Read on for six top tips to kick-start your writing.
If you’re new to writing, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Or even if you’ve been writing for a while, you might find you’ve come to a standstill and don’t know how to move forward again. These tips will help you get going.
Write free from distractions
Find a comfortable place to write. It might be at a desk, or at the kitchen table, in a café or library. Find what works for you. Make sure you minimise outside distractions, such as the TV if you’re at home, and let those around you know you’re writing and don’t wish to be disturbed. Put your phone to silent so you’re not interrupted by messages.
Brainstorm
What do you want to write? A short story? Novel? Article? Poem? You might not be sure, and that’s fine. It’s not unusual to feel that way. So brainstorm for fifteen minutes and jot down anything about writing that comes to mind. From that, you may be able to come up with a list of things you want to write about.
Write something personal
If you’re still not sure how to get started, try writing about a personal experience – something you’ve enjoyed. It could be a family holiday, hobby, trip to the theatre, memories of being a scout or brownie, your first job, school days and so on. Immerse yourself in the memory and bring it to life as much as you can.
Don’t expect too much of yourself
It’s well-known that a lot of writers have self-doubts. Even John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men author, didn’t think he was a good writer. In his journal, he wrote ‘I am not a writer. I’ve been fooling myself and other people.’ From W.B. Yeats to Virginia Woolf, there are many writers who struggle with believing in themselves and their work. Start small, one step at a time, and enjoy it. After all, that’s why you first wanted to write.
Routine
It can help to make writing into a regular routine. We’re all busy people, with jobs, families and commitments, so although you may be passionate about writing, it’s easy for it to fall by the wayside. Before you know it, you’ve not written for weeks. It’s then harder to come back to. Book yourself time in your diary. If you make an appointment to have your haircut or to meet a friend for coffee, you put it in your diary. Do the same for writing – even if it’s just a couple of half hour slots a week.
Be part of a community
Writing is a solitary experience, so it’s easy to feel alone. Joining a writing community, locally, or online, connects you with like-minded people, who share the same worries and fears as you. It’s a safe space to share your passion, gain useful advice, and help and support each other. If you’re not already part of The Writers Bureau’s Writing Community, you can find out more under Groups and Community.
So there you have it! Six top tips to kick-start your writing.