Students and book coaching clients ask me all the time: what is the best advice for someone who is just beginning writing? Creative writing, like any other field, is full of tips and tricks that promise to help you find success. The professionals have already weighed in and have a lot to say on how you can hone your skills and become a good writer.
This blog post is going to be a mini lesson that might inspire you to start thinking about your own 90 Day Novel. If you aren’t sure what that is, consider flipping back to my last post on the 90-Day Novel Challenge here.
For now, let’s dive into the writing tips that can take you further into the writing process.
“For me, any story I tackle begins with the human relationships and not the plot.” -Celeste Ng
If you haven’t already read Little Fires Everywhere (adapted for TV on Hulu), go pick up a copy right now. A beginning writer can learn so much from reading excellent novels with complicated human relationships. Not a single sentence in Ng’s books is ever superfluous and every detail matters. Reading her books is better than any online course you’ll sign up for on Udemy for $9.99.
I tend to agree with this sentiment. The first thing that pops into my mind when I start a new book is the main character. This was certainly the case for me with On the Table. Throughout the process of that book, Petal became real to me as well which is why she’s getting her own sequel in On the Map. I looked at the relationship between the two sisters and found a story, simple as that.
“Write for yourself, and then worry about the audience.” – Stephen King
In the mood for a writing workshop but don’t want to leave your house? King’s On Writing is a great memoir about his experience developing his writing skills, how he handled rejection, and what it truly takes to engage with readers of your stories. Like everything else he has created, it’s a smooth read that is quite enjoyable.
However, I know this sentiment might not sit well with some potential authors. Aspiring writers will, at some point or another, be told to write to market. It isn’t about writing what you love, they say. It’s about making money from your work.
I have to disagree. If you don’t love the words you are putting on the page, no one else is likely to think your idea is good either. You don’t need a fancy writing tool, a writing prompt, or new software. You need to love what you’re working on and focus on becoming lifelong learners of the craft.
“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” – Jack London
This is perhaps one of my favorite quotes about the writing journey. Too many people sit down and think that they have to wait for the muse to hit them with a bolt of inspiration that will lead them to write a bestseller. If you have beginning writing skills, your early work isn’t likely to be all that good – we can be honest here, right?
When I started writing professionally, I knew my work wasn’t as polished as it is now.
But I also knew that I could get to where I wanted to go if I kept up with it. It’s been thirteen years and I still love the fact that I get to write for a living. I didn’t wait for inspiration to tell me what to write or how to move through the literary world. I went after it on my own and you’ll have to do the same. Good writing takes time and practice.
“Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here.” – Sue Monk Kidd
Elizabeth Gilbert talks about the idea that got away from her in her missive on creativity, Big Magic (highly recommend for any creatives, not just writers). If we don’t tend to our ideas, they may eventually leave us and move on to the next person. I feel that when they go, they take a piece of us with them and make it just a little harder to remember why we do what we do as writers.
Here’s a tip: capture your ideas as soon as you can and write feverishly on them as often as possible.
If you keep a notecard in your pocket like Anne Lamott or carry a small notebook around like David Sedaris, you will have everything you need to keep those story ideas from getting lost in the busyness of your everyday life.
“And what, you ask, does writing teach us? First and foremost, it reminds us that we are alive and that it is a gift and a privilege, not a right.” – Ray Bradbury
Ignore everything you think you need to know about story structure, conquering writers block, or story prompts. There is something more important here than having good luck with a killer story hook. Not everyone gets the privilege of being a writer (though I would argue that we can ALL be storytellers).
Your ability to share a story with the world is a gift and it should remind you of the very best parts of being alive.
When you embrace that beginning writing is a gift, you will become a better writer. You will start to view it as an opportunity to share a piece of yourself with the world. Even if you don’t feel like you have a good idea, you will want to let other people see who you really are – and that means showing up on the page.
“Whenever I’m asked what advice I have for young writers, I always say that the first thing is to read, and to read a lot. The second thing is to write. And the third thing, which I think is absolutely vital, is to tell stories and listen closely to the stories you’re being told.” – John Green
What stories are you telling yourself about what it means to be a good writer? What information have you absorbed from your writing class in high school or college or at the local public arts center? Reading skills shouldn’t be underestimated, but when you tune in to the stories that people are telling you, you start to get a better understanding of the world.
You certainly get a better understanding of what appeals to people and how you can tap into those universal desires before beginning writing.
Writing isn’t merely about good luck. It is hard work to pay attention to the world around you, remain open, and experience some vulnerability as you ask questions about what it means to tell this story. What do you want to say to the world?
Beginning Writing: What Have You Learned?
I hope some of these quotes inspired you to think about your writing practice a little differently. Remember that you don’t have to be a writer; you get to be a writer. Whether you are following along with me for the Write a Novel in 90 Days challenge or just want a little inspiration to get started, these quotes have absolutely made me a better writer.
What is your favorite quote about writing or a tip that you’ve learned from a favorite author?