18 Tips for New Writers
Lesson from my 𝕏 followers
The start of your writing journey can be lonely and confusing. To help all the new writers out there, I recently asked my followers on 𝕏 for their advice.
They did not disappoint.
I’ve compiled some of the best responses below. The advice will be helpful for both new and veteran writers who need some motivation.
If you have any ideas of your own, feel free to add them to the original post.
Here are 18 tips for new writers:
1. Don’t rush the process.
Writing a book takes times.
It takes time to get good.
Years of hard work.
“Don't stop. You can't just sit back and wait to become a better writer. It takes practice, not just time.”
2. Learn the craft of writing.
You should never just sit down and start writing a book.
Even for pantsers, the story needs to go somewhere. I recommend at least knowing the ending.
There are tried and true principles of storytelling that will take your writing to the next level.
Start with the essential books on writing or read through the lessons I compile every week here at C.S.M. Fiction.
3. Ignore the negativity.
Believe in yourself.
Don't expect your loved ones to be interested in your work.
Writing isn’t something you want to do. It must be something you NEED to do.
“Do it for you. Family and friends won’t support you as much as you hope. Be proud of yourself and keep going.”
It’s really all up to you to self-motivate.
4. Read more. Write more.
“Good writers are great readers.”
5. Get it on the page.
Write. Put it on the page. It's the only way to practice and the only way to improve. Not to mention, the only way to end up with a book.
And editing is easier than writing so once it’s on the page you’re already moving forward.
“Don't get it right. Get it written! There is always time to edit over and over again until it's right. you can't edit it unless you've written it....”
Bad writing is part of the journey.
Release your work and see what happens.
6. Be yourself.
Be yourself in your work.
“Be 5,000% weirder. You don't have to do what everyone else is doing. It's more important to make something authentically yours, which you love top-to-bottom.”
Don’t be scared of being your true self in your writing. Someone is bound to enjoy your style.
7. Write clearly.
Plain, simple, and direct sentences are ideal.
Simplicity is sophistication.
8. You don't find time to write - you make time.
“Carve out smaller chunks of time to write, in between all the family obligations instead of waiting for longer periods of open time.”
9. Write down your ideas.
The best way to fight writer’s block is to write down all of the ideas that come into your head.
All of them.
Something that doesn’t seem good now may blossom into something great.
Keep a notebook (or notes app on your phone) with you for when inspiration hits you unexpectedly.
10. Don’t write and edit at the same time.
Think of writing and editing are two separate processes.
“Have fun first, edit later.”
11. Power through the first draft.
Finishing the first draft of a story is a tremendous breakthrough for new writers.
“Your first draft doesn't have to be a masterpiece, it just has to exist.”
I’d recommend writing your first draft by hand. That way you can’t get obsessed with the tiny details of editing on a computer.
12. Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.
My first novel took 10 drafts to finish.
Polish to perfection.
13. Finish what you start.
What value does a half-finished manuscript have?
If you’ve committed to telling a story, make sure you finish the job.
The end-goal is to actually have people read your work.
You must finish writing your book.
14. Let your "finished" work sit.
Taking time away from your writing gives you fresh eyes.
I’d recommend 2 weeks to a month between drafts, if you can.
15. Hire beta readers.
Beta readers are people who read copies of your book while you’re still in the editing phase.
I hire my beta readers on fiverr.com and they provide general feedback about your story.
Essential for getting a different point of view on your work-in-progress.
16. Continue to study the industry.
Traditional publishing is dying.
But don’t be discouraged.
A new world of digital writing is on the horizon, and there will be many opportunities for writers who are willing to adapt.
I’m publishing my novels for free on Substack, with a new chapter releasing every week. I will then be independently publishing the paperback versions.
This strategy will give me total control over my work.
The future is bright.
17. Don't share everything with everyone.
Writing is largely a solitary pursuit.
Don’t overshare with your family and friends— even if they ask you tons of questions about your work in progress. You don’t want tons of external feedback while creating your novel. That’s what beta readers are for.
18. Have fun.
At the end of the day, that’s what this is all about.
Telling stories is supposed to be fun— for you and the reader.
Thank you to everyone who responded with these fantastic tips.
Starting your writing journey is difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’re building a community of writers here at C.S.M. Fiction that can help you through the process.
Consider sharing this lesson with a friend to grow the C.S.M. Fiction community:
Or explore the C.S.M. Fiction archive.
Great advice!