What are some of your best tips for a beginning writer?

United States
May 14, 2008 12:07pm CST
At some point or another we all have the idea we want to write. So what are some good pointers for the beginner? I say you need to stay with it and always find time to write a least a little, and if not for anyone else just for yourself.
1 person likes this
8 responses
@gerald_lian (2188)
• Australia
14 May 08
For me, I also consider myself a novice or beginner writer, but I have a few tips that I think will be useful for everyone who writes. 1. Don't be afraid to make mistakes because that's where you learn to be better. 2. Have someone to critique your writing, and don't be afraid to listen to that critique so that you'll be able to improve yourself in terms of writing skills. 3. Practice writing a lot, and you'll be better as each day passes. 4. Enter writing contests if you have the chance. 5. Join writing communities online such as Helium, Associated Content, Constant Content etc. Hope those tips are useful and if they were, do put it into practise ya! All the best and good luck in your writing!
2 people like this
@tigertang (1749)
• Singapore
14 May 08
Well said! Writing is like pretty much any other skill, the more you do of it the better you will be at it. As long as you write regularly and are open to criticism of your technique, the better you will become. Another tip you should consider is to look for topics you are passionate about. As long as you have passion for what you write about, the easier it will be to write regularly.
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@jayalaksmi (1039)
• India
14 May 08
A new writer should first gain some out knowledge which will be very helpful in giving his opinion in any field.He/She should also first consult the members.He/she should check the help conditions of that thing for which he is writting.He/She should be daring,courageous & self-confident so that He/She can easily begin with good records.
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@ironclad (43)
• South Africa
14 May 08
Hi, The best way for me was to use a place like svhoong, but where they encourage creative writing. Start writing anything that pops up in your head, post it and you'll eventually see how people respond to your writing. The best way is to keep on writing and never throw anything away or delete it. Even if you don't like it put it out there and you'll find your way. Good luck.
@goldeneagle (6745)
• United States
15 May 08
well, I posted this in another writing discussion earlier tonight, and I think it is appropriate in this instance as well, so I will repost the idea here in similar context. I think one of the main reasons people don't write is because they fear what someone else is going to think or say about their ideas. I used to worry about this as well, and it stopped me from writing at times. Over time, I realized that it doesn't matter what other people think about what I write. The ideas and beliefs are mine, and while I hope the people who read it will get something out of reading my work, I don't really care what anyone else thinks. Ultimately, I write for me. I do hope my writings help someone along the way, but ultimately, I write for me. I like it when people critique my writing. I like feedback on the my styles and the way I present my ideas to the audience. One thing for an aspiring writer has to remember is that constructive criticism is all but essential to becoming a better writer. I don't mind defending my ideas and views if I think I am right, yet I am also quick to admit when I am wrong if I am presented with facts that prove me wrong. It is important for new writers to welcome critics, but it is equally important for them not to let the critics deter them from writing what they feel. I hope this helps someone struggling with the decision to write.
16 May 08
I'm not a writer myself. I can only suggest you to be original, avoid reading your favorite writer for you might get too inspired and unintentionally copied their style of writing. :)
@Pitgull (1522)
• United States
14 May 08
Don't erase. You might think you had a bad idea, but you could see it again some day, and pick right up where you left off, because you found it again. You don't lose ideas, they just come and go, you need to be ready to receive them :)
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@patgalca (18181)
• Orangeville, Ontario
14 May 08
I agree with you all have said but would like to add a few things. First, I joined a writing group in my town and it has been invaluable to me. I have made great friends, received great advice, and have been given opportunities that I wouldn't have found sitting at home by myself (attending seminars and workshops, meeting well-published, even award-winning authors). Also, meeting every two weeks forces me to write when I can't find the time at home. Also, something the person who ran the last workshop I attended said was to write letters to the editor of your local newspapers, magazines, etc. This is good practice. Entering contests can be good but costly. If you can find some that have no entry fee, or have a low number of entrants, you could do better. You have to search online to find them. Just stick to it. Don't give up. Be confident in your abilities. Writer's block is not writer's block, it is just fear. You have nothing to fear but fear itself. You can't accomplish something if you don't take the steps to accomplish it.
• Canada
14 May 08
Being an accomplished writer, I can give you a little insight into what has worked for me: Read a lot of books about writing. I recommend "On Writing" by Stephan King as a required text for a serious writer. On that note, read everything you can get your hands on and BE CRITICAL about it. Don't feel like you have to like everything you read, even if its by an author you generally love. Recognize that they are just like you, and won't always be able to create their best work. Also, have a good working environment. Somewhere inspiring and comfortable where you feel compelled to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. If at all possible, joing a writing circle or writing group. Having peers review and critisize your work may be difficult at first, but it will help in the long run. Finally, sometimes in life you just have to go all in. You need to take the chance, find the time, quit the job, do whatever it taked to get your story out there. As long as you believe its going to make it - it will. I took a huge leap of faith before publishing my first book - I quit school and work and treated writing as my #1 thing to do every day - and it payed off for me. I went back to school a year later, feeling better about everything in my life. Good luck!