Seven Simple Steps to Start Writing

A friend who is interested in writing recently asked how I got started as an author. I created a list of seven of the most important steps to start writing–and a few things to ignore for a while.

  1. Decide you want to write. I know this sounds silly, but it’s important. Decide that writing is truly what you want to do, then commit yourself to doing it—no matter what.
  2. Limit your other responsibilities. Writing takes time and consistency. Limiting your other responsibilities and involvements will help you carve out the time and energy to write.
  3. Find a place to write, and create a routine. Where are you comfortable writing? At a desk, at the kitchen table, on the couch? At a coffee shop? At the library? It may not have to be the same place every time (though that helps to begin with). The important thing is to find a place you can start writing and to begin a writing routine.
  4. Just write. Get a pencil and paper (or your computer), and start writing. The best place to start is where you are now. Do you have an idea of what you want to write? Or so many ideas you can’t focus on one? Or no ideas at all? Write it down! Are you working through fears or questions? Write those down and work through them. You have to start where you are to get to wherever you’ll end up in writing.
  5. Learn more about the craft of writing. If you know what type of writing you’re interested in—fiction, nonfiction, what genre(s), who your audience will be—start there. There are lots of great books about writing, many of which may be available at your local library. You can also search the web and find a myriad of resources for any subject or question you may have about writing. Some books I have found particularly helpful as a fiction writer are Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, Writer’s Market (which comes out every year and has information on where to submit work for publication, as well as writing tips), and Writing Fiction for Dummies by Randy Ingermanson (which is broken down into sections, making it easy to find answers to specific questions you may have).
  6. Join a writing critique group. This is one of the best things I did! The group provides encouragement, positive feedback and constructive criticism, and accountability to keep writing. You could ask a local librarian if they know of writing critique groups in the area, or ask other writers you may know.
  7. Read, read, read! Read books you love. Read classics. Read books that are like the book you want to write. Read books that are like books you think you may want to write. Read best-selling books from the publishersweekly.com website.

Writing isn’t easy, but it can be simple if you take it step by step. You’ll hear about plenty of other things to work on in writing—such as voice, platform, blogging, agents and editors, publishing and self-publishing, etc.—but don’t worry about any of those yet. They would distract you from where your focus needs to be at this point; and believe me, these first seven steps are plenty to begin with!

Best of luck on your writing journey,

Bernice

The Surprise Visitor

A hummingbird stopped by to visit this morning while I was watering the tomato plants in my garden.

It surprised me when she alighted on the top rung of the tomato cage. I had never met her before, and I wasn’t exactly being “still” as I hefted the watering can to douse the potted tomato plants.

And yet she came.

“Well, good morning.” I told her. “What brings you here today?”

She flicked out her long, thin yellow tongue.

“I don’t suppose the flowers on these plants provide you with any food, do they?” I asked.

She cocked her head to the side.

“You are a pretty little thing! And look at those dainty claws, holding on to the wire.”

She flicked her silken yellow tongue again.

“And what a pretty dappled chest you have! And a tinge of yellow like a scarf around your neck. Very nice.”

Her cream and brown chest moved so, so fast as her miniature heart thumped away.

“The smaller you are, the more quickly your heart beats. Isn’t that something? And if you have babies at home, I wonder how incredibly tiny and delicate they are.”

I admired her and talked to her for a little while longer. Our visit ended when she flitted away as quickly as she had arrived.

“Thank you for the visit!” I called after her.

And I continued about my own morning, a little lighter in step and brighter in countenance, thinking that perhaps I should buy a hummingbird feeder or two to hang on the back deck.

How Many Blog Posts Would a Blog Poster Post if a Blog Poster Would Post Posts?

stop photo

In looking back over my blog thus far, it seems a little, well, boring. Mostly just “newsy” updates on writing projects.

Yawn.

I want to blog more, but there are so many rules to follow to do a blog “right.” And for me to learn to write according to those rules would take time, and would siphon time and energy from the fun, creative playground that words and stories are supposed to be.

I love to write. I love to share things I’ve learned that may help other writers (or others with dreams they are following or want to follow). There are times I want to post a “dear diary” entry, or share about something that’s worked for me–or hasn’t worked for me–in writing. There are times I want to be spontaneous and share a fun little “ditty,” or artwork or a photograph. Or a scene in a story I’m working on. But I haven’t because most of it doesn’t fit in the parameters of what a blog “should” be.

So this is what I have decided. For blogging to work, I have to do it my way. Yes, I hope that it provides value for anyone who wants to stop by and read it. But in the end, this blog is my blog and I’m writing it for myself as much as anything or anyone else.

I CAN promise three things: posts on my blog will be varied, real, and erratic. That’s the story of my life on a daily basis, so I guess it makes sense for my blog posts to be a reflection of reality.

So, how many blog posts would a blog poster post if a blog poster would post posts? Check back in with me next year, and let’s find out!