Discover the key strategies that will empower budding writers to conquer the daunting blank page

Inspiration is avoiding me as I stare at the blinking cursor on this page. I know this week’s newsletter is due out. I know I need to write but at the same time my mind feels as void of content as this page. It’s just that as I sat down to write I got slapped with writer’s block. All thought of what I should be writing has fled. Leaving white static in it’s wake.

This white, blank static is why more experienced writers carry about a notebook. They sketch down ideas, bits of storylines, fragments of quotes. They collect bits and bobs of inspiration during the ebb and flow of their life, so when it’s time for them to sit down and put pen to paper. They have a treasure trove of fine wood kindling to ignite the fire of inspired writing with. 

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1. ===5 STRATEGIES FOR BUDDING WRITERS===
2. ===PROFESSIONAL WRITERS TO LEARN FROM===
3. ===THE 4 COMMON HABITS===

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So as I like checklists, honestly I live for them. I have to include them somewhere in my newsletter, so I’m closing with a short checklist of 5 Strategies for Budding Writers.  

It’s more like the collected advice of some pretty successful writers.  They are not rules or formulas per say, but rather helpful suggestions and tips that we can try to adapt to make it our own.

===5 STRATEGIES FOR BUDDING WRITERS===

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#1 – Write regularly. 

• The first and most important strategy is to write as often as you can. 

Writing is like any other skill: it needs practice to improve. The more you write, the more you will learn about yourself, your voice, your audience, and your craft. 

• You don’t have to write every day 

But you should have a schedule that works for you. Set aside some time and space for writing, and stick to it. It doesn’t matter if you write for an hour or 15 minutes, as long as you write something. You can write about anything that interests you, from personal stories to fictional ones, from essays to poems. The important thing is to write for yourself, not for anyone else.

• Writing regularly 

It will also help you overcome writer’s block, develop confidence, and find your flow. By consistently putting your thoughts into words, you’ll develop a writing muscle that grows stronger with practice. Remember, it’s better to write a little every day than to wait for the perfect moment that may never come.

“There will never be a perfect time to do something that stretches you.” 

James Clear, author of the best seller Atomic Habits.

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#2 – Read a lot. 

• Read as much as you can. 

Reading is the best way to learn from other writers, both in terms of content and style. Reading will expose you to different genres, perspectives, techniques, and vocabularies. Reading will also inspire you, challenge you, and entertain you.

• Read widely 

Do not just read your favourite genre or niche. You should read books that are similar to what you want to write, but also books that are different from what you usually read. 

• Read a great range of styles

You should read books that are classics and books that are new and trendy. You should read books that are written by authors who share your background and identity, but also books that are written by authors who are different from you.

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”

Stephen King

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#3 – Take a writing course or join a writing group. 

• Take a writing course or join a writing group. 

Writing can be a lonely activity, but it doesn’t have to be. Writing with others can help you improve your skills, get feedback, and network with like-minded people.

• A writing course 

can teach you the basics of grammar, punctuation, spelling, structure, and style. It can also introduce you to different forms of writing, such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, journalism, etc. A writing course can also give you assignments and deadlines that will motivate you to write more and better.Writer’s Digest University | Coursera | MasterClass | edX-Professional Writing Courses

• A writing group 

can provide you with support, encouragement, and critique. It can also give you a sense of community and belonging. A writing group can be online or offline, formal or informal, large or small. The important thing is to find a group that suits your needs and preferences. The Writer’s Room | Critique Circle | Scribophile | Absolute Write Water Cooler | The Next Big Writer

“Joining a writers’ group can be really helpful because they’ll give honest feedback on your work.”

David Walliams

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#4 – Learn to handle rejection. 

• Learn to handle rejection gracefully and constructively. 

Rejection is inevitable in the writing world, whether it comes from editors, publishers, agents, readers, or critics. Rejection can hurt your ego and discourage you from writing. Yes, give yourself permission to wallow in the pain for 5 minutes max! I make use of my IKEA kitchen timer for this. After the 5 minutes is up, dust yourself off and carry on!

• Rejection is also part of the learning process. 

Rejection can help you improve your work by pointing out its flaws and weaknesses. Rejection can also help you grow as a writer by making you more resilient and determined.

