Being a Writer | What I've Learned

I love writing. However, being a writer is really hard. Sometimes, words come easily, I am full of ideas and inspiration, and everything seems perfect. Other times, I can't seem to get a sentence straight, I have nothing to write about, and WHY WON'T THE NEIGHBOR'S DOG STOP BARKING I CAN'T FOCUS!!

I wrote my first "novel" when I was about ten years old, and (thank goodness!) I have come very far from that! Writing is a learning process. The longer you do it and the more you push yourself, the more you learn and the better you get. I am by no means an expert, but I have learned a few things over the years that have really helped me become a better writer. 

// When you get an idea, write it down:

I learned this the hard way, and I am sure that many of my other writer/blogger friends will agree with me! (right?) I cannot count how many times I have had a really good idea for a project or something, but I think, "Oh, I'll remember that...it's such a good idea that there is no way I'll forget it!" You will forget it. It's terrible. Take my word for it and never fall into the black hole of that thinking. If you do remember your idea again, it will be at two in the morning. :p So yes. Write it down. You won't regret it!

// Don't compare yourself to other writers:

This one is so important. For a long time, I struggled with comparing myself to other writers. Their writing style seemed better, their blog design was better, and I thought there was no way I could ever be as good as them. What I was failing to realize was that writing is all about creativity. Writing is an art, and each individual writer will have their own style. It wouldn't be half the fun if everybody sounded the same! If it helps at all, don't even read other people's work before you write! Your writing should be something that you love to do, and something that you can call your own. After a while, you will develop your own style, and you should stick with that. No writer is ever perfect! Even the greatest authors will tell you that there is always room for improvement. Be original with your writing, and don't worry about being different!   

// Connect with other writers:

I have just started realizing how amazing connecting with other writers is. Growing up, my best friend and I would write stories, books, plays, and poems together all the time. Even though we live really far apart now, we still love to talk about writing, our current projects, and all of the fun stuff that goes along with it. Since I have gotten more into blogging, I have met so many beautiful people and learned so much from them! There is a great network of bloggers/writers out there, and it has been an incredible thing to get to know them all! Find a way to connect with your fellow writers! We share lots of virtual hugs, squeals, flailing, and food. It's great. ♥  (Please be careful connecting with other people on the internet though...there are lots of creepers out there. :p)

// Forget about the "rules of writing":

This may sound strange, but let me explain. When I first started looking up writing advice, tips for beginners, novel writing help, etc., I was bombarded by lists upon lists of rules for writing. While there are certain things that really should be avoided in writing, there are other things that could limit your style and creativity in the matter. For instance, I was told that outlining and plotting everything was a necessary step to writing a novel. I tried doing that with several projects, and after picking apart my idea so much, it makes me eventually dislike it entirely. I'm not saying that plotting and planning your work is bad (in fact, it is a method that many people use and love!), but I am saying that it isn't necessarily for everyone. If it isn't for you, forget about it! Don't lose your creativity in a maze of rules. Write with your own originality and style. If people are reading and loving what you wrote, you have succeeded!

// Don't give up:

Like I said before, writing is hard. Really hard. Sometimes you will feel like ditching the entire idea of being a writer. Every writer has had one of those days, but you will get through that! Sometimes, you may just need to take a break. I have found that when I try too hard to get a project exactly the way I want it, it leave me feeling discouraged and doubtful of my abilities. Simply taking a step away from a project can help you gain a new perspective and attack it with fresh zeal. When you are doing something you love, you will know it. Writing takes time, patience, and a whole lot of effort, but it can be so rewarding. Push through the dry patches, and whatever you do, don't give up. It will all be worth it. ♥

Have a lovely day! :)

 ~Megan ♥