Getting Started: 5 Tips for the Beginning Writer

When I tell people I'm a writer, I know this question is coming. It doesn't matter who I'm talking to, 9 times out of 10 the above phrase will be uttered. It's also usually followed by a lengthy description of whatever life event or story idea the person plans to write about.

I'm telling you, if half the people I spoke to actually wrote these books, they'd probably line the entire I-95 corridor from Maine to Florida.

That's an exaggeration, but you get my point. So many folks say they want to write, but never do it.

Now, I'm not under the belief that I exist in a vacuum. I know that there are people who helped me along the way when I was starting out, so I'm happy to offer advice to folks who really want it. But the question is so broad, it's hard to formulate an answer that isn't two pages long. This is especially true since I often hear this question when I'm in line at the grocery store or coffee shop- time is of the essence, as they say.

I've published 3 novels so far, and have plans to publish at least two more this year. I'm not an expert by far, but I've come a long way since I was a new, sparkly-eyed aspiring novelist pitching her first book at her first conference.

If you're serious about your writing, and are actually going to apply butt to chair and write the dang book, I've got some tips to get you started.

1. Read!

When someone tells me they want to write, I immediately ask them what they like to read. Most of the time they can tell me of a certain book, writer, or genre they enjoy. In some cases, however, I hear something I find quite upsetting.

"Oh, I don't read." It's usually said quite casually, as if it has no bearing on anything.

Meanwhile, I feel myself having a small panic attack.. What does she mean, she doesn't read? How in the heck can she write if she doesn't read? I'm putting you on notice now. Let go of this notion of writing without reading. It does not work. Why? For the same reason you shouldn't pilot a ship if you can't swim. Reading is the basis on which your writing skills will be built.

For heaven's sake, read. And if you don't read, or won't read, please don't tell me you want to write. It will only upset me.

2. Pick a Genre

This part is usually easy. Whatever you love to read, try your hand at writing it. If you love memoirs, free write a bit about a particularly important even in your own life. If you love a good mystery, attempt to create whodunit of your own. Get your feet wet, and remember that you can experiment as much as you like until you find your groove.

Who knows, you may discover a whole new genre combination. Is the world ready for your ninja themed young adult mystery with romantic elements? There's only one way to find out.

3. Join a Writing Group

Writing is solitary, but it doesn't have to be. Most cities and towns have some kind of group for writers, where you can get together with like minded folks who are also relenting to the voices in their heads. Libraries and bookstores are a good place to look for such groups, and participation in critiques and rousing discussions about writing will fuel your enthusiasm while helping you learn the craft.

If you're the shy type, or particularly pressed for time, you can find groups online as well. Look to professional organizations, like Romance Writers of America or Mystery Writers of America. They often host online groups, and hold regular classes and workshops. Membership may be required for these events, so be sure to check the sites.

4. Learn the Craft

Don't skip this step. You likely have the basics in place already: an understanding of basic grammar, a favorite genre, and desire to tell a story. However, you will need to know a lot of other things if you're serious about your writing, including:

*Sentence structure

*Plotting Techniques

*Character Development

*Publishing Industry Terms

*Revision and Self Editing Techniques

This list may be daunting, but it's not as bad as it seems. Put in the time to learn these things, and you'll be glad you did. There are a wealth of great websites and books available on on all these topics. A good place to start is writersdigest.com, or a print issue of the magazine.

5. Write!

This may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised.You'll accomplish nothing by wishing and hoping, and thinking, and praying...well you get the picture. You have to practice the craft in order to improve, especially if you plan on publishing your work. Whether by inches or miles, you've got to put words down on paper, or into a computer, in order to be a writer.

Remember, once you've committed those words to paper or document, you are a writer. It's not publishing credits, or academic degrees, or books on the bestseller's list that makes you a writer. It's the passion for words that flows through your veins.

In the world we live in, with its harsh realities and unfair circumstances, I believe passion is a thing to be celebrated. Happy writing.

To find out more about me, and my books, feel free to visit my blog (linked below).