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The Best Advice To Give Any Writer

By on March 4, 2017
The Best Advice To Give Any Writer - Writer's Life.org

Writing is a complicated business and there are always new ways to learn, and different techniques to try. Whatever kind of writing you do, there are some pieces of advice that hold true for every writer, and regardless of what you are trying to achieve with your work, they are well worth listening to.

Let’s take a look.

Every writer is different - do what works for you

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to writing and the only way you’ll figure out how to become the best, most productive and happiest writer you can be is through trial and error. Some writers love getting up at 6 am when the house is quiet and getting all their writing done first thing. Others find trying to do that totally exhausting. Some writers love discussing their writing with their peers, while others prefer keeping their work secret until they think it is the very best it can be. Some writers desperately want a publisher, while others feel that self-publishing is the right way for them.

However you feel and whatever you do, if you are making choices which help you become the writer you want to be, then you know you are on the right track.

There are no guarantees

No matter how talented, dedicated and hardworking you are, unfortunately, there are no guarantees. Sometimes you just need your work to be seen by the right person at the right time, and if it doesn’t happen you might never get what you want out of your writing. While there is plenty you can do to increase your chances, it’s important for writers to know that when it comes to the writing game you can never really be sure if your big break will come.

Writing should be fun!

Every writer that takes their writing seriously is going to find it tough at times, however, for the most part, writing should be fun. Writers choose to write, and if you are making that choice then you should be getting enjoyment out of it, otherwise what is the point? Don’t let your writing get you down, don’t let your inner critic paralyse you, and don’t let rejection stop you! If you focus on the pleasure writing gives you then this will become the most important thing.

Learn from others

There is so much to learn from others so take as much of it in as you can. Reading is a wonderful way to learn from established writers and feel inspired and motivated to keep writing yourself. But also listen to what they have to say about the writing process too! Learn absolutely everything you can about your craft and then figure out which bits of advice help you. You don’t need to do everything but always keep an open mind.

Take criticism but stay true to yourself

Not everyone is going to love what you write, and even the most famous and celebrated authors don’t appeal to everyone. It’s important to listen to criticism and learn how to improve. However, if you want to remain in love with writing it is important to stay true to yourself and the stories you write. If you write about what you love and tell the stories you want to tell you’ll feel so much happier about your work, and that authenticity and passion will shine through and appeal to the readers that matter the most.

When it comes to writing the best advice to give is to find out what works for you and stick to it, but never close the door to learning more. If you do that you’ll continue to be a happy, productive writer and will always be discovering new ways to improve and hone your craft.

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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