• Do NOT take rejection personally.

You should not take rejection personally or let it define your worth as a writer. You should not give up on your dreams or stop writing because of rejection. You should instead use rejection as a motivation to work harder and smarter. You should also remember that rejection is subjective and not final. What one person rejects, another person may accept or love.

J.K. Rowling on the topic of failure, said, “I wasn’t going to give up until every single publisher turned me down, but I often feared that would happen.”

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#5 – Publish frequently. 

• Publish your work frequently and widely. 

Publishing your work will help you reach your audience, build your reputation, and showcase your talent. Publishing your work will also help you get feedback, exposure, and opportunities.

• Self-Publish is a thing!

You don’t have to wait for a traditional publisher to publish your work. You can self-publish your work online or offline, using platforms such as blogs, websites, social media, newsletters, podcasts, ebooks, etc. You can also submit your work to online or offline magazines, journals, anthologies, contests, etc.

• Publish your work as often as you can

Publish as often as you can without compromising on quality. You should also publish your work in different places and formats, to reach different audiences and markets. You should also promote your work and engage with your readers, to build your fan base and network.

“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”

Louis L’Amour

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===PROFESSIONAL WRITERS TO LEARN FROM===

In the spirit of research, I looked up some Professional Writers. I tried to find the social platform where they are most active. Some writers prefer Twitter, others Facebook, and some their PR team just keeps an Instagram page alive for stalkers *haha* Else, have a troll through Google or Bing to find their latest published article. 

• Malcolm Gladwell

Known for his thought-provoking articles published in The New Yorker, Malcolm Gladwell combines research, storytelling, and unique insights to captivate readers.

• Ta-Nehisi Coates

A renowned writer and journalist, Ta-Nehisi Coates has authored compelling articles for The Atlantic, tackling topics such as race, history, and social justice, garnering critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. He was one of the writers for  Marvel Comics’ Black Panther series. He has not been active on any social media platform since he deleted his Twitter account in late 2017 then re-opened it again before the closing of that year.

• Roxane Gay

A prolific writer and cultural critic, Roxane Gay’s articles have appeared in numerous publications like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Time. Her powerful voice tackles social issues with unflinching honesty.

• Jon Ronson

British journalist and author specialising in investigative writing on unusual subjects. He has written for publications such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and GQ.

• Anne Lamott

American author and writing teacher admired for her candid and humorous style, exploring spirituality and personal growth. Her articles and essays have been featured in publications such as Salon, O, The Oprah Magazine, and The New York Times.

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This newbie to the writing profession needed to learn at the feet of warriors who had more battle experience. A quick 2 hour dive through Google unearthed several gems.

A lot of articles talked about’ The Habits of Professional Writers’. There were 4 common habits that showed up again and again.

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===THE 4 COMMON HABITS===

Habit #1: Write daily. 

This is one of the most important habits that any writer can develop. It doesn’t matter how much you write each day, as long as you make a habit of sitting down and putting words on paper (or screen). “Writing every day is like lifting weights for your brain. The more you do it, the stronger you get.” (Austin Kleon)

Habit #2: Read voraciously. 

Reading is essential for any writer who wants to improve their craft. Read books, articles, blogs, and anything else you can get your hands on. Pay attention to the writing style, the use of language, and the way the author engages the reader. 

Habit #3: Take breaks. 

It’s important to take breaks when you’re writing, especially if you’re feeling stuck. Get up and move around, or go for a walk. Sometimes, the best way to break through writer’s block is to clear your head and come back to it later. I hear exercise is a good way to sweep away the cobwebs.

Habit #4: Carry a notebook. 

Carrying a notebook is a habit that aspiring writers must develop! All those wild and weird fleeting observations are a treasure trove of ideas for future articles. Jotting down these little thoughts fosters the habit of keen observation. Who knows? Maybe while cleaning out that little closet under the stairs, an old Halloween costume could inspire you to create the next Potterverse! Why I (Still) Carry a Notebook Everywhere by Martha McPhee

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One habit and one strategy to absorb into one’s life right? Well, this newb is off to find a small notebook that can be stuffed into my side bag. This I can do. So far it’s a 4 week streak for publishing weekly on Medium!

Which one habit and one strategy will you take steps to incorporate into your life today?
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