General Writing Tips
Articles
Finding markets for your writing and how to submit published in Sultana’s Dream on-line journal May 2011
Read
To be a writer you need to love words and that means you need to love to read. If you don’t love reading then you need to re-think your desire to be a writer. The two are inexorably intertwined.
Some beginner writers think that they shouldn’t read because this will compromise their vision and they will be influenced by other writer’s ideas. Newsflash-there are no new ideas in the world. The only way you will be able to create an original piece of work is through your particular spin on a story, your distinctive voice and writing style and your vision.
The more you read the more you will advance your craft of writing. There are a lot of aspects of writing that you need to learn and reading fiction is the way to be exposed to these elements.
You also need to expose yourself to different genres and writing styles in order to develop your own writing style. Most of the time the type of genre you like reading the most is the one you will write in, but this isn’t always the case.
Whenever I evaluate my reading list for the year I notice that most of the fiction I’ve read is crime, yet I write young adult novels. Having said that I do believe that the crime fiction I read has influenced my writing in the way that I develop a story and I will at some point in the future write a crime novel.
Study
The best way to develop the skills you need to be a professional writer is to do some type of course. I’ve completed the Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing, a two year TAFE course. This course is offered through a lot of TAFEs in Victoria. To find a writing course contact universities or TAFEs in your area and find out what writing courses they have on offer.
By undertaking study at a course you will have the opportunity to try writing different genres and writing styles and find your niche, be exposed to other like-minded writers, receive encouragement and support to pursue your writing goals and learn all the skills you need to make it as a writer.
Join
Every state has a writer’s centre that advocates on behalf of writers, acts as a hub of information and runs workshops and talks for writers. There is an annual joining fee but for your membership you receive a monthly newsletter that has information about publishing opportunities and competitions you can enter, the newsletter features articles about writing by members, and as a member you get discounts on writing books and workshops.
There are also other writing organisations that provide support to writers. Depending on your budget you might look at joining one of these also.
Critique
In the beginning of your writing journey you need support, friendship and networking. This is where writing groups or writing courses are invaluable.
The best way to develop as a writer is to have your work critiqued and to learn by critiquing other writers. By undertaking a writing course or joining a writing organisation you will have the opportunity to meet other writers and learn about writing groups or to meet one individual who will be your critique partner.
During my writing apprenticeship I had the opportunity to learn how to critique while undertaking my writing course, I joined a writing group, and met my critique partner who became one of my closest friends and who still inspires and motivates me.
Library
One of the things you will need on your road to becoming a professional writer are resource books. Through your exposure to writing organisations as well as a writing group you will hear about different books that writers have used in their journey to publication. Follow up on their tips and find these books through the library or your local writing centre. This is where your networking will pay off because you might be able to keep your costs down by exchanging books with other writers. Where you can purchase books. These will act as a source of inspiration and be a resource that you will use again and again throughout your writing career.
Internet
The internet is a great source of inspiration. There are blogs written by agents and editors, as well as opportunities to get your writing critiqued, or to develop your writing pitch. Read as many blogs as you can and find the ones that you feel provide the most information.
Use these blogs to develop your skills. Submit your novel pitch and synopsis to get feedback, learn about other writer’s journeys-but keep in mind that most of these blogs are aimed to the American market which has different requirements.
All of these things are vital! I’m a beginner novelist and have been told everything you wrote by numerous people–many of whom are more advanced than I. Thanks for the information.
Thanks Elisa. Good luck with your writing.
Good luck with yours as well. I’ll keep up with it.
thank you for sharing your tips, i will surely use it