Have you ever come up with a great story idea that you just needed to tell? The plot is exciting, the characters are intriguing, but the thought of writing it feels too daunting?
If you’ve experienced that, believe me when I say you’re not alone. It’s a tragic truth that there are countless stories that will never be told. But does yours have to face the same future? No. Let’s look at some tips to get the ball rolling.
1. Read
This is an obvious tip, but one that is definitely required. Pick up your favorite book, but don’t just read it, analyze it. What do you like about the author’s writing style? What do you think is working for them? What is not? What impresses you? What are some aspects that you would like to imitate? Of course, in no way should you copy another writer, but we can learn a lot from the authors before us.
2. Practice Writing
Especially if you’re new to the art, practicing small writing exercises can give you an idea of your writing style and what you need to work on. With that knowledge, you can find the tips that work best for you. And even though I hope this is not the case, it may also help you decide if you like writing in the first place. There are many writing prompts on the internet that can help inspire a short story to get started with. They may even inspire an entire novel.
3. Jot Down Your Ideas
Writing a story is a long journey. It’s impossible to remember every detail you’ve come up with. So write it all down. Do you have the personality of your characters in mind already? Write them down. Do you know where the story begins and ends? Write it down. Do you have scenes playing in your head? You get the idea. A forgotten detail is a missed opportunity. Thankfully, there are digital tools that can help keep track of these details, such as Milanote.
4. Don’t Be Too Strict
There are so many dos and don’ts floating around the internet about the writing process; it can feel overwhelming. But you have to remember: writing is an art. Should a painter be stressed about the paint on their brush? Should a sculptor be stressed about the clay in their hands? No. The process of making art should be enjoyable. And isn’t that the point of art?
Writing is no different. When you see all those writing “rules,” remember that you can follow the process that works best for you. Do you prefer writing from beginning to end? Or would you rather write your favorite scenes and piece them together later? Ultimately, you should pick the way that you enjoy. This way, you won’t feel like it’s a chore, and you’ll be better motivated to keep going.
5. Talk It Out
Writing is a personal experience; however, when you talk to friends about your ideas, they can offer feedback that can help you along the way. What do they love? By knowing this, you know what you should keep rolling with. You gain confidence, motivation, and enthusiasm. What don’t they like? You can determine what aspect of the story isn’t quite working, which will help you write a story that will resonate with more readers.
Maybe an idea needs a little tweak, or maybe it needs cut out altogether. But remember, that’s your decision to make. No audience is going to agree on everything. Maybe those whom you’ve talked to just don’t prefer particular tropes, character personalities, etc. But you’re also part of your audience; if you like it, there are going to be others that do too.
6. Get a Professional Opinion
Editors exist for a reason. They are skilled in the art of writing. They know what works with the widest audience and what doesn’t. They’re experienced with making stories come to life on the pages, and they have all the tips you need. There are editors that only start their work after your first draft is finished, but there are also those who help you along the way. These are called developmental editors. They walk with you as you build your new world.
Of course, editors aren’t cheap, so you have to first be determined and invested in finishing your project. So, if it’s your first novel, it may be wise to start off with writing prompts to practice before handing out the cash.
Write! Write! Write!
It’s time to dive into writing. But tips for the actual writing process would need a whole series of blog posts. But I hope these tips have helped you gain the confidence you need to tell your story and have faith that you’re the perfect person to tell it.
If you’ve decided to write your story, the work doesn’t stop there. You need a professional touch before getting it on the shelves. As a copy editor and proofreader, I’d be more than happy to work with you to make your story flawless. If you’d like to know more, visit my service page here.
Peony & Prose Editorial 
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