Many
people wait to take that big leap in their career or business until they find
someone more experienced to help them. I think that is a mistake. We have to be
independent and proactive in looking for new opportunities and we can’t wait
for others to help us. If you’re looking to build a creative writing occupation,
here are things I think you should do to get ongoing.
1. TAKE A NOTEBOOK EVERYWHERE
I think I’ve mentioned this many
times because it is of great importance, but take a notebook with you. You
never know when you will come up with a incredible idea, and you’ll appreciate
having a readily accessible place to jot it down.
2. READ FROM OTHER
WRITERS
The first stride to take if you want to
be a great writer is to read. Read a wide range of books from classics to
contemporary, fantasy to horror, romance to crime. Make it your goal to read at
least one book every month.
Better if you can
read a book a week. Read as many short stories as you can find. Read until you
find that field that you get a lot of joy reading and you believe you’d be
interested in exploring
3. MAKE LISTS
Sometimes we feel overwhelmed in
thinking there are hundreds of things that must be done. However, if we write
them down in a list (differentiating between tasks and micro-tasks), we realize
it’s not such a big deal. In fact, they can be finished one at a time and
crossed off our to-do list. This leaves the brain better organized, we feel
more comfortable, and we can make space for creativity.
4. KNOW YOUR ROOTS
I think writers should be clear
about where they come from meaning they know about their culture and their
roots. It will help you find your own voice and be aware of your particular way
of looking at the world. In no way does this mean you have to limit yourself
because there are many interesting things out there!!! Nevertheless, as a good
friend of mine told me long ago, when you know where you come from, you are
more prepared to know where you want to go.
5. BEGIN TO WRITE
The use of social media in itself lends itself to
writing. One of the best ways to be a writer is to write something every
day. Your writing doesn’t have to be incredible; it just has to be clear and
readable.
Aspire to create suspense in your
writing. Always ask yourself, can someone tell where this story will end from understanding
the first paragraph?
6. GET AWAY FROM THE TV AND THE COMPUTER
If you’re trying to arouse the
part of the brain that is in charge of providing you with ideas, turn off the
TV and the computer, disconnect from the Internet, and place your phone out of
reach. They’re useful tools for other tasks, but they aren’t good for your
creativity.
7. COLLABORATE AND BE OPEN
Writers shouldn’t lock themselves
in a room with no contact other than their own words. Whether virtually or in
person, it’s very rewarding to share your writing, participate in writing
groups, and remark on the writing of other people. In short, it’s good to
exchange words with other people. Do so whenever possible because creativity
attracts creativity.
8. BECOME FAMILIAR WITH MAKING MISTAKES
Here’s a widespread truth and one
of the few I believe in – you’re going to make mistakes. That’s for sure.
Sooner or later, we all make mistakes. Everybody does. Never being in the wrong
means you’ve never tried anything. You have to make many mistakes to be right at
times.
9. BREAK THE RULES
You know the old saying, “You
have to master the rules before you can break them.” Once you have a good
command of the rules, dare to break the rules a bit. Write differently, and
seek new ways to do things, etc. You’ll probably be wrong often, but it’ll be
worth the effort when you get it right.
10. HAVE FUN
Fun is crucial. Have fun in your
life, and have fun when you write. Some may believe in the image of the
tormented writer or the bohemian and miserable artist, but you should find that
writing (even if it’s sometimes tough) can also be very funny.
11. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE
Taste food you had never tasted
before … dare to try new things. It stimulates creativity and provides you with
experiences which then give you new material to write about.
12. PRACTICE OVER, OVER AND OVER
AGAIN
Writing is like playing an
instrument – you have to spend time on it. The more you practice, the closer
you are to excellence.
13. ENTER WRITING COMPETITIONS
You may not win but your writing will
improve. Entering a competition means that you will ask more people to read
what you have written and asks for their feedback. It also means that you may
get the attention of judges who already work in the industry.
Even if you do not win, someone may be
impressed by your writing style and can follow up for further opportunities.
14. SHARE YOUR WRITINGS
Don’t be too proud to beg. Send private
messages to your friends and ask them to help you share your work. While you’re
sharing, also ask them to provide you with feedback about your writing so you
can better understand what your audience is looking for.
15. OFFER YOUR WRITING SERVICES FOR FREE
Yes, I am fully aware of the great
“exposure cannot pay your bills debate” but exposure can pay your
bills…eventually. Remember that as a writer you are building a portfolio.
You don’t want that portfolio to be
empty when someone who needs your services calls. And who says that someone is
not among the readers of that journal you sent your short story to?.
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