So, you want to be a writer? I’ve got good news.
There are only two things you need to call yourself a writer: the motivation and ability to write.
That, and to actually write every once in a while. This part is difficult even for the experts. In fact, it’s pretty common for most self-described writers to almost never write. But all it takes is a little persistence to get the habit started, and once formed, you’ll find it’s almost impossible to kick.
This beginner’s guide to writing will help you understand 6 of the best writing tips you’ll want to know. Things like your mindset, habits, rituals, location and more are all important to consider when you begin to build your writing practice.
Just keep in mind that the best writing tips are the ones that work for you! The world is full of people writing advice blogs, and that advice is primarily meant to inspire and guide you, not restrict.
Top 6 Writing Tips for Beginners
There’s a lot of information available online to guide writers in the fine details of syntax and grammar. What I’m not going to do is bore you with those fine details of writing, like what program you should use or where commas belong. I’m going to instead give you five major writing tips for beginners that will give you a more holistic way to support your inspiration, your motivation, your focus, and your creativity.
1. Form Rituals
Some people tend to go a little overboard, but forming writing rituals is a good way to make superstition work in your favor.
One of the best tips for a beginner writer is to form writing rituals. Set the scene for yourself so you’re comfortable and prepped for writing. Make your habitat conducive to your creative process. Put your phone on silent, make yourself a cup of coffee, and open your bedroom window. Do whatever puts you in the mindset to write.
Don’t get so wrapped up in the specifics of the ritual that it ends up distracting you from your writing time. Don’t spend half an hour finding the perfect playlist. You can still write a new chapter even though you don’t have the right candle.
2. Choose a good location
Bedroom, kitchen, office, coffee shop. Where you write best is entirely up to you, so spend some time thinking about a good location to write.
Beginners should set aside a special location to do their writing, including method and posture. Some like to write when they feel relaxed, while others need to be seated at a desk. Many writers enjoy the convenience of working on a laptop, but for some, only pen and paper will do. Some need the white noise of a public space, while others need total silence for concentration.
Experiment with locations and postures. For this beginner’s writing tip, your homework is to explore your preferences by doing a few creative writing sessions in different locations. Pay attention to what feels best. Pay attention to how your writing adapts to your location.
3. Accessorize your space
Related to location, you want to consider what’s going to be within your field of vision when you sit down to write. The goal of accessorizing your space is to minimize distractions while maximizing the vibes that make you feel most creative.
Here are a few good things for a beginner to have on their desks when they write:
- water
- pen and paper
- candle
- snacks
- plant
Some are practical and some are more aesthetic. The best thing is to set up your workspace so you have minimal reasons to have to break yourself away from your work.
4. Do writing exercises
Artists and athletes alike know it’s all about a good warm-up. Writing exercises are critical for beginners and masters alike. A good writing exercise will get your inspiration flowing. It’s like stretches for your mind. You won’t sprint a mile before warming up first.
Writing prompts are one of the best forms of beginner’s writing exercises. Look up prompts online or use the dictionary to pick out random words to inspire you. Choose a short form of creative writing for your exercises. Flash fiction and poetry are best, as a writing exercise shouldn’t take more than an hour.
I’m partial to Lunes, an English-language form of the Japanese Haiku. I discussed them recently with poet and friend Julia Gwiazdowski, so be sure to take a look and see if you’d like to use them in your writing practice, too. Lunes are my favorite way to dash off a few warm-up poems I can feel really proud of without burning out before I can crack open my novel.
5. Pick background music
One of the most important choices you’ll make as you expand your writing practice is whether or not you prefer to work to music. One of the best beginner’s writing tips I ever received was to put background noise on while I worked because it allows you to get into a flow state more easily.
Youtube is a great resource to find great music for writing. Many uploads will be hours long, so you don’t have to worry about restarting or finding anything new when you sit down to write
There are a few important categories to mention when thinking about the best music for writing.
- Atmosphere
- Nature
- Classical or piano
- Lo-Fi
6. Join a writing group
As a writing tip for beginners, I can’t stress enough the importance of finding people to write with.
Writing groups encourage creativity and facilitate good work ethics. Being able to share your work with fellow writers is energizing and motivating. The social aspect helps keep your writing momentum up, since a good group will both encourage and challenge you.
Writing groups aren’t for everyone, but as a member of a fantastic, small group of female writers, I cannot recommend writing groups more. I highly suggest, especially as a beginning writer, you try to find a group to socialize and workshop with. Otherwise, you’re writing in a vacuum.
If you don’t know anyone personally, #writingcommunity on Twitter is a good place to start. Your local NaNoWriMo chapter is also a great place to meet fellow writers. You’ll already have two things in common – geography and a love of writing!
6 Writing Tips for Beginners – Final Thoughts
Writing is both easy and impossible at the same time, as anyone who has ever spent much time trying will tell you. As a new writer, you’ll spend plenty of time reading what other people have to say on the subject of writing.
We hope these 6 writing tips for beginners have helped you understand the importance of rituals, location, writing space, exercises, and community. If all else fails, what matters is this:
Nourish your creativity. Build your practice. Enjoy writing.