Writing 101: Keep on Writing. [Tips for Writers]

             Writing isn't easy. Some people are naturals, sure, but there isn't a single great writer out there who has just sat down, kicked their feet up and spit out a masterpiece. There is no such thing as an expert writer. We are all beginners. Why? Writing isn't fact based and you can’t be tested on it. It’s a hit or miss subject. One day you may have an idea as big as Harry Potter, but the next day you’re completely stuck. We never stop learning how to write. We are strongly influenced by the writing and speech of others and unless we are completely isolated from words, we will never stop learning. You can never reach the top simply because there is none. That is the most rewarding thing about writing.  That being said, I am here to share my non-expert opinion with you guys on how to step up your writing.

1)      Read. Read everything. Newspapers, advertisements, text messages. Everything. Words are everywhere and the way someone phrases something can greatly help your writing.

2)      Read writing from lesser known authors. Why? I’m not saying Harry Potter or the Hunger Games are bad books. To amass the following they have, it’s obvious they are fantastic pieces of writing. You already have a sense of how J.K Rowling writes. Keep reading her work if you enjoy it. Read a fresh piece of writing because you’d be surprised what is out there (some are even free, check out the many writing sites out there!)

3)      Support fellow writers. This applies specifically to your colleagues. Don’t steal their work. I know it seems obvious, but it has to be said. Align yourself with other writers. After staring at the same draft for months, you’ll want a fresh pair of eyes. This is not only useful for spotting mistakes, but also for networking opportunities and plausibility. Shannon and I share our writing with each other and she won’t hesitate to let me know if something isn't clear or just doesn't work. If your story takes place in a rural area, why does your character take the train? Wouldn't it be better is she had a car? Things like this aren't obvious right away. Also, one of your writer friends may be able to help you get your writing out there. We’re not usually competitive, so don’t be afraid that we’ll steal your ideas, or stomp on your dreams. At least not all of us. 

4)      Research! Yes research. But this isn't some college paper. True, but how can you write about a character who fought in World War II if you know nothing about it? You can try to fake it, but your readers will spot the inconsistencies right away.

5)      Do not get rid of any of your writing, even if it sucks. I’m not going to lie to you and tell you that everything you write is going to be turned into the next feature film. Most of your work will suck. I’m sorry. It doesn't mean you should stop trying. Don’t throw out that paragraph you took days to write. Don’t confuse it with omitting. If a paragraph doesn't fit with your idea, feel free to take it out of the document. Don’t delete the paragraph though. Cut and paste it into a separate document. Title it “Unused ideas” or something and when you’re stuck refer to it. It could possibly work for another story entirely. Or maybe it still sucks and has no place in your writing. Use that as motivation to improve. Tell yourself, “I can do way better than that” and just keep on writing.

6) You have nothing to fear. Who cares if someone rejects your writing? If its something you can fix, then go back and fix it. We all make mistakes. If someone hates your story because its fantasy and they only read romance, then ignore them. Their opinion isn't relevant to you or your genre. If someone tells you that your third chapter has absolutely no place in your prospective novel, but you're 100% sure that its the defining scene of the whole work, then leave it. Its your work not theirs. That is one opinion. Others may think otherwise. The most important thing at the end of the day is that you're happy with what you wrote, not your neighbor Jim, your cousin Sally or your best friend who happens to have an MFA in Creative Writing.

7) Take Creative Writing Classes and Workshops. Its the best place to meet other writers. They'll give you honest opinions on your work without sugar coating anything. Also, some of the best creative writing classes are taught by famous authors. They have a lot of knowledge of the writing world that they won't mind sharing with you. 

My best advice is to take in the words and speech patterns of others and learn from them. Keep raising the bar with your writing. Keep improving and you’ll be satisfied with the results. I hope my five tips could help you! Follow us on here or tumblr: thelovelywriters.tumblr.com!