Got an imagination? Of course you have, you’re human!
Got a nagging idea to write a book? Millions do!
Got a stack of books you’ve read and think: I could do that. You’re not alone!
You think you’ve missed your chance? It’s never too late to become a writer!
So what separates the wanna-be-writers from actual writers?
The act of writing.
Say what.…?
That’s all it takes: time spent in the activity of writing.
Whenever you chose to devote your valuable time and effort to creating sentences that tell a story─or relays information─that chunk of writing, whatever it happens to be, is the next step towards your ultimate writing goal. Every opportunity you take to put ‘words to paper’ is another occasion spent learning about the writing process.
It is through the act of writing that one’s weaknesses are revealed, but also one’s strengths. And while it is critical to have those weaknesses revealed so that you can make a better story, it’s just as critical to recognize those aspects of writing that are working, so that you can build on them, which also gives you the encouragement one needs to keep going.
Remember, you can always learn to improve your spelling, punctuation, grammar and vocabulary, especially now with the growing wealth of information readily available on the internet. And while it’s wonderful to have a good grasp of grammar and spelling, it takes more than these to write a book, especially fiction.
One must understand how to construct a storyline, create interesting characters, build suspense, and write believable dialogue, gripping action scenes, and poignant moments. It’s understanding what to delete and what to leave in, how to end a chapter or make a surprise ending.
So how does one learn all that? Mostly, by reading books. Yes, reading books! Any kind of books! Lots of books! And if you’ve read enough books, you will have squirreled away in your subconscious mind vast quantities of information regarding the creation and building of a story ─whether it’s fiction or nonfiction. And once you sit down and start writing, you’ll begin to gain access to this storehouse of information. The more you write, the more it will trickle in.
Write what you’re comfortable writing, whether a short story or a full-on novel: whatever sized project will help you stay encouraged enough to keep writing. You will find that, little by little, page by page, your writing will improve.
I’m not saying it will be easy; but it is by this act of writing that you will become ‘a writer.’
Good luck on your writing journey, from wherever you begin.