“I want to be a writer, how do I get started?”

I find this question in my inbox often. I am a writer, but I am still in the beginning stages trying to sign with an agent. There are other accomplished writers – the ones I learn from – that have more experience than I do when it comes to writing and publishing. Nonetheless, while I have not signed that book deal (yet), I do have several articles in my portfolio and I have devoted significant time and effort to my writing. I am always glad to share tips and resources that have been helpful to me in this journey. I have had help, and as writers, we help each other.

I want to be a writer

Writers write. Right? You might not realize this yet, but you’re already a writer. You send emails to friends, you update your Facebook status, you write thank you notes, maybe you keep a journal. But you want to take your writing to the next step, and you wonder how to get started.

Why do you want to write?

You need to answer this question for yourself, and you need to write it down (because you are a writer). At some point you might feel as if writing takes too much time and effort; maybe you will question your dream and feel tempted to give up. I want you to be able to remember the reason you write. I want you to have something to hold on to because why you write matters.

Why do I write? I answered this for myself and I go back to it often.

Writing is about what you give to your readers.

You need to have a blog.

Writing is a craft. The more you write, the better writer you become.

For the purposes of this post, allow me to make a generalization and say that most likely you want other people to read what you write. Maybe you want to write articles for your favorite magazine, or for Huffington Post, or write the next best-seller. Either way, you want your writing to get out there.

So here is the deal, you need a blog. Writing is a craft. The more you write, the better writer you become. You might be thinking, “I don’t want to be a blogger, I want to be a writer! Nonetheless, there are a few reasons why you should have a blog.

  •  Blogging will get you in the habit of writing.
  • Because you want your words to get “out there” blogging presents the perfect opportunity for you to practice the craft while getting your words “out there.”
  • Blogging will give you the feedback you need as a writer. How do people respond to your words? Remember that writing is about what you give to your readers, and blogging will allow you to connect to your readers on a regular basis.
  • Blogging will help you find your writing voice. Here is a great article by Jeff Goins on finding your voice (he has great resources for writers!).
  • Blogging builds your platform as a writer.
  • Most publishers will ask for your blog address because your blog is a reflection of your writing.

How to start a blog.

What I know about blogging I know thanks to Amy from Blogging with Amy. She writes about blogging, and if you need help getting started with a blog, check out her tutorial, How to Start a Blog or Website.

Another great resource is Michael Hyatt. He wrote about How to Start a Blog and he approaches blogging from his perspective as the former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publisher. He focuses on building your platform, finding your message, and all good things writers need to learn about writing and publishing.

On a personal note, ellenstumbo.com is a wordpress blog, but I use blogger for my personal blog.

Writing a blog post

  • If you have a blog, try to post at least once a week. Make your blogging consistent, so you readers know every Friday there is a blog post from you (or any other days you choose).
    You have to learn to work with word count guidelines.
  • You are competing for your readers attention along with millions of other blogs. Keep your posts short. 300-600 words. Try not to exceed 1000 words or you might lose your readers. For example, my monthly blog posts for LifeWay on parenting children with special needs are 300 words. My posts for Different Dream are 500 words. As a writer, you have to learn to work with word counts.

Attend a writers conference

If you really want to learn about writing and publishing, attending a writers conference is the way to go. You will make great connections with other writers, editors, publishers, and agents.

Just do a google search for writing conferences in your area.

I have attended three writer’s conferences and I recently attended the American Christian Writers Mentoring Retreat in Michigan. I have traveled across states to get to some of these because they are worth it! At these conferences I learned about queries, proposals, why I need an agent, how to submit articles, and so much more!  Also, I connected with many people in the industry, and writing is about connections.

Final thoughts

Believe you are a writer. Say it, tell someone, leave it here in the comments, “I am a writer!”

“It takes ten years to become an overnight best-seller.” James Watkins

Writing is a craft. The more you write the better you become. What I have learned from James Watkins is that if you cannot find ways you can improve an old manuscript, then you have not grown as a writer. As writers, we evolve, we keep getting better – because we keep writing.

Your turn!

I want to hear from you, tell me, why do you want to write?

If you already write, why do you write?

If you haven’t told anyone yet, leave a comment here and declare you are a writer!

Do you have a blog? Link it up in the comments and tell us what your writing is all about.

What questions do you have about writing? Send them my way and I will answer your questions or point you in the right direction.

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