Starting out as a writer can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. Hopefully, you’re excited about this new step. But you’re also probably feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. There are so many ideas in your head, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start or how to keep going once you’ve begun. The good news is every writer feels this way at the beginning.
So don’t worry—there are simple steps that can help you find your voice, improve your skills, and keep pushing forward on your writing journey. Let’s dive into a few key tips that will set you on the right path.
Write regularly
Not often, regularly. If you write often, you’ll get a lot done, sure. But often doesn’t mean routine. If you write regularly, you’ll set a pattern of writing for yourself that will eventually become second nature.
There are thousands of resources available online and in print, through workshops or conferences. None of them will do you any good if you don’t actually write. Not every session will produce great writing. That’s okay. Just like any other skill, the more you write, the better you become. Committing to a regular writing routine builds discipline and confidence, which will lead to noticeable improvement over time.
It doesn’t even have to be long – five minutes a day has a lot of impact in the long run. Many new writers make the mistake of setting aside hour-long sessions from the beginning. This is like saying you’ll run a marathon before you’ve learned to walk a mile without your legs cramping up. It’s important to train your mental muscles to handle long periods of intense creativity and concentration.
Start with short sessions. Consistency and dedication are key to your success here.
While you write, try to focus on improvement. This will happen naturally over time. If you look for it, it’s that much easier (and more fun!) to spot. New writers often think about their favorite books or what’s currently popular while just starting out – they want to replicate that popularity for themselves. The truth is that most books aren’t popular. For many authors, only one of several of their published works end up on a trending list.
Chasing popularity will lead to disappointment, discouragement, and lack of motivation. However, if you turn your attention to how much you have improved and how you can continue to improve, you’ll find a challenge and renewed sense of determination rather than discouragement when a rejection ultimately comes or when you don’t get as many readers as you’d like.
Read a lot
And read widely – everything from genres you love to ones you hate and even ones you’ve never heard of before. Literary fiction, sci-fi, horror, romance, fantasy, poetry, steampunk, thriller… you get the idea.
Your writing style is shaped by everything you read, even subconsciously. By reading everything you can, you’ll learn how different authors approach their craft. You’ll also learn to identify when writing is good or bad.
If you approach reading analytically (ex: how did the author handle pacing in this scene? Do they use any narrative patterns?), you’ll also learn how to develop characters, build worlds, and find your unique voice. Note down what you love about what you’ve read and copy it. Build it up. Give it your own twist.
Join a writing class
To develop your skills, a writing class will not only expose you to styles and methods of writing, but it will give you structure, deadlines, and discipline. Research classes online or through a local college. If you aren’t ready to make a financial commitment yet, there are a lot of free materials available both online and in person, as well. For physical materials or in-person events, talk to your librarian. They should be able to direct you.
Alternatively, you could set up a class for yourself by building a syllabus or looking up one for a college writing course and following it on your own time.
Find a writing group
Writing can be a solitary activity, but having a community of fellow writers can provide feedback, support, connections, and accountability. Surrounding yourself with others who understand the process helps you stay motivated and improve your skills. Plus, when you have others expecting you to show up with work, you’re more likely to keep at it.
Note: Be sure to research your group. If you join a group made up entirely of newbie writers like yourself, it’s unlikely that any of you will make much progress. Try to find a group with a mixture of seasoned and new writers.
Explore other writing forms
Don’t limit yourself to just one type of writing. You might gravitate towards something like fiction, but exploring poetry, essays, or screenwriting can help you discover new strengths. It gives you the flexibility to handle any kind of project that comes your way and can even help refine your voice.
Dive into writing rules
If you haven’t written since high school, you may have forgotten the basics. Brushing up on rules will help you keep consistent grammar, spelling, and voice. Keep tools like a thesaurus or style guide handy.
Writing is a professional endeavor. Just because prose is made up of words, which we use every day in various forms, does not mean it follows the same rules as speech patterns, emailing, or texting. The exception is if the situation calls for it (ex: dialogue or an epistolary novel).
Use an outline
You may be a plotter (someone who enjoys and needs to outline their story in order to write well) or a pantser (someone who prefers not to know what will happen next – they discover the story as they write). You’ll find this out the more you write. However, try to make a habit of outlining to some degree as you’re starting out.
It doesn’t have to be a multi-file, color-coded encyclopedia of your world and characters. Even a basic outline can keep you on track. Without one, you risk a common newbie weakness: starting out strong with a great idea before getting lost, losing momentum, and ultimately abandoning your project.
The amount of outlining you’ll need will vary depending on your genre. For example, crime novels often require detailed blueprints while romance gives you more flexibility to explore.
Keep a journal
Inspiration is everywhere, and having a place to jot down thoughts and ideas as they arise can help you save these sparks for later. A journal is also a great place to write without worrying about an audience—just a space for personal reflection and creativity.
Do your research
Research adds depth and realism to your stories. Create questions based on your story, characters, plot, and settings. Seek out answers, visit the library, and talk to experts. Search for experiences, not the first link that appears on Google.
Keep it simple
Start with something manageable. So many new writers want to create an epic trilogy right off the bat. That is a recipe for drowning under self-inflicted pressure. Instead, focus on a single conflict and limit how many viewpoint characters you have.
Keep your prose simple, too. Try to avoid the temptation to look through the dictionary for the most complicated and superior-sounding words you can find. These are most often unnecessary and clog up your writing. Too much complexity will send your readers away.
Get to know your characters
When introducing characters, allow them to develop naturally over time, much like getting to know a new person. Neither you nor your reader are going to know everything about them from the start. So give out important details at the start to prove to your readers that this character is worth reading about – from there, just take it slow.
Edit carefully – and separately
Do not edit as you draft. This is vital. Drafting is when you get words down. They don’t have to be good. Editing is where your story truly takes shape. It’s also where you can learn to identify your strengths and weaknesses as a writer. Separating the processes makes both go faster and smoother.
Hold onto your passion
Ask yourself why you love writing and why you started in the first place. Keep that answer in mind, because staying connected to your passion is what will help you follow through on your projects, especially when the going gets tough.
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Remember, writing is a journey, not a race. The tips above are just the beginning, tools to help you find your footing as you grow and develop your voice. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks—every writer faces them. Instead, focus on progress, however small, and keep your passion for storytelling alive. The more you write, the more you’ll learn about yourself and your craft. Your words have the power to inspire, move, and connect with others.