Writing is a way for anyone to express what they are feeling inside or to create a world that is not known to man. Not many people would consider writing as something that they would choose to do voluntarily but rather as something people with a passion do to make a name for themselves and to express their own imagination.
Writing is not always easy, especially when everyone says that you have a bazillion and one chances of making it in the world where imagination and creativity is key. Sometimes, people need to do things on their own — without help from anyone.
We all have a story to tell, whether it's fiction or nonfiction, writers choose to make their story come alive through description, imagery, characterization and many other elements of writing. As we progress through the creative process, we learn new ways to express and show our world to our readers in books, poems and articles.
As an aspiring writer myself, I have discovered the best ways to become a writer. Even as young as I am at 15, I believe that my writing can go the distance. The following are tips and advice I have taken and followed over the course of the few years I have been writing.
1. Read everything and anytime you can.
Reading is a way to expand your horizons and to find inspiration from different genres of writing. My passion for writing came from reading books, and I feel as if the plots, the characters and the worlds of these books have all played a part in the book I am currently writing. The one mistake that I have made in the past is that I was only reading two or three genres of books, which included fantasy, science-fiction and contemporary. As I have gotten older, and started writing even more, I have grown interested in reading more diverse genres of books.
2. Don't be afraid to branch out of your comfort zone.
The one thing that all writers and people that are creative need to do is create something that isn't something they would normally create. By branching out of your comfort zone and trying new things, you can find a new interest and do things you never thought you could. It allows you to explore and discover new writing techniques. This not only applies to writing, but reading as well. Different writing and reading genres can give you a new perspective on what you could be writing or reading.
3. Stay Focused.
Sometimes, when I write, I get bored with what I am writing because I am not writing something that is as entertaining as other parts of the story. This happens to everyone. Knowing that, when you reach this part of the creative process of what you are writing, tell yourself that you have to stay focused because once you get through this part that may not be as interesting as other parts, you will be able to write the parts you enjoy more. You can't let something like this ruin your focus or your creative flow.
4. Write every day.
This is one of the most important parts of being a writer of any type. Writing every day allows the writer to practice writing techniques and anything else that a particular creator could need or want to practice. Writing every day doesn't necessarily mean working on the particular project you are working on currently. You could write a journal about what happened that day and the emotions you were feeling. You could write a poem — anything you want.
5. Never give up.
Never give up. That is the most important sentence in the world of imagination and creativity. Whatever or whoever brings down your mood or discourages you from writing is negative energy to you and your creative work. Those people and words should be ignored, even when you are on the brink of giving up or throwing your computer or paper on the floor. Prove them wrong. You have to believe in yourself in order to succeed. Believe in yourself. Believe that you can do whatever you set your mind to.
Writing is not easy to excel and make a living out of, but to whoever wants to publish a book, poem, short story or anything in between, know that it's possible. Currently, these writing tips have helped me in the process of writing a book and several poems that flow across a range of multiple topics. Those tips and advice about writing are ones that I have taken to heart and have tried to fulfill.
I just want you to remember one thing: you can do it.