The urge to write fiction seems
God given for some, a learned skill for others.
One thing is certain – it
requires practice and a particular mindset. But, if
you’re a beginner, where do you start?
The following 10 tips will help
kick-start your writing habit, whether you’re a
complete novice, or perhaps a pro who has lost their way!
1. Step Away From the Car, Sir.
Slightly detach yourself from
your surroundings. Stop participating and begin
observing. In social situations, watch people, see how
they act and – more importantly - interact.
Don’t pass judgment. Take it
all in – and draw on it later when you write.
2. Look Harder, Homer
Stop and look around you.
Consciously notice the buildings, what’s underfoot,
overhead, and what’s right in front of you.
At home, look at something you
take for granted. An iron, for instance. Find yours and
study it.
3. Write Thinking Will Be
Rewarded.
A simple technique. Your mother
is making tea and you are chatting to her. Take a mental
step back and describe the scene.
Similarly, when you’re
outside, describe your environment as though you were
writing it down.
4. What Reasons Do You Need?
Don’t wait for inspiration
– just write!
Force yourself to write anything
at all. A shopping list. An overheard conversation.
Describe your bedroom.
It doesn’t matter how
personal it is, or how trivial, just get it down!
5. Wakey Wakey!
Set your alarm clock for an hour
earlier than normal.
When the alarm goes off, get up.
Don’t dress, bathe or eat. Don’t even make
coffee. Just stagger to your writing space and write the
first thing that comes into your head for five minutes.
6. Oh God – Not That!
Think of the most awful and
embarrassing thing you’ve ever done - the more
cringe-worthy the better. Now write about it. All of it,
in all its gory, horrible detail.
Then hide it away for a year or
so before you read it again!
7. Like Your Style, Baby.
Don’t limit yourself. Write
poems, songs, dialogue, fact, fiction, even practice
writing advertising copy or horoscopes.
Your expertise improves in all
areas – an improvement in one area can reap benefits
in another.
8. The Sincerest Flattery
Take out a classic book from your
bookcase. Copy out a paragraph. Think about the words as
you write them. Don’t get intimidated!
9. Wanna See My Invention?
When you’re not writing,
string together stories in your mind. Think of plots,
characters, settings, dénouements.
Ask yourself what you should do
next to improve your writing.
Develop this technique into a
habit.
10. It’s A Goal!
When you start writing regularly,
set yourself small goals. Anything from 200 words a day,
or just a commitment to writing in your diary.
Later extend to finishing a short
story, or an article or a poem. Perhaps one in a week.
The trick is to set goals you can
achieve easily.
That way you’ll get the
writing habit - and you won’t forget to enjoy it!
