This month my writing article focuses on point of view – get it right and your writing will be so much easier to read. There are seven new writing prompts, two competitions for you to enter and a book recommendation. Hints and tips to come.
During the past month, I have met three people who claim to be “non-writers” but who each have what they think is a good idea for a book. One thought a ghost writer might be the way forward, others were just “going to have a go”.
I suggested to all three that they don’t know whether they are writers or not until they actually start writing. It may well be that they haven’t written anything since school essays. But that doesn’t mean you cannot write. Just as with starting any new activity – sport, hobby, craft – you have to have a go to see if you enjoy doing it and then you can learn how to do it. There is plenty of help for writers out there: on the Internet, books, classes, groups, workshops and this website 🙂
I really loved all three of the ideas explained to me: one was family memoir, another a children’s story and another a short story. Here’s what I would advise to all three and to any others who are just starting out.
Try to write or research on a regular basis. I don’t mean a thousand words a day! I mean ten minutes a day or an hour a week, finding a time and a space when you know you can concentrate on your project. A few minutes a day is better than half an hour once every one or two months.
I’d love to hear how you are getting on so please do email me (from the contacts page) and I’d also love to hear from writers who have any other tips and suggestions for those who are just starting out.
Happy writing!
Linda
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