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At the beginning of my blogger “career” I was determined to make it 100% meaningful and useful, giving out secrets of internet marketing and aiming to make the virtual space a better world.
However it didn’t last long. It turned out that running a blog was nothing like writing a manual, readers wanted to talk to me and they didn’t only want a mentor but a real person having real life. And an exciting one.
By that time I just got my daughter and therefore my days were filled with taking care of her. Moreover, I never wrote anything that could remotely look like a story. However, I had to give it to my readers and, what’s more, I really wanted to do it right. So after a few crumpled sheets of paper I came up with a strategy which I’ve been using up to this day:
Step 1. Outline Your Story
Without getting into any details, I try to make sure that my story has a skeleton for starters. Sometimes I divide my story into three separate parts, consisting of a sexy engaging introduction, a body where the action is going on and a conclusion where the reader will be left with a message.
Then it’s time to make a research for each section, here I use software programs like Scrivener to organize the material. All these elements make the story writing process much easier to manage.
This way I know exactly which story element goes into introduction and which one should be held until the conclusion. A great practice is to write non linearly and fit everything together once you are done writing.
Step 2. Develop A Routine
Many successful writers write at exactly the same time every day. This makes the brain prepare for the next day’s work by resting whenever you are not writing.
For me the best time is the early afternoon when my daughter is asleep and I have about an entire hour of silence and both hands free. Devoting this time to writing helps me to always have content to post and therefore relieves stress. Also I know that my skill progresses.
Step 3. Explore The Niche
Beginners in fictional writing share a common problem – they never research their stories properly. For example, if you are writing a story about a fictional race car driver, you are bound to research the topic of car repairs, mechanics, car behavior, etc. In an effort to keep my readers entertained I dug as deep as I could, used Amazon to the fullest, read fiction and never hesitated to contact authoritative writers.
A great practice is also to sign up for social media resources which provide information on the subject. Even if the facts provided aren’t the article’s primary consideration they often give details that significantly expand your knowledge.
Step 4 Interview The Experts
Interviewing people with experience in writing and asking them about your own writing so far are a great way to get ahead. I posted drafts of my future posts on different writers’ forums to receive some criticism.
I also talked to experts in regards to the niche that my story took place in which will add a layer of realism. When writing about a place, consider reaching out to residents – thus you will get the first-hand information enriched with details any strange observer would overlook.
One more option that is not widely discussed but can come handy to break writer’s block: checking out a reviews page will give you a good idea of what professional writers go through on a daily basis.
Don’t shy away from talking to people with experience on matters you clearly lack at this time. They will be more than happy to help you out since they were beginner writers themselves not long ago.
Step 5. Interview The Experts
One of the most important aspects I drew from my writing ups and downs was that the skill to shut off any naysayers or critics who want to delude my vision is important.
There always be people around that seemingly know a lot more about writing than you do but have written barely anything in their lives. All criticism should be taken with a grain of salt as your first and the most important critic is yourself.
If your audience feels the passion behind your work, they will flock around you and ask for more. People can always feel when a writer has worked only to appease the needs of the crowd without adding any personal flavor to the story.
Writing about the things you never experienced can make your stand on the subject unique and refreshing even to the trained eye as it doesn’t amply that you can’t use what you are an expert on. Give yourself the benefit of doubt and start writing!
Bio:
Luisa Brenton is an educational writer who has over 4 years’ experience in marketing. Her life is closely associated with her laptop and her mission is to help people in finding their own way to a balanced lifestyle and coping with everyday assignments successfully. Find out more on Facebook and Twitter.
