“I want to be a writer, how do I get started?”
I find this question in my inbox often. I am a writer, but I am still in the beginning stages trying to sign with an agent. There are other accomplished writers – the ones I learn from – that have more experience than I do when it comes to writing and publishing. Nonetheless, while I have not signed that book deal (yet), I do have several articles in my portfolio and I have devoted significant time and effort to my writing. I am always glad to share tips and resources that have been helpful to me in this journey. I have had help, and as writers, we help each other.
Writers write. Right? You might not realize this yet, but you’re already a writer. You send emails to friends, you update your Facebook status, you write thank you notes, maybe you keep a journal. But you want to take your writing to the next step, and you wonder how to get started.
Why do you want to write?
You need to answer this question for yourself, and you need to write it down (because you are a writer). At some point you might feel as if writing takes too much time and effort; maybe you will question your dream and feel tempted to give up. I want you to be able to remember the reason you write. I want you to have something to hold on to because why you write matters.
Why do I write? I answered this for myself and I go back to it often.
Writing is about what you give to your readers.
You need to have a blog.
Writing is a craft. The more you write, the better writer you become.
For the purposes of this post, allow me to make a generalization and say that most likely you want other people to read what you write. Maybe you want to write articles for your favorite magazine, or for Huffington Post, or write the next best-seller. Either way, you want your writing to get out there.
So here is the deal, you need a blog. Writing is a craft. The more you write, the better writer you become. You might be thinking, “I don’t want to be a blogger, I want to be a writer! Nonetheless, there are a few reasons why you should have a blog.
- Blogging will get you in the habit of writing.
- Because you want your words to get “out there” blogging presents the perfect opportunity for you to practice the craft while getting your words “out there.”
- Blogging will give you the feedback you need as a writer. How do people respond to your words? Remember that writing is about what you give to your readers, and blogging will allow you to connect to your readers on a regular basis.
- Blogging will help you find your writing voice. Here is a great article by Jeff Goins on finding your voice (he has great resources for writers!).
- Blogging builds your platform as a writer.
- Most publishers will ask for your blog address because your blog is a reflection of your writing.
How to start a blog.
What I know about blogging I know thanks to Amy from Blogging with Amy. She writes about blogging, and if you need help getting started with a blog, check out her tutorial, How to Start a Blog or Website.
Another great resource is Michael Hyatt. He wrote about How to Start a Blog and he approaches blogging from his perspective as the former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publisher. He focuses on building your platform, finding your message, and all good things writers need to learn about writing and publishing.
On a personal note, ellenstumbo.com is a wordpress blog, but I use blogger for my personal blog.
Writing a blog post
- If you have a blog, try to post at least once a week. Make your blogging consistent, so you readers know every Friday there is a blog post from you (or any other days you choose).
You have to learn to work with word count guidelines.
- You are competing for your readers attention along with millions of other blogs. Keep your posts short. 300-600 words. Try not to exceed 1000 words or you might lose your readers. For example, my monthly blog posts for LifeWay on parenting children with special needs are 300 words. My posts for Different Dream are 500 words. As a writer, you have to learn to work with word counts.
Attend a writers conference
If you really want to learn about writing and publishing, attending a writers conference is the way to go. You will make great connections with other writers, editors, publishers, and agents.
Just do a google search for writing conferences in your area.
I have attended three writer’s conferences and I recently attended the American Christian Writers Mentoring Retreat in Michigan. I have traveled across states to get to some of these because they are worth it! At these conferences I learned about queries, proposals, why I need an agent, how to submit articles, and so much more! Also, I connected with many people in the industry, and writing is about connections.
Final thoughts
Believe you are a writer. Say it, tell someone, leave it here in the comments, “I am a writer!”
“It takes ten years to become an overnight best-seller.” James Watkins
Writing is a craft. The more you write the better you become. What I have learned from James Watkins is that if you cannot find ways you can improve an old manuscript, then you have not grown as a writer. As writers, we evolve, we keep getting better – because we keep writing.
Your turn!
I want to hear from you, tell me, why do you want to write?
If you already write, why do you write?
If you haven’t told anyone yet, leave a comment here and declare you are a writer!
Do you have a blog? Link it up in the comments and tell us what your writing is all about.
What questions do you have about writing? Send them my way and I will answer your questions or point you in the right direction.
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Thank you for this.
Marie I stopped by your blog, you are a writer! You are already ahead of the game, if I can help in some way, let me know!
Would love to writte about my jurney in having 4 boys and one with Down Sindrome.
Miryana, you can get started telling your story. Do you have a blog? What can I do to help you?
I’m a writer!
Yeah Laurie!
Ellen, don’t have a blog and don’t know how to start.
Miryana, did you check out the links I have here for “How to Start a Blog”? If it seems really complicated, then go to blogger dot com and you can sign up to get a free blog. It is really easy, and if you already have a gmail account, you basically already have access to a blogger blog. It will ask what you want to name your blog. Then you go to the “template” tab and it is really easy to choose a “look” for your blog. I am suggesting blogger (because it is easy) and because it is the one I am familiar with and can help you with most. I have help for this blog (wordpress). So if you go to blogger, I can help you from there, any questions you have.
I don’t think it’s an accident I found your blog today, December 29, 2013. It comes on the precipice of realizing I need to step out in faith and do what God is calling me to do. I write because words matter…because busyness and emotions and clutter get in the way of the truth sometimes, but when I write the truth is like good cream and comes to the top. Sometimes I write because I can’t think straight and need that cream. Sometimes I write because I need to get negative emotions out of me without annihilating whomever I’m angry with. Mostly though, I write because I have to. Because if I didn’t write I would explode. I’m not convinced that I write for others yet ~ those doors are there but freaking me out ~ but I do write to share truth and because I desire to see others inspired to be better. The link above is to my personal blog, but I have a Scripture/Devotional blog, too. I want to warn you, though, that I haven’t updated either in a while. There are excuses, but mainly it’s just been fear keeping me from doing what I know God’s calling me to. My scripture blog is http://www.tbds.blogspot.com Have a wonder-filled New Year and thank you for this post!
Trayc, I am so glad you landed here! I checked both your blogs 🙂 I do hope that you keep on writing, you have a story that only you can share!
I’m probably the first to leave a comment this year. Thanks for sharing this with the world…especially ‘at the end of the day’.
I’ve been writing from my teenage years but it’s this year I decided to begin sharing with the world…I’ll work on your advice and I look forward to learning more from you.
I write poems, at least to me they look like poems…others may think differently. I have attempted compiling them in a book…about 59 of them though its not published.
I’m going to read all the links you’ve provided and take the necessary actions…thanks again
Hi there!
I’m a writer! My goal is to write stories that my sons will like. That they will remembe, I write so we can share good moments and have fun. Maybe one day I’ll attempt to write a novel, but for now I only want to write for fun. I already own a crafting blog. I’m not very consistent in my writing because it takes a lot of time to make a good tutorial, do the craft, write, edit and post.
Between the time that I spend with my kids (my youngest is autistic), my full time job, my crafts and taking care of the house, i don’t take much time to write, but i decided that i would give it a try. I have a desire to write, I started countless forums on crafting, arts, painting and animals. I started my blog and I feel like I need to share what I know, what I feel and put it in words.
Sorry for my “not so good” english writing. I usually speak and write in french.
Your English is great! And yes, you are a writer! 🙂