Learning To Write: 6 Tips
My first Goodreads post is advice for writers because that's what I do: my entire life revolves around giving pep talks to nervous or struggling budding writers. I love it. I'm not even being sarcastic; watching writers overcome their insecurities and develop their voice gives me life.
I started writing when I was 11. I wrote this terrible horror movie script called the Haunted Attic, and to this day I vividly remember how awful it was, but it was fun! Somewhere along the way, my friends got involved, and it turned into this community-written monstrosity that we acted out on the front lawn for confused neighbours.
Writing can feel so solitary, but it shouldn't be. It doesn't have to be. That script never got better, but I did. That was a jumping off point into a lifelong passion for the magic that happens when creative souls feed off each other.
I am 34. I have been writing for 23 years now, beta-reading for 18, and for the last year and a half, I have been running a discord server for erotica writers where I have had the honour of watching so many amazing beginners cut their teeth. And, 2 years ago, I finally got up the nerve to submit a manuscript to actual publishers that led to my first book's recent release.
That's why I picked this topic: because writing is about community to me. The following tips are for writers who are struggling. Whether you have just begun, or have been writing for a while and are feeling stuck, I hope I can help.
1. Go Easy on Yourself
There is no such thing as a perfect writer.
Language is an evolving creature, and art is incredibly subjective. Understand that not everyone will love your writing, and that's okay. That doesn't mean there's something wrong with you or something wrong with them - unless they're a jerk about it, in which case, it's all on them!
Take breaks. Writer's block happens. Real life gets in the way. It's okay to stop and breathe and put the writing aside for a few days. When a few days turn into weeks and months, however, maybe it's time to buckle down and get back to it.
2. Prioritize your Learning.
Know what your goals are. It's okay, they can be fluid. They can change as you discover new weaknesses you want to work on. The important thing is that you know what you want to target so you can focus on it.
Do you want to be better at dialogue? Do you need to learn how to use active voice and passive voice? Is pacing an issue for you? The internet is full of amazing resources for every specific issue. My personal favourite place to look for knowledge is on YouTube.
3. Learning Requires Listening.
When we get feedback, sometimes we get this urge to explain why we wrote something the way we did. Sometimes we want to argue with poor advice or advice that doesn't work for us.
Most of the time, countering feedback appears insecure or defensive. It also makes other writers less keen to give feedback in the future. Doesn't mean you should take all the advice you're given, but your craft will improve so much better when you learn to listen and absorb and percolate on feedback instead of countering it.
4. Learn to Let Go
Not all advice is right for you. Not all feedback, not all reviews are created equal, and part of learning how to write includes learning to discern between what you should absorb and what you should ignore.
If it's something you disagree with, but you're getting the same advice from several people, it may be time to consider it. If it's advice coming from a single source, then consider that source. How well does this person know your genre and the craft of writing? If they're a writer, are they someone you want to emulate?
5. Try New Things
It's so easy to get attached to your own methods. If you've done something the same way for years, you feel you've perfected it. Maybe you feel like it's your way of doing things and those other ways of doing it are antithetical to your style.
Try them anyway.
For example, say you write strictly in 3rd limited POV, past tense. Maybe you outline your stories to death before you dare write a single word of your first draft. Maybe you have a beat sheet you follow to the letter. Break out of that box. Try 2nd POV, even if you hate it. Try discovery writing. Or maybe try a vague 3 act outline. You can learn so much just by dipping your toes into different waters.
6. Find Your Community
Try Facebook groups. Try discord. Try twitter. Talk to other writers. Reach out. If you can't find a community that suits your needs, perhaps you should create one. The most important thing is to find peers you respect that you can learn from, who can learn from you. Exchange tips, discuss craft, just chill together.
It's okay to lurk until you feel comfortable. I'm 90% introvert. I have severe social anxiety. If you are anything like me, it can be hella scary, and I get that, but it is also so worth it.
I'm here. If anyone has questions about this post, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be found on twitter: @CloverErotica.
