Some writing tips

I really didn't plan to write about writing, because it is so subjective. 

You can't tell an artist a picture is good or bad because you don't understand or appreciate it. The same rules apply for many creative professions, but there are some things I found were really useful in my experience as a writer so far, that I wanted to pass on. I'm no expert, just a girl with some ideas looking to share some knowledge. 

One of the biggest assumptions people make when they ask me about writing is; that anyone can write - it's the story that bares the skill - not the writer. 

Although I don't agree with this entirely, the story or plot in any case has to be substantial to make a good piece of writing. However that is also relying on the assumption that all writing is solely observation based. Whilst this contributes to a large portion of my writing it is dangerous to rely completely on events you have seen first hand for inspiration.  

Primary research is hugely valid but often more to base characters on or to help add depth and description to fictional people or places. 

A good writer is able to imagine invent and contextualise plots of their own original creation. Which is not something EVERYONE can do well.

Here is my best piece of advice to any fellow writers - 

Constantly challenge yourself. 

If you don't, your writing will eventually become complacent, dull and less effective. In the competitive world of publishing it is essential to be current, and to know what is current. 

1. News - watch it a constantly changing story machine. Occasionally tabloid newspapers provide some ridiculous Gems that beg to be written about. News is important not only for inspiration - but for information. Market trends and bestsellers often make the headlines and it is important to know who's at the top and what they are writing about. 

2. Books - often have interesting information regarding publishing and even writers magazines have some useful articles on being self-employed, some even have writing jobs posted in them and profiles on writers which can be very interesting.

 

3. Competitions - pageant of the writing world - challenge your genre, write for other genres and in other styles, a good way to network and become recognised. 

4. Peer review - A hugely underestimated but valuable element of being a writer which can often be a very solitary profession, writers groups or online forums are a good place to share ideas are work and get feedback as well as people you may know as long as they are going to give you an honest opinion and not sugarcoat something in order to not mislead your feelings. This is a good way of testing whether or not an idea actually works or whether it works only in your head. 

5. Library's - read new stuff for free - support local recourses and add to your knowledge! Also good for networking with other writers/groups! 

6. Plan - make plans for stories or non fiction, sometimes ideas for pieces strike us when we don't have time to complete them, make notes and head back to them when you have the time to write. 

7. Observe - primary research! Observe everything and challenge your own perspectives. Just this morning I overheard a couple arguing on whether getting really angry during breastfeeding makes your breastmilk fizzy? Yep. Comedy gold. 

8. Schedule - don't waste time, but MAKE time to write for an hour a day, In the evening before bed or before everyone else gets up in the morning. This can be a very cathartic exercise and also keeps your brain actively working and creating. 

9. Consider professional training such as university or an evening course in writing, this is that essential but can provide some valuable industry experience from professionals already in the field, I completed my degree in professional writing and found the experience life changing. It helped me find my own style and realise my message. Although this isn't an essential element of being a writer it is worth considering if you are in a position to do so. 

10. Lastly, a piece of advice from a man who taught me everything about writing at university, "write what you like, failing that, write what you know". Expanding your repertoire is important but so is writing about what you know, fly fishing, baking or fantasy elves. It's all good! So  expand what you know and write about it.