Welcome to the Writer’s Club!
So, you want to be a writer? Awesome choice. Whether you’re dreaming of the next bestseller or just want to tell a great story, you’ve come to the right place.
First things first: take a deep breath. Starting out can feel like standing at the base of a mountain and realizing you forgot to pack snacks. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
This guide isn’t about overwhelming you with fancy jargon or Shakespeare-level advice. It’s about helping you take those first wobbly steps toward becoming the writer you’ve always wanted to be.
Grab your pen, laptop, or even a napkin (we don’t judge), and let’s get started.
1. Embrace Your Inner Author
Before we talk about writing techniques or tools, let’s address the elephant in the room: you. Yep, you’re the star of this show.
Start Thinking Like a Writer
Here’s the thing about writers: they aren’t born with magical abilities. They’re just regular people who decided to stick with it.
J.K. Rowling? She started writing on scraps of paper in a coffee shop. Stephen King? He wrote his first novel while working as a high school janitor. Every great author was once where you are right now—wondering if they could actually do it. Spoiler: they could, and so can you.
The key is confidence. Even if your first draft is a mess (and it will be—trust me), you’re still miles ahead of everyone who never tries.
Ask Yourself: Why Do You Want to Write?
Is it to tell the stories buzzing around in your head? To create something meaningful? Or maybe you’re just trying to outdo that one friend who always brags about their poetry skills.
Whatever your reason, hold onto it. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint, and your “why” will keep you going when the going gets tough.
Pro tip: Write your reason down and stick it somewhere visible. On your desk, your fridge, or even your phone background. Let it be a daily reminder that you’ve got this.
2. Set the Stage for Success
Okay, you’ve got the mindset down. Now let’s talk about your writing environment.
Crafting Your Perfect Writing Space
No, you don’t need a Pinterest-worthy office with a view of the ocean (though, if you have one, can I come over?). What you do need is a spot where you feel comfortable and focused.
For some, that’s a quiet desk with zero distractions. For others, it’s a bustling coffee shop with the sound of clinking mugs in the background. Find what works for you.
Also, invest in the basics:
- A notebook or laptop.
- A good chair (your back will thank you).
- Coffee, tea, or your caffeine fix of choice.
Oh, and turn off those notifications. Instagram can wait.
Find Your Writing Rhythm
Here’s the truth: there’s no “perfect” time to write. Some people swear by early mornings, while others do their best work at 2 a.m.
My friend and writing mentor, Rachel Aaron, developed the 2k to 10k words-a-day process and made an interesting discovery: her best work happened in the afternoon. She always believed she was a morning person, but her word count told a different story.
Experiment and figure out when your brain is most cooperative. Then, make it a habit. Even an extra 15 minutes a day can add up.
3. Getting Started with the Basics
Now that you’ve got your mindset and space sorted, it’s time to face the big one: actually writing. Yep, this is where the magic happens—or at least, where you attempt to wrangle your thoughts into something coherent.
Don’t panic. Writing isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Let’s tackle the basics together.
Learn the Rules (So You Can Break Them Later)
Think of these as foundational writing tips for beginners. You need to know the recipe before you can freestyle and start throwing in “just a pinch” of this or that. Here are the key ingredients:
- Story Structure: Most stories follow a simple pattern: beginning, middle, and end. Fancy types call this the “three-act structure,” but really, it’s just knowing how to start strong, keep things moving, and land the plane without crashing.
- Characters: Your characters are the heart of your story. They don’t need to be perfect, but they do need to feel real. Readers want someone to root for (or against). Think Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, or even Gru from Despicable Me. Flawed but lovable.
- Dialogue: Make it sound like real people talking. No one says, “I shall now proceed to the market for nourishment.” They say, “I’m grabbing snacks. Want anything?”
Mastering these basics will make your writing clearer and more engaging.
Overcome the Blank Page
The blank page is like a gym membership—it’s intimidating until you start using it. But once you do, you’ll feel like a superhero.