I don't know who you are, but if this is what you want to do with your life, welcome to the writing community. It might be hard. It might be easy, but either way, I believe in you. You got this.
I started writing when I was 11. I wrote this terrible horror movie script called the Haunted Attic, and to this day I vividly remember how awful it was, but it was fun! Somewhere along the way, my friends got involved, and it turned into this community-written monstrosity that we acted out on the front lawn for confused neighbours.
Writing can feel so solitary, but it shouldn't be. It doesn't have to be. That script never got better, but I did. That was a jumping off point into a lifelong passion for the magic that happens when creative souls feed off each other.
I am 34. I have been writing for 23 years now, beta-reading for 18, and for the last year and a half, I have been running a discord server for erotica writers where I have had the honour of watching so many amazing beginners cut their teeth. And, 2 years ago, I finally got up the nerve to submit a manuscript to actual publishers that led to my first book's recent release.
That's why I picked this topic: because writing is about community to me. The following tips are for writers who are struggling. Whether you have just begun, or have been writing for a while and are feeling stuck, I hope I can help.
1. Go Easy on Yourself
There is no such thing as a perfect writer.
Language is an evolving creature, and art is incredibly subjective. Understand that not everyone will love your writing, and that's okay. That doesn't mean there's something wrong with you or something wrong with them - unless they're a jerk about it, in which case, it's all on them!
Take breaks. Writer's block happens. Real life gets in the way. It's okay to stop and breathe and put the writing aside for a few days. When a few days turn into weeks and months, however, maybe it's time to buckle down and get back to it.
2. Prioritize your Learning.
Know what your goals are. It's okay, they can be fluid. They can change as you discover new weaknesses you want to work on. The important thing is that you know what you want to target so you can focus on it.
Do you want to be better at dialogue? Do you need to learn how to use active voice and passive voice? Is pacing an issue for you? The internet is full of amazing resources for every specific issue. My personal favourite place to look for knowledge is on YouTube.
3. Learning Requires Listening.
When we get feedback, sometimes we get this urge to explain why we wrote something the way we did. Sometimes we want to argue with poor advice or advice that doesn't work for us.
Most of the time, countering feedback appears insecure or defensive. It also makes other writers less keen to give feedback in the future. Doesn't mean you should take all the advice you're given, but your craft will improve so much better when you learn to listen and absorb and percolate on feedback instead of countering it.
4. Learn to Let Go
Not all advice is right for you. Not all feedback, not all reviews are created equal, and part of learning how to write includes learning to discern between what you should absorb and what you should ignore.
If it's something you disagree with, but you're getting the same advice from several people, it may be time to consider it. If it's advice coming from a single source, then consider that source. How well does this person know your genre and the craft of writing? If they're a writer, are they someone you want to emulate?
5. Try New Things
It's so easy to get attached to your own methods. If you've done something the same way for years, you feel you've perfected it. Maybe you feel like it's your way of doing things and those other ways of doing it are antithetical to your style.
Try them anyway.
For example, say you write strictly in 3rd limited POV, past tense. Maybe you outline your stories to death before you dare write a single word of your first draft. Maybe you have a beat sheet you follow to the letter. Break out of that box. Try 2nd POV, even if you hate it. Try discovery writing. Or maybe try a vague 3 act outline. You can learn so much just by dipping your toes into different waters.
6. Find Your Community
Try Facebook groups. Try discord. Try twitter. Talk to other writers. Reach out. If you can't find a community that suits your needs, perhaps you should create one. The most important thing is to find peers you respect that you can learn from, who can learn from you. Exchange tips, discuss craft, just chill together.
It's okay to lurk until you feel comfortable. I'm 90% introvert. I have severe social anxiety. If you are anything like me, it can be hella scary, and I get that, but it is also so worth it.
I'm here. If anyone has questions about this post, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be found on twitter: @CloverErotica.
I don't know who you are, but if this is what you want to do with your life, welcome to the writing community. It might be hard. It might be easy, but either way, I believe in you. You got this.
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