My Top 10 Resources for Getting Started as a Writer:
Hey Writer,
These are the top 10 things I wish I had known or used earlier when I became a writer. Don’t try to do all of these at once. But these resources are the things that most profoundly impacted my writing life.
#1: Read Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
I have read all the books on writing. Well— not all. But a lot of them. And I wish I had started with this one.
This book focuses on the writing mindset. As a creative writing teacher, Anne Lamott speaks through the pages as if you were in her class. Her anecdotes and instructions are inspirational, practical, and gentle.
If you need help wrapping your head around the massive undertaking of writing a book, this is for you!
#2: Read Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
This is the best book on plot and structure I have ever read. I refer to it all the time and it is essential reading.
The wonderful thing about this book is that there is no need to read it cover to cover. Read the first 3 chapters and learn everything you need to know about writing a compelling, well structured plot.
The remainder of the book delves into how the structure works in different genres. So you simply need to identify what genre you are writing, skip to that chapter, and read. Each chapter on genre breaks down one popular example in that genre, beat by beat, so you can get a clear idea on how a story moves in that genre.
#3: Read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
This is especially profound if you are stuck or experiencing writer’s block. Every word of this book is pure magic.
This book is especially helpful if you are experiencing writer’s block and imposter syndrome. It’s like a big, beautiful permission slip to write and do whatever the hell you want.
I delayed the reading of this book for years because I didn’t think I needed it. And then I proceeded to read it all in one sitting.
#4: Subscribe to K.M. Weiland’s Newsletter
The Plot Queen herself. Weiland is thorough and she has been writing her blog for a long time. She is one of the best in the writing sphere and come on, she did a 22 movie arc analysis of the Marvel franchise. Genius.
#5: Find a book with writing prompts, do at least 1 writing exercise every week
This is to keep you spry. Sometimes you don’t know what to write about. As a writer, that part really isn’t that important. It’s the practice of writing that makes you a really good writer. So go to writing practice like you would soccer practice and do some drills— I mean writing exercises.
#6: Invest in nice journal and pens. Keep them near you at all times
I say nice journals because you want to compel yourself to write in them. I love these journals (I love the A5, hardcover with dotted pages, personally). Every time I fill one up (about every six weeks) I buy a new one. It’s a little treat and reward for writing. And it also acts as a physical reminder of how much writing progress I have made. It feels nice in my hands. It feels great to write in because of the high paper quality.
I also like writing with a specific pen. I like the feel, I like how they glide, thank God they aren’t expensive because I go through them like candy.
But look, I’m no purist. Here’s a snapshot of my bookshelf that is filled with all of my journals. And you will notice very, very little consistency. I like nice journals, but I am a writer first and snob second. Any journal will do.
#7: Look into Scrivener
Not Microsoft Word, yeesh
Let me explain:
Microsoft Word is a writer’s first tool. But it’s not the only tool out there.
Many writers use Word or Google docs
MY problem was once I actually starting writing something of substance, my documents would get too big to load and scroll. It was impossible to re-read, edit, or continue writing this way
So this isn’t necessarily for new writers, but I put off investing in this for far too long. Like at least 3 years longer than I should have because I balked at the price ($50)
Enter Scrivener. Their slogan is: See the Trees and the Forest
Imagine having notecards that can hold entire chapters. And if you rearrange the note cards, the chapters follow suit. *Chef’s Kiss*
Scrivener is a word processor meant for novel sized documents and it is glorious.
#8: Talk about writing a lot
This one makes me nervous
I kept my writing a secret for years. I was so terribly embarrassed by it.
It was like having an affair. Fun at first, but not sustainable.
Talking about it removes the “sneaking around” aspect of it.
But now it’s like you are in a committed relationship. And people will ask you, “how’s your novel going?”
Yikes. I hate/love this question. First of all it’s super flattering. But it’s a lot of pressure. Because people talk about your novel like you are going to marry it, and you are just dating. Not so serious yet. But the expectation of a book— like a real, in your hands, published book is looming and that’s scary
HOWEVER, it’s super affirming to have your identity as a writer being parroted back to you. It’s no longer a dream, it’s no longer something you privately call yourself. Now it’s something that other people say. She’s a writer. It’s a little pressure and a daily reminder that you have to earn that title. It forces you to write.
#9: Journal and Track progress
It’s all well and good to write, but how are you organizing your writing life?
Make sure to take time to read and reflect on what you have created.
Otherwise, you are going to have a massive (you’ll get there 😄) body of work and no clue where anything is or what goes where, etc.
Very early I realized that I have to write, and I have to write about my writing to keep me sane.
#10: Develop a writing ritual
This might be the most important tool in your arsenal
Remember what I said about earning your title as a writer? Well writers write.
Try and develop a practice of writing every single day
I’m not saying write a chapter, I’m not even saying write a scene.
Start with one sentence everyday. One measly little sentence.