How to Become a Writer - The First Steps

Have you been thinking about becoming a writer, but you don't know where to begin? Here are some easy, but important, steps to get you started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Strong desire to write
• Books you enjoy reading
• Writing tools
• Time and space to write

1. Read. The number one step for any writer is you must be a reader. If you already know what genre you want to write for (mystery, romance, nonfiction), then read mostly that type of work. This will not only make you a better writer, but you will also find yourself picking out pieces of writing "style" from other authors and combining them with your own. The result will give your own writing a unique style.
2. Journal regularly. Journaling frees the mind, but also helps you flesh out life experiences and thoughts that you might be able to use in a story. In addition to this, your journal will be a great resource for future story or article ideas.
3. Jot down ideas. Keep a notebook of some sort with you always. A small one in your purse or kept in your back pocket works great. Jot down ideas that may come to you throughout the day. These could be story ideas, plot ideas, scenes or characters. If you see something or someone interesting, write it down in your notebook. You may never use it. But then again, you may.
4. Make time to write. This is a challenge for a lot of would-be writers. However, it is a known fact that if we want to do something bad enough, we will find the time. Find a time that works best for you. If your mind is sharp in the morning, try getting up a bit earlier and writing. Or maybe an hour before bedtime works best for you. Find a time and stick with it. Make sure your family knows it's your writing time. Just an hour a day will give you seven hours of writing time during the week. If possible, take your project with you and write while you're waiting in the doctor's office or even in the carpool.
5. Find a balanced writer's club. A writer's club can be a great resource of encouragement and constructive criticism. But the key is to find one that is balanced. There should be a good number of established writers in the group that know the profession and can give sound advice. You also don't want a club that dishes out all compliments or all criticisms. Find a club that offers both and pick and choose what comments to apply. Pay close attention, however, to the advice of your seasoned members.
6. Take a writing class. Writing classes are offered at local colleges, online and even in conferences. To help you jump start your discipline, this may be beneficial.
7. Attend writers workshops and conferences. This is necessary throughout your writing career. The publishing field is so competitive today that, in truth, it helps rubbing elbows with other writers and editors. More importantly, though, conferences keep you updated on what editors are looking for, changes in the writing market, and offer tools for the trade. Authors, agents and editors often share their own experiences that will help you with your work as well. In addition to all of this, you will receive the encouragement necessary to continue. Most conferences and workshops cost money, but they range from inexpensive to very expensive. You will more than likely be able to find one to meet your writing and financial needs.
8. Socialize with writers. Writers are misunderstood by the rest of the world. In fact, often individuals deciding to follow their dream of writing receive the most criticism from their own family. Socializing with other writers will encourage you and keep you motivated. This can happen in a writer's club, classroom setting, conferences, or perhaps you have other friends who are pursuing their writing goals. Make these people essential in your life. They will often be a vital resource for you to tap into.
9. Read books, articles and Web sites about writing. There are many out there. Writer's Digest has a great selection and they even offer a book club. For marketing your work, you should definitely purchase the Writer's Digest Writer's Market that is updated every year. Even if it will be a while before you submit your work, this book is great for studying what the market has to offer and includes information for writers from various authors and agents.

Tips & Warnings

• Start your career by writing for local newspapers or magazines, even if they don't pay. This will establish you as a published author and give you some credentials to present to a big time editor.
• If you are writing a nonfiction book, consider submitting chapters to magazines or newspapers. This way you will have already developed what is called a "platform" (meaning you have established readers for your work already) and this is a plus for an editor considering your book. For example, if you are writing a book on home organizing, you could submit your chapter on clearing clutter to women's magazines.
• Beware of self-publishing and vanity press publishers who ask for money. Many people who want to see their work in print pay a lot of money for a sub-quality product. A true publisher will pay you, as well as market your book.