Writing Tips for Beginners

Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;

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WRITING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS THAT WILL PUT YOU AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION!

The first writing tips you should consider if you want to become a published author actually has little to do with the mechanics of writing but rather begins with preparation and education.  Must one have a degree to be a writer?  The answer is no, but it certainly doesn't hurt.  The level of education you wish to achieve will be dependent upon your career choices and needs; research will find you the answers you seek.  It's important to be honest with yourself at this point.  Don't let your zeal and enthusiasm override your common sense.

This week, I've heard quite a few people asking about what it takes to be the best writer you can be, so I thought I would pass along some valuable information that I have gleaned through the years.

It takes more than zeal and self-confidence to make it in the writing business even though those two things go a long way.  It takes raw talent, training, knowledge, flexibility, a desire to work hard, and a stubbornness that prevents you from quitting.  When I realized that I wanted to get serious about writing, I knew that there was a lot of things I needed to learn first. 

NOTE:  I'm sure there are more examples than what I've listed.  If you have reputable ones, feel free to list them in the comments below.

WRITING TIP 1:  READ, READ, READ!

If you are not a reader, you will not be a good writer.  This tip needs no further explanation.

WRITING TIP 2:  TRAINING/EDUCATION 

I'm sure you'll agree that there's always room for improvement. Things are always changing, and we need to keep up if we are to remain successful.  The first step for any profession has always been and will ever remain training and education.

Here's a good place to start if you want to be a more creative writer:

Institute for Writers - Writing School

This writing school teaches online courses in writing for adults and children.

• They use highly experienced published authors to teach their classes.
• They are supportive and helpful and easy to work with.
• They provide all or most of the books you will need to complete the course(s).
• The courses are reasonably priced.
• You can earn college credits.

WRITING TIP 3: JOIN A WRITING ORGANIZATION

Writing Organizations

1. SCBWI - The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

This organization is nationwide and worldwide.

• They have chapters that hold conferences in your area once or twice a year.
• You get the opportunity to network with other authors, illustrators, publishers, and agents at every conference you attend.
• You will learn the ins and outs of the business which includes how to sell your books once you get published.
• You get the opportunity to attend workshops, get critiques, and learn from the best. 

Here's a helpful Article by renowned children's author Margot Finke:
http://www.underdown.org/mf-writing-conferences.htm

2.  Author's Guild for writers of adult fiction and non fiction

• Provides legal assistance with contracts
• Newsletters
• Local chapters

3.  More Writing Organizations

• Huge list of additional writers organizations

WRITING TIP 4: KEEP A JOURNAL AND/OR A SKETCH BOOK

Keeping a journal and/or a sketch book handy can help in a number of ways:

1. Gives you quick access to jot down new ideas
2. Helps you stay organized
3. Lets you draw sketches, however terrible they might be because not all of us are artists, that can give you a clear visual of your characters and novel scenes.
4. Gives you practice writing.

WRITING TIP 5: JOIN A CRITIQUE GROUP (LOCAL OR ONLINE)

Joining a critique group will give you dozens of extra eyes and different perspectives that you would never have on your own:

Critique Circle

1. It. Gives you dozens of extra eyes to find mistakes
2. Gives you the benefit of different perspectives
3. Hones your critique skills
4. Gives you the group support you wouldn't have working alone


HELPFUL LINKS
Harold Underdown's Website  -  all things to do with writing, illustrating, and publishing
Writer's Digest - monthly magazine with great writing tips and contests


HELPFUL BOOKS
Word Magic by Cindy Rogers
Characters, Emotions & Viewpoint by Nancy Kress
Creating Character Emotions by Ann Hood
Building Believable Characters by Marc McCutcheon
The Giblin Guide to Writing Children's Books by James Cross Giblin
Writer's First Aid by Kristi Holl
Guide to Literary Agents (Most current year)