Catherine Romano asked Joyce Reynolds-Ward:

i never knew how to get started with my writing. People tell me when they read anything i write that they feel good, and they think i have talent. My problem is i never got a break in anything regarding publishing. (Depression/anxiety always holding me back). I once was selectedby NOLA's Times Picayune, a 'poetry reflection story' on the historical Fairgrounds. It was short nsweet, how do i write more?

Joyce Reynolds-Ward Do you write in a journal? A writing journal is a good means to build up your writing muscles--it's like getting into shape physically. You have to practice, practice, practice.

A writing journal differs from a diary. Write to prompts. Or just take ten minutes and write about something you're observing. Nature, people, a place. Or story snippets. Don't think about publication to start with, just write. Little revelations about the world around you.

Once you've gotten to the point where you feel confident then start crafting pieces and track your word count. Don't obsess about how many words you're writing--the main purpose of tracking your word count is to build an understanding of your process and establishing in your head what your writing flow feels like. What amount feels easy? What amount can you hit with a little bit of a push? What amount actually wrings you out and drains you?

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