Writing can be a lonely endeavor: it's you and the page. Far too often, the page wins and remains blank because you suddenly realize that the baseboards need cleaning or you have yet to see all the puppy videos.
Mastering the writing craft demands dedication and perseverance. Sometimes, it requires outright orneriness. You've got to face the page consistently.
To prevent you from jumping down the writer's rabbit hole in pursuit of advice, we've gathered our favorite tips and writing hacks for you.
The writing world is rich with wisdom from renowned authors and writers who generously share their experiences and advice. Some of the best quotes from the pros may help you kickstart and even enhance your writing journey.
Overcome the Blank Page
Every writer experiences blank-page anxiety. You open a document or turn to a fresh notebook page, and the pristine beauty of it stares back at you. If you hesitate to write, even for a minute, the page stares harder, preventing you from marring it with inferior thoughts. You know your writing will be flawed, so you write nothing.
It doesn't have to be that way:
· Anne Lamott: "Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere."
Perfection isn't the goal from the outset; it's about getting the words down, even if they're imperfect.
· J.K. Rowling: "The wonderful thing about writing is that there is always a blank page waiting. The terrifying thing about writing is that there is always a blank page waiting."
The writer's experience consists of a duality; the blank page is a daunting challenge and an exciting opportunity.
Write the First Word and Follow Its Lead
Get the first words on the page, whether they are good, bad, or somewhere in between. Write it all, and write fast. You are the only one who will see your first draft, so write with absolute abandon.
· Neil Gaiman: "Start telling the stories that only you can tell because there'll always be better writers than you and there'll always be smarter writers than you. There will always be people who are much better at doing this or doing that, but you are the only you."
Only you can tell your story. Embrace your unique voice and perspective, recognizing that your stories have value.
· E.B. White: "Don't write about man; write about a man."
Specificity in writing is power. Focusing on the details of an individual or a specific situation can make your writing more relatable and engaging.
· Roald Dahl: "The more risks you allow children to take, the better they learn to take care of themselves."
Taking risks and pushing the boundaries of your writing comfort zone can lead to growth and improvement.
Be Your Own Ruthless Editor
Few writers like editors (apologies if you're an editor, but you know it's true). However, if you're a writer, you have less to fear from an editor if you edit your own work first.
These writing hacks can get you started:
· Ernest Hemingway: "Write drunk; edit sober."
While not meant to be taken literally, Hemingway's advice -- likely influenced by William Faulkner -- underscores the importance of separating the creative process (writing) from the critical process (editing). Write passionately, letting the words -- no matter how awkward or misspelled -- fill the page and overflow like a gushing stream of ideas. You must first capture the idea and intent. Edit later.
· William Faulkner: "In writing, you must kill all your darlings."
Be ruthless in editing and willing to remove beloved passages or ideas if they don't serve the overall narrative.
· George Orwell: "If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out."
Less is more, especially in writing. Orwell's minimalist approach encourages conciseness, ensuring clarity and impact.
· Mark Twain: "Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very'; your editor will delete it, and the writing will be just as it should be."
Seek more robust and precise words instead of relying on "very." Use the Control-F key to find every "very" in your writing. Once you find it, delete it—every time.
All In, All the Time
Some writers fear using all their inspiration in one place. They curate their ideas, saving them for future writing. Don't be that writer. Use up every creative idea now for your current work in progress.
Tapping into your imagination produces more creativity:
· Maya Angelou: "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have."
Creativity is a boundless wellspring. The more you write, the richer your creativity becomes.
· Ray Bradbury: "You fail only if you stop writing."
Bradbury emphasizes the importance of persistence in writing, reminding writers that setbacks are part of the process, but giving up is failure.
Looking for more advice? Let's get you the help you need!
Coaching can be another source of inspiration -- and accountability, especially if you have writer's block.
A writing coach can boost confidence, provide accountability, and assist in manuscript development, ultimately helping you produce higher-quality work and reach your writing aspirations more effectively.
Overcome your creative blocks with your book coach's tailored guidance and support, personalized feedback, and refinement with writing skills. Whether you're just starting your writing journey or seeking to improve your craft, you don't have to do it alone.
Remember that writing is a continuous growth journey; each piece of advice can help you become a more skilled and confident writer.