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Random writing advice thread ...because why not:
The question I get a lot from aspiring writers is "how do you do it?" And really, the only answer i have is...I sit and do it.
That's always been the best advice I can give other writers:
Read a lot. Write a lot. Repeat.
The world is LOADED with distractions - news, work, life, social media. And there are so many ways to be distracted. (I realize the irony of typing this on free website twitter dot com)
The challenge becomes - what would you prefer to spend your time on? For me, it's writing.
The challenge becomes - what would you prefer to spend your time on? For me, it's writing.
THAT SAID...I don't think you have to write X amount of words a day to be considered a "real writer." That logic excludes those of us who just can't write every day - because we have kids, jobs, responsibilities we can't ignore. Do your best. You will know if you're slacking.
But if there's an opportunity to write? Take it.
Most of my writing comes in sprints - bursts of time that allow me to jam out a sentence or paragraph. Kids are asleep? Sprint. Got an idea before falling asleep? Type on the Notes app. Hustle is important. Hours to write? Mirage.
Most of my writing comes in sprints - bursts of time that allow me to jam out a sentence or paragraph. Kids are asleep? Sprint. Got an idea before falling asleep? Type on the Notes app. Hustle is important. Hours to write? Mirage.
Also, de-mystify the craft. And it is CRAFT. Something you do and keep doing to get better.
But if you only write when you have the right tea or your fav album is playing a certain song, or the sun is coming through your window a certain way...you're not gonna get much done.
But if you only write when you have the right tea or your fav album is playing a certain song, or the sun is coming through your window a certain way...you're not gonna get much done.
A great motivator for me is obsession. I chuckle when people ask about research because "research" feels like homework. I read about things that I obsess over, then I write about them because I'm...obsessed.
Write a story that compels you. Passion is the great X factor.
Write a story that compels you. Passion is the great X factor.
A big savior for me, especially during this particularly challenging time, is community. Find your people. Talk to them about your work. Help them with theirs. Collaborate. Brainstorm. You're not alone. Writing can be solitary until it isn't.
I hear people say "write what you know" and that feels limiting. Write what you care about makes more sense. Write the book that interests you, because - odds are - someone else will want that to. Writing to the market or writing to an idea you think will sell is a fool's errand.
So, in short - do the work as best you can. Then do it again until it goes from "okay" to "might be good" to "pretty damn good." Then do it again. Then hand it to someone you trust to give you honest notes.
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
(I also share this not as an expert, mind you - just a person in the trenches trying to learn and get better, too!)