Start small. Write one sentence. It doesn’t have to be good. Seriously, something like, “It was raining cats and dogs, and Jeff forgot his umbrella” works just fine.
Not feeling inspired? Try a writing prompt. Here’s a fun one: Your character finds a mysterious box on their doorstep. What’s inside? Go!
Remember, the goal isn’t to write the perfect first draft—it’s to write any first draft.
Pro Tip: Stop Trying to Sound Like Shakespeare
You don’t need to use big, fancy words to impress readers. Good writing is about clarity, not showing off your SAT vocab.
Instead of saying, “The azure sky was punctuated by cumulonimbus formations,” just say, “Clouds dotted the blue sky.” Unless you’re writing for a meteorologist, simple is better.
4. Develop a Writing Habit
Here’s a secret to being a writer: consistency. It’s one of the most overlooked writing tips for beginners, but it’s a game-changer. You don’t need to write every day, but you do need to show up regularly.
Make Writing a Non-Negotiable
Think of writing like brushing your teeth. You don’t skip it just because you’re tired (well, hopefully).
Pick a schedule that works for you. Maybe it’s 20 minutes before bed or an hour on Saturday mornings. Put it on your calendar like it’s an appointment with your favorite celebrity.
Find Your Focus
Distractions are the enemy of productivity. If you’re constantly checking TikTok or Googling “how to write a book,” you’re not actually writing.
Use tools like noise-canceling headphones, focus apps, or good old-fashioned self-control. Or try the “Pomodoro technique”: write for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
5. Editing Like a Pro
Congratulations, you’ve written something! Now comes the part where you turn that lump of clay into a masterpiece.
Editing can feel daunting, but think of it as giving your writing a glow-up. You’re not changing who it is—you’re just helping it look its best.
Draft First, Edit Later
Here’s a golden rule: never edit while you write. It’s like trying to clean the house while people are still having a party—it’s messy, and you’ll never finish.
Write first. Let it be messy. Then, when you’re done, put on your editor’s hat (bonus points if it’s an actual hat) and get to work.
Self-Editing Made Simple
Start with these quick steps:
- Read It Out Loud: Seriously. Your brain might skim over awkward sentences when reading silently, but reading aloud will catch them.
- Trim the Fluff: If a sentence doesn’t add to the story, cut it. Your writing should be lean, not bloated. Think of it like Marie Kondo-ing your words—does this sentence spark joy?
- Focus on Clarity: Replace complicated phrases with simpler ones. No one’s giving out medals for being extra wordy.
If you’re feeling fancy, use editing tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor. They’ll catch typos and help you tighten your prose.
Know When to Stop
At some point, you have to declare your writing “done.” Could you keep tweaking forever? Sure. But if George Lucas can leave Star Wars alone (well, mostly), so can you.
6. Sharing Your Work
This is the scary part—putting your work out there. It’s like cooking a meal and waiting for everyone to take their first bite. What if they hate it?
Relax. Most people are nicer than Gordon Ramsay on a bad day.
Start Small
You don’t have to publish your first piece in The New Yorker. Share it with friends, join a writing group, or post it on a blog.
The important thing is to get feedback. Sure, it might sting a little, but constructive criticism is how you grow.
And remember: not everyone will love your work. That’s okay. Even the biggest authors have their critics (cough “too much walking” in The Lord of the Rings cough).
Find Your Cheerleaders
Surround yourself with people who believe in you. Whether it’s a writing buddy, an online community, or your mom (shoutout to moms everywhere), their support will keep you going.
Conclusion: Your Writing Journey Awaits
You’ve made it this far, which means you’re already ahead of most aspiring writers. The difference between “thinking about writing” and “actually writing” is huge, and you’re officially on the right side of that line.
Now it’s time to keep going. Write often. Write badly. Write brilliantly. Just write.
And remember: your voice is unique. No one else can tell the stories that are inside you. So don’t hold back.
You’ve got this. Happy writing!
