I’m a Writer, I’m a Writer, I’m a Writer

Have you ever joined a group of people and immediately regretted it?

I’m doing so many new, exciting things from my bucket list but also temporary things.

Writing is not one of them.

Since I began writing this blog I’ve become so inspired to continue writing. The urge to write beyond the blog was hard to ignore so I decided to indulge.

Inspiration hit and my fingers flew across the keyboard as my mind shaped characters and dialogue.

Wanting to expand my ideas, even more, it made sense to join a group of like-minded individuals who also had shared, common goals.

Wow — though — the responses I received from the writing group were surprising!

Here’s the thing with trying something completely different. I pat myself on the back for even trying writing. A few years ago, I would have pigeonholed myself and not tried at all.

The hardest person on me is usually myself and with writing, heck, with anything, it’s about testing the waters and finding my own identity with a huge concept like writing.

Being adept at something is more about passion and willingness to learn than how everyone else is doing it.

Taking chances is an essential window into doing something you thought you’d never do! That’s how growth happens.

My tips on writing are:

1. Don’t copy others. Write from your true voice. Express yourself authentically and your best work will shine through!
2. Seek a mentor who offers guidance and constructive criticism, not the type of criticism that tears you down. The point is to improve, not feel ashamed of what you write.
3. Find a writing group that offers companionship, productive dialogue and fun! A good writing group is also there for the same reasons you are: a peer support group.
4. Devote a set time period to your writing. I set blocks of time to writing, usually two hours a day, no exceptions! This keeps me aligned with my writing goals.
5. Keep a writing journal. This kind of journal is not the same thing as a personal diary. A writing journal is a blank space to flesh out ideas, jot down new ones or simply free write. Free writing releases a plethora of usable ideas for your projects.

Have you thought about writing? What stops you from starting?

Love,
Sammy
(SWF)

Images: Fotolia