We’ve all started here at one point or another. You either want to start writing or you’re new to writing. At first, you may have been so excited, but now, you have no idea where you want to go. Where do you even start? Well, first of all, I’d like to assure you that you’re not alone. All writers have gone through this. More importantly, there are solutions.

Practice, Practice, Practice

As with any skill, you get better at writing the more you do it. The more you write, the easier it becomes. But what do you even write about? Well, if you haven’t got any ideas in particular, simply write about anything that comes to mind. Write about your day. Carry around a notepad with you and write down your observations. Watch people, movies, or even TV. Look at how people around you interact with each other. Let your mind wander. Explore different possibilities and cherish your imagination. Let your creative juices flow and write as much as you can while they do. These are all essential to becoming a better writer.

Read More

What is just as important as writing is reading. By reading, you find out what you like and what you don’t, what works and what doesn’t, and how stories are written. Be sure to read books by authors you both like and dislike, in all sorts of genres and styles. You’ll be exposed to new words, styles, and techniques, which will increase your writing toolbox greatly. There is so much to learn about the world around you. Even I’m still learning. After seeing all this world and others have to offer, how could you not feel motivated to pour your heart and soul into a story?

Look for Inspiration

And be prepared for when it hits you! Inspiration can be found everywhere in the world around you, through music, art, and experiences. It could be found in a writing prompt that you connect with or a song that inspires a story or a scene. It could be something as small as watching a bird in your garden and wondering what its life would be like. Be prepared for those moments and write down any ideas that come to you. Put them in your phone, write them on your hand, or use that notepad I suggested earlier. Don’t assume you will remember them, because chances are that you won’t! The more you practice writing down your ideas and inspirations, the more your mind will create them.

Find Friends

As you continue the writing journey, make sure you create connections with fellow writers. Together, you can learn and improve your craft, becoming better writers together. Don’t forget that helping others with their writing teaches you more about your own, too! You’ll experience much greater success together with other writers than if you venture on alone.

Making friends in a writing community gives you a support system to turn to when things get tough. Friends can help you brainstorm, answer research questions, and give you the motivation to keep going. Every writer knows the pain of jealousy and comparing their work to others. It can be a pitiful way to lose motivation. Having fellow writer friends at your side to talk you through the struggle helps tremendously.

Of course, I would suggest you join the Wacky Writers Community if you are looking for a supportive community of follow writers. But there many writing communities out there, such as Tapas, Royal Road, Reddit- r/writing, and many more!

Everyone has to start somewhere, but the good news is with writing you can start anywhere! Jot down an idea on a napkin, pull out your notes app, open a blank document, or get out all those old notebooks you promised to fill! All you need is a little time and imagination and you can become a writer the moment you start writing.