I want to be a writer - help!

[BrightLightsAndSound]

So many years spent procrastinating, funnelling my energy into distractions and other forms of expression, all because I was too scared to admit the truth: that I want to be a writer and I'm scared of failing. But now I'm admitting it to myself and I want to do this.

I need some help with developing my skills and getting started. I don't even know what form I want to write in. I wrote some plays and won a regional competition for one of them, and I really enjoyed putting the plays on (local pub theatres). At the same time, I have 3 or 4 half-baked novel ideas, a quarter of a novel written, some children's book ideas. Basically, I'm a hot mess.

I don't know what I want to write, just that I want to.

How do I get focussed and better? I haven't done anything in two years.

Here are some ideas I've had:

• Taking one day a week to focus solely on writing
  
• Entering competitions as a way to spark new ideas/habit (good idea?)
  
• Join a local writing group for motivation
  
• Take some form of course/workshop - I could do with your help here. I don't want to go down the MA route, but what do you think about short courses, workshops, retreats, those kinds of things? Anyone have any thoughts or ideas? Are they a waste of money?
  

I'm excited to get started and I know the only way to write is to start writing. But after so long in a rut I feel like an imposter, I'm blocked and nervous. Any ideas appreciated!

[QuaterMiss]

I don't want to go down the MA route ...

Reasons?

[Bloobs]

I think doing a course on one specific thing is a good idea, then you'll have to focus on that for a bit, and get started on something. Eg novel writing, writing for children or screenwriting, etc. Arvon are great for this - 1-week residential courses - or you could look for a weekly evening class, depending on how much time you have. I did an Arvon course and really enjoyed it.

If you can afford the time / money you could do courses on several different things and see which grabs you.

Another thing you can do is start or join a local writers' group where you agree on a theme or exercise each time, then read out your work and discuss it.

Also look for writer's websites, get the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook, and maybe subscribe to MsLexia magazine. Things like this list agents, events, groups and competitions, have articles and tips, etc that will get you inspired and give you things to try.

What's your situation, do you have time to spare, are you working / busy with DC?

[Witchend]

I'd suggest you focus on something.
Lots of people like the idea of being a writer, and fiddle with lots of ideas but never finish them.

Chose one of your ideas and write it. Play with it, get critiques, and see how you feel about it then. Maybe then try another idea with the skills you learnt from your first.

[ShamelesslyPlacemarking]

You have everything you need.

Literally just sit down and write. It’s the simplest and hardest thing to do.

Set a ridiculously achievable goal. Book five minutes a day to write one specific thing.
You’ll probably do more because five minutes goes in no time. But five minutes is fine. Small adds up. Five minutes times 365 equals almost a week’s work on your novel (or better yet, a short story) over a year. You’ll probably do so much better.

If you’re a procrastinator, external obligation is good. Tell a friend (or us!) you’ll give them a story to critique in a month (start a thread). Enter a competition.

[Womaningreen]

I think you have everything you need. I speak as one with an agent waiting in the wings yes, that's bad, but I have a job and an elderly mother and tbh I don't enjoy writing when it's just a task to do at the end of a very long day. Perhaps if mum goes in a home I'll start again.

agree, don't do the MA. waste of money, nothing you can't do yourself or in a cheaper workshop. Presumably you already know how few teaching hours they give, not worth your money.

I went to some cheap and cheerful workshops where the tutor actually taught, but sadly they have stopped teaching - mostly because they're writing, yay.

a lot of the rest is just how motivated you are and what your constraints are. I have had to tell the potential agent to stop chasing - and she has pointed out my half done novel may be of no interest if it ever gets finished - but earning money and my mum have to take priority. after that sometimes I all I want to do is MN!

[Womaningreen]

PS

I'm a big planner

I plotted my novel out via spreadsheet, scene by scene. Before that I flailed a lot.

[NymanPerkins]

Agree don’t do an MA, but the OU has some very good free courses. Try to find a local writing group run by a professional, that’s good for accountability. There’s also nanowrimo coming up - google if you haven’t heard of it. Good luck!

[LARLARLAND]

Write a lot and be prepared for rejection.

[BrightLightsAndSound]

Thanks so much everyone, I've got my one dedicated weekly writing day coming up tomorrow, I've set myself some mini goals and have got some ideas floating around already.

I don't want to do a Masters because I've already got two degrees and can't face more academia. I would love to do some kind of course - Arvon seems to be the most popular?

Where's a good place to keep updated on writing competitions?

And other than MsLexia, what mags would you recommend?

I'm excited!

[LARLARLAND]

Try BBC Writersroom.

[schmalex]

I'd second nanowrimo as a great way to get started. I'd also try and get some writing time in every day, rather than one whole day a week (or as well as!). Little and often is what you need.
I disagree on MAs not being worth the money. I've just done one and it's one of the best things I've done for my writing, but it's true that it's probably not good value unless you're already writing regularly (and they are by no means necessary). Much better to start with a local class. Sounds like you just need to crack on with writing something though! Pick something and finish it.

[BrightLightsAndSound]

Thought I'd report back to say that today was fantastic!
Wrote four short story drafts, I'll be whittling them down to submit to some flash fictions comps. Got loads more ideas and I'm loving this new feeling.
Subscribed to MsLexia too. Haven't felt this powerful and energised in a long time.

I'm wondering if anyone could look at this distance learning course and tell me what they think. Do you reckon it sounds legit? Is it a bit expensive for what it is? www.creativewritingprogramme.org.uk/index.php/our-courses/146-distance-learning-cwp

[BrightLightsAndSound]

Also I've decided as well as one whole writing day, I'll need to do at least an hour a day throughout the week to keep up the pace I want.

[Smozzles]

That's great. The best of luck with your writing. I agree that daily writing is a good idea. I'm a 'fits and bursts' type of person, so it doesn't work for me but it seems to for many!

[schmalex]

Well done, sounds like you've made a great start!

[GenericHamster]

Mslexis great.

So is doing BICHOK as often as you can - butt in chair, hands on keyboard. Not every day necessarily, as life gets in the way, but enough that it's a habit.

And try to focus.

I suck at focus. I have two novels and a bunch of stories on the go and NEVER get anywhere with the novels.

So if you learn to focus, tell me how.

[Smozzles]

I couldn't agree more! Focus and momentum are my biggest challenges! I take very regular breaks and that helps.

[April2020mom]

Stay focused.

Definitely refine your technique and style of writing too.

Good luck with your course!! What is your goal? Are you hoping to be a published writer or not? Start with a local class for now and see what happens next. Also consider the genre of writing. What kind of stuff do you want to write about? Do you have any experience or not?

Don’t worry about spelling. You can do this. Once you have written a paragraph you should edit it carefully making sure any spelling mistakes are omitted essentially. And that it makes sense. Spelling and punctuation are important. So is grammar and vocabulary choices too.

Use interesting words. Mix it up. Listen to advice given.

[BrightLightsAndSound]

Thank you @April2020mom !

I'm getting back into the swing of things now and really enjoying it. Just posted another thread about the novel I'm working on if you wouldn't mind having a look!

I'm considering this course, what do you reckon? Do you think it looks solid? www.creativewritingprogramme.org.uk/index.php/our-courses/146-distance-learning-cwp

[BrightLightsAndSound]

In the middle of Stephen King's On Writing too which I'm finding fascinating

[crabapplecrumble]

I have done this course:

www.futurelearn.com/courses/start-writing-fiction

I thought it was very well structured, it was also fun to do because of the mixture of learning materials (video, articles, discussion with other students). It really helped make me sit down and get on with writing.

The disadvantage is that there are 1000s of participants and there is no feedback from the educators, but there are 3 opportunities to submit work which is then reviewed by 2 or 3 of the other students. This boosted my confidence about showing my writing to others.

And it's free, so nothing to lose...

[GenericHamster]

That reminds me, I did a Futurelearn poetry course that was really good. I'm still crap at poetry but it offered me great insights.

[crabapplecrumble]

GenericHamster was that How to Make a Poem? There are no dates for that one at the moment, but I've registered interest for next time they run it.

[GenericHamster]

Yes! Three week course and again the feedback is only from fellow students but as someone who didn't know where to begin with poetry, I thought it was quite good. Could've perhaps done with an extra week on the different forms or metre but hey-ho.

[Onlywrite]

As well as the Stephen King book, try Scarlett Thomas' Monkeys With Typewriters - it's a great 'how to' book.
Keep us informed, @BrightLightsAndSound