Things to Remember Before Starting Your Writing Career
Do you want to become a writer? Before to-do, there are things you need to check. You might think that it would be just to write something. It may sound simple, but it’s not. From what I have experienced in my journey as a writer.
Once you become a writer, you will realize that the biggest obstacle for newbies is that they don’t think of themselves as writers. They have trouble believing that they are already writers. But it’s something you have to do.
When you haven’t developed that belief and conviction, it becomes a source of self-sabotage. If you don’t value your work enough to give it the time and effort, what kind of writer will you become?
Things to Remember Before Starting Your Writing Career
1. Know What to Expect
If you want to be a writer, I’m assuming you feel you have something to say and a strong desire to do it. You may not know how you’re going to say it. What form will you use? Will it be poetry, a novel, or an essay?
When you pick up your pen, or sit down at your computer, make sure to write something. Whatever it is, just make sure your heart is in it. It doesn’t have to be perfect right away. But it does have to be expressive.
As painful as it may be, you have to show your writing to someone. It can be a friend, a family member, or even a stranger. Pay attention to what will happen next.
Did the person who reads your work cry, laugh, or get angry? If so, you did it! That means you have effective writing skills. It’s worth something and you have to keep on going.
Someone recently wrote to me concerned because she’s writing fiction. She’s worried her mother will read it and get upset because of how she delivered her story.
On the other hand, it's hard to have to explain yourself to your mother. But then, it means the young lady’s work is believable and compelling.
That kind of feedback is hard to ignore. It's a powerful motivation to keep you going. Taking the time to notice and honor that it’s happening can work like magic.
2. Practice Silence
If you’re having trouble thinking about what it is you have to say, it may help you to spend some time in silence. Some writers pray, and some meditate.
The idea is to get used to clearing your brain and tuning into your inner voice. You’ll also be more aware of those little scraps of possibility floating around that can later grow into great ideas.
3. Decide What to Write
It’s fine if you don’t know what you want to write about. Take time journaling to see what keeps coming up for you. It may take longer to find what fits you best. But you will find it eventually.
It doesn’t mean you will not do or write anything. What I’m doing right now just fits me perfectly. So, I encourage you to experiment until you find the form that suits your writing best.
4. Always Remind Yourself That You Are a Writer
As you develop your belief that you’re a writer, it’s helpful to set up reminders that will jog you back to that brain space that you need to be in to write.
When you sit down to write, it’s easy to get distracted and start thinking about doing laundry or what’s for dinner.
You’ll want to have something either on your desk or on the wall in front of you that reminds you to get back to work and that you are a writer.
It might be your list of values that remind you that writing is a part of who you are. It may be simple words such as "create" or "inspire".
5. Keep On Writing
Now that you consider yourself a writer, it's just right to keep on writing. Practice will help you to find your writing style. It will hone your skills and be the best that you can be. That's why you became a writer.
As a writer, you can only have your voice heard whenever you write. It should be your way to express yourself. Give your piece its own voice and personality. That way, you can convey your message easily.
Conclusion
The journey you will take to get there will be one of many you will have as a writer. Hopefully, these ideas will help you take your initial steps to success. What you write and where you go from there is entirely up to you. Good luck and have a safe trip and enjoy the ride!
