How does a beginning writer get started?

by Ashton Boyer

How do I even begin writing something? Where do I start and what process should I follow in finishing any work?

Anyone who has aspired to create a piece of writing has asked themselves these questions. Writing can be a tedious and aggravating process, especially for beginners. What I, along with many writers, have experienced is that it’s easy to approach writing with an unrealistic mindset that can be discouraging and cause early writers to quickly give up on their works. Too often we expect perfection on the first pass. Or we worry too much about getting published.

I know that I’ve opened my writing books ready to start with good intentions only to finish with a totally blank page or just a simple sentence or thought with nothing more to say or a simple idea that doesn’t get expanded on to meet its fullest potential.

However, the process of creating doesn’t need to be tiresome and aggravating (at least not all the time). Here are a couple of tips for creating and enjoying the process.

To begin, you must begin

Ha. You probably hate me right now. But seriously, hear me out. In its earliest stages, writing may feel intimidating. How do you get past the hurdle of facing the blank page?

To find success in writing, you need to just begin to write, and then keep writing. The idea essentially means that in the earliest stages of any writing project, it is important to write knowing that whatever you are writing may (probably will) get thoroughly changed later. And where you start may just be a loose list of ideas or concepts, a story arc, or simply the thematic points you want to make.

Then, write.

No, it won’t be perfect. What you write may be downright cringeworthy. But keep writing. You can’t edit a blank page. The revisions and changes you later make are what help you to grow and become better. Even the best authors and writers must go through multiple revisions of their works. Tolkien spent multiple years writing Lord of the Rings. So, why should we expect to write anything perfectly the first time?

To continue, know how to approach writing

It is common for new writers to not know how to approach writing. It seems as if some writers enjoy the idea of creating; sometimes it’s the opposite — it’s so much more enjoyable to have written than to write. How about you? Writing isn’t always enjoyable; it’s hard work. But you should be willing to approach writing with a positive attitude as something that fulfills you.

Successful writers can do that. Even when they know that their current piece will undergo many edits and may be changed entirely, they find enjoyment in taking their time and doing the entire process. Approaching writing in this way will help release any pressure you feel and contribute to works being completed quicker. You will strengthen your writing skills faster and have more fun.

This idea isn’t exclusive to writing. Enjoying the process of improving at a skill or finishing a project will help you to enjoy that activity and find more success in it. This idea will make life feel more enjoyable. Sometimes, a change in mindset or approach is crucial in the process of learning an activity or mastering a skill.

So, just begin to write with the right (write?) attitude!