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Beginner's Checklist - Advice for Novice Writers
by Anna Sanclement
As a fairly new writer I have encountered many questions and problems regarding the art of writing. These obstacles have forced me to read and research how to best resolve or work around them. I thought it would be useful to make the information I have found available to other new writers. I find it is helpful to have as much advice as possible when one is starting out.
Here is my list of things to do - or not to do - as a new writer:
1.
Find your areas of interest
Think of what interests you most, what areas you know a fair
amount about. For example, if you like sports, that’s
what you could specialize in. It is just so much easier writing
about subjects you enjoy and are knowledgeable about. Write
articles for the magazines that you enjoy reading yourself,
or columns on subjects that you are passionate about. If a
book is what you dream of writing, it will most definitely
benefit you to write on a a subject you take to. Actually,
a good idea is to write the type of book that you like to
read. Although, before writing a manuscript, I recommend starting
with smaller venues, such as articles, columns or short stories,
as the next item on the list suggests.
2.
Do not try to write too many things at once
When one is starting out as a writer, he/she often wants to
write everything. It is better to start with just one or two
pieces, so you can dedicate all your attention to them, and
make them your best. When you have too many different projects
going, you tend to be all over the place, and most likely
will not finish any of them. If you do manage to finish anything,
it probably won’t be as good as it could be, because
you did not give it your full attention and time. It is better
to produce 1 or 2 excellent pieces, than 4 or 5 bad ones.
3. Start small
It is a good idea to begin your writing career with articles
in small publications. Community magazines, for example even
if they don’t pay, or pay very little, are a great place
to get your work published for the first time. They are less
known to readers, and are always looking for articles, columns,
short stories, etc., depending on the type of publication.
Established writers go after the “glossy” magazines,
and more known publications, therefore, these smaller magazines
are more apt to accept articles from beginners. Once you have
a couple of articles published, it will be easier to get assignments
in the bigger name magazines. Sometimes book editors extend
offers on writing a book based on a good article.
4.
When sending a query letter, do not mention too many unpublished
articles
A mistake new writers seem to make in query letters,
is stating the many unpublished articles they have written.
While it’s impressive that you have written so much,
it may be a little questionable as to why any of these articles
haven’t been published. One of the first things an editor
may think is that your writing must not be very good if you
wrote so many articles and none of them are in print.
5.
Write what you know
I am sure you have heard this one before, that’s because
it is so true. I myself, can attest to this, for I have found
that when I am writing about a subject I like and know a lot
of, it is so much easier to write about. It seems to just
come naturally, and it is more enjoyable to write. Writing
about a subject you are not familiar with, can become very
cumbersome, and it makes it hard to stay on track. Writing
on something you don’t have an interest in, will become
boring, you will become uninterested, and most likely will
not write it as well as you could.
6.
Join a writer’s group
This is always a good idea for beginner writers, or even any
writer for that matter. Being around other people who write
can be very inspiring. It’s good to see what others
are writing, and get ideas from them. You can also exchange
suggestions, and get advice from them, as well as encourage
each other on projects you are thinking about. Reading other
writers’ styles can also be very engaging in your own
writing.
7.
Read as much as you can
Surely you have heard this one before, that’s because
it really does help. It’s good to read books that teach
about how to write, as well as reading anything that relates
to what you’d like to write. For example, read loads
of novels, if that’s what you’d like to write.
Looking to be a newspaper columnist? Read the paper daily.
Want to be a fashion editor? Stock up on all the current fashion
magazines. Doing this is both helpful in getting ideas, as
well as in developing a style by seeing what others are doing.
8.
Take a writing class or workshop
I know, I know, you already know how to write that’s
why you became a writer. Still, you can’t ever learn
too much. A workshop can help ignite many ideas, and can give
you different approaches to writing. I think anyone can benefit
from taking a writing class. Many institutions offer writing
courses, check your community college, or local high school,
they often offer night classes for those who work days. Also,
you can take online classes, there are dozens of writing courses
offered on the web. Remember, it is never too late to learn,
or lean more.
These are just a few ideas for getting you started. I hope you find them helpful. Good luck in your endeavors, and maybe we’ll cross paths out there in the published world!
Bio: I am a freelance Graphic Designer and Writer. I also work with the Yellow Pages Art Team designing the display ads for all the Florida region phone books. I am currently working on a Screenplay, and also a Novel.
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