Writing is a journey, not a sprint. Whether you’re crafting your first novel or you’ve got a few short stories under your belt, every writer faces challenges and breakthroughs along the way. If you’re looking to sharpen your skills and stay motivated, I’ve gathered together some of my favorite writing tips from this blog and my own experiences (and mistakes) to help you stay on track.
- Embrace the Messy First Draft
I’ve blogged about this before, see [How to Start Writing], but it’s worth repeating: don’t stress about the first draft. It’s your sandbox, where you build ideas, let your creativity run wild, and make as many mistakes as you need. The important thing is to get the story down. You can’t edit a blank page, but you can always shape and improve something that already exists. So, let go of perfection and just write. You’ll thank yourself later. - Be Ruthless with Editing
Once that first draft is done, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Self-editing can be a brutal process – I’ve blogged about how much I both love and hate it, see here [Key Lesson from Publishing Your First Book?]. Every pass through your manuscript will reveal something new. Remember, it’s not just about fixing typos or grammatical errors; it’s about tightening up your story, cutting unnecessary scenes, and making sure every word serves a purpose. And when you’re ready, don’t be afraid to hit that delete key. Sometimes, less is more. - Write Daily, Even in Small Bursts
This may sound cliché, but consistency is key. Even if it’s only for 20 minutes a day, getting into the habit of writing regularly will strengthen your storytelling muscles. On those tough days when the words don’t flow, remember that writing anything is better than nothing at all. Need help jumpstarting your creativity? I’ve blogged about using writing prompts to overcome the dreaded writer’s block, see here [Stuck on What to Write? Writing Prompts!]. - Read, Read, Read
I can’t stress this enough – reading is one of the best ways to improve your writing. By studying other authors, you’ll pick up on styles, structures, and storytelling techniques that can inform your own work. And don’t limit yourself to one genre. Explore a variety of voices, perspectives, and narratives. Whether it’s classic literature or contemporary fiction, every book you read will add something to your writer’s toolbox. - Never Give Up (Seriously)
I’ve talked about this in depth before – writing [to be published] isn’t for the faint-hearted. Whether it’s overcoming writer’s block or pushing through self-doubt, persistence is your best friend. Every time you write and edit, you’re learning and improving. And when the doubts creep in (because they will), remember my favorite mantra: Never give up! Never surrender! [Overcoming Impostor Syndrome in Writing].
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Take care,
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PJ Scribbans Author 