A Guide to Start Your Writer’s Journey
Are you thinking of writing your first book? Perhaps you have considered becoming a content writer? No matter the style of writer’s journey you are interested in, we applaud you for your ambition. You see, writing is a creative journey that allows the writer to explore the depths of imagination, express thoughts, tell a story, and connect with others on a whole new level. That very journey begins with key elements, like the blank page, discovering the why, the space, the tools, and more. But don’t worry; we have created this beginner’s guide to help you navigate these thoughts.
Whether you aspire to become a novelist, a journalist, a blogger, or simply want to journal your ideas, the writing journey begins with a single step.
So, if you are a beginner and are ready to take that leap of faith and start on a writer’s journey, why wait? Let’s get started right here.
- Embrace the Blank Page
- Discover Your Why
- Start with Short Sessions
- Locate Your Writing Space
- Choose Your Tools
- Develop a Routine
- and more!
Here’s your beginner’s guide for how to start writing and beginning this creative new adventure. – You’re welcome!
First, Embrace the Blank Page
It is real! The blank page can be intimidating, but it’s also a canvas awaiting your creativity. Instead of fearing it, peer into the possibilities it holds. Consider it a clean slate, ready for your ideas to breathe life into words. Remember, the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to exist.
Christopher Vogler, author of The Writers Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, 2nd Edition, is credited with the following comment.
“An effective story grabs your gut, tightens your throat, makes your heart race and your lungs pump, brings tears to your eyes or an explosion of laughter to your lips.”
Now, let me tell you, that does not come in the first ideas jotted down or even in the story structure. That kind of writing happens as the story is built and curated. So, go easy on yourself and add as you go, until the cord of emotion runs true to your vision for the piece.
Take a Breath and Discover Your Why
You have this gorgeously blank page in front of you. But, before you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, reflect on why you want to write. Are you looking to entertain, inform, inspire, or document your thoughts? Understanding your purpose will guide your writing and give it direction.
I suggest jotting all the reasons you want to write this piece. Then narrow that list down to one or two of the most important reasons for this journey. This introspective process will help guide the details and the storyline to keep you on track.
Warning: Start with Short Sessions
If the idea of writing an entire novel feels overwhelming, start with shorter writing sessions. Set aside a specific amount of time each day to focus solely on writing. This could be as short as 15 minutes or as long as an hour. Sometimes I feel like a broken record saying this over and over again in my posts, but consistency is key. Gradually, you’ll find your unique writer’s rhythm.
Now, I say that with one hesitation. If you, as a writer, get into a creative flow and just cannot stop, that could be a moment of genius for your work. (I cherish those days!) Allow yourself that time and get it out! Just never force the writing process, as that usually does not yield effective communication.
Locate Your Writing Space
One of the most vital parts of the creative process for me is the environment I am in. I suggest you create a dedicated space for your writing. It doesn’t have to be a lavish office; a quiet corner of a room or a cozy cafe can work wonders. The goal is to establish a place where your mind associates with creativity and focus.
Then, when feeling either super inspired or lacking in drive, try mixing it up. There is nothing better for me than sitting in a chair at the edge of the ocean. The salt air, the sound of crashing waves, and the sand between my toes are sheer joy. I am most free to express my thoughts when I am on the beach. Where is your spot?
Choose Your Writing Tools
Decide whether you prefer the tactile experience of pen and paper or the convenience of a digital device—experiment with both to discover what suits your style. Additionally, explore writing apps that can enhance your productivity and organization.
Develop a Writing Routine
Establish a writing routine that aligns with your daily life. Whether it’s early morning, during lunch breaks, or in the calm of the night, consistency will help you build momentum. Treat writing as a habit, and it will become an integral part of your routine.
Read, Read & Read Some More
Great writers are often avid readers; in fact, I might say they are always avid readers. My suggestion is to immerse yourself in a variety of genres and styles. This not only broadens your understanding of different writing techniques but also inspires you to experiment with your own voice and build upon your vocabulary.
“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” – Stephen King
No time for reading at this juncture? I get it. If you find yourself with “too many irons in the fire,” you are not alone. Try listening to Podcasts or Audible books. That is a start until you have time to open pages.
Overcome Perfectionism
Should I say that again? Perfectionism can be a huge barrier to starting and continuing your writer’s journey. Writers must accept that your first draft will not be flawless, and that’s perfectly fine. The editing process exists for development and refinement. Should you find yourself stuck in a rabbit hole of editing and perfectionism, stop and walk away for a while. I often find a new perspective on a piece that day after I have penned it.
Another idea is to ask someone you trust to read it over. Often, they can see things that are unclear, redundant, or repeated vocab your eyes just did not pick up on.
Set Realistic Goals for Yourself and Your Content
The idea here is to establish achievable writing goals right at the beginning of the process. Instead of aiming for an entire novel in one sitting, break it down into smaller milestones. This could be completing a certain number of words or finishing a specific chapter.
According to MasterClass, “The length of time it takes to write a book depends on numerous factors, including the writer’s desired book length, word count per day, and experience level.”
That said, some authors write books in 2 months and others in 12 years. But, the process is never overnight.
To keep momentum, be sure to celebrate each victory to stay motivated. Every part of the writing process is a valuable component worthy of a bit of cheer!
Experiment with Different Genres
Think of yourself as a self-help writer? Dreaming of a thriller? Got a romance novel burning a hole in your heart?
Don’t limit yourself to a specific genre. Experiment with various styles of writing – fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or even a blend of genres. This exploration will help you discover where your true passion and forte lies.
Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity
This is a difficult concept for anyone; take it from me. Not every piece of writing will be a masterpiece, and that’s okay. Embrace all failures and view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Each setback is a stepping stone toward improvement. I suggest writing down in a “failed” journal what you feel contributed to the flunk, how you can do better next time, and what you learned about yourself and the process through the perceived failure. Then you can go back and revisit that journal not as a reminder of how much you stink but as a document of your progress and growth.
Revise and Edit
Once you’ve completed a draft, give yourself some time to reflect and breathe before investing in the piece. As I stated earlier, distance allows you to approach your work with a fresh perspective. Then, be prepared to edit ruthlessly, refining your ideas and polishing your prose. You’ve got this!
The Value of Feedback
Don’t be afraid to share your work with others – I say with my own analysis fears! Listen, some are ready to share, and some freeze at the thought of criticism.
Let me be transparent for a moment. I am somewhere in the middle if I am to be totally honest. When I am writing for someone else, I tend to freeze before hitting send. But when I am creating a piece from my heart, I am ready for all the positive and negative feedback I can get. I suppose this is because I know I am not perfect, and I value input. However, with work for others, I want to get it just right so they are thrilled with my work.
No matter, constructive feedback is invaluable for honing your skills.
Here are some ways to get that feedback. Join writing workshops, share your writing with friends, or seek the guidance of a mentor. You can also utilize the services of an editor found on UpWork or Fiverr. Just use your resources and get this part over with. You will be better for it.
Again, Celebrate Your Progress Along the Writer’s Journey
If you have read this entire post, then you are in the right place! Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small – including your search for knowledge and inspiration. Completing a chapter, reaching a word count goal, or receiving feedback are all reasons to applaud your progress. I see it like this: It’s a long journey, and every step forward is a success.
Starting to write is not just about producing words; it’s about embracing the creative process and committing to continually improving your craft. Remember, every writer starts as a beginner; the most important part is taking that first step.
So, pick up your pen, open your laptop, stare down that blank canvas, and let the words flow – your writing journey awaits.
