward and thought provoking: "On Writing," by Stephen King, "Writing from the Inside Out" by Dennis Palumbo, and "This Year You Write Your Novel" by Walter Mosley. The key to becoming a writer is to write - both when it's easy and when it's the last thing you want to do. After all, that's the only way we get better at any craft. When the words start to come to you, keep putting them down and you'll be on your way to becoming a writer.
About the Author:
Carrie Pepper writes about online college programs, Christian colleges, and financial aid